5.8 SCSI Multiplexer

   
Figure 5-22. A3308A SCSI Multiplexer

graphics/05fig22.gif

Most data centers today are using SCSI technology. Peripheral devices are attached to their host systems through SCSI cables connected to SCSI host bus adapters (HBAs). To use FC technology, however, each system must be able to "speak Fibre Channel." Meeting this requirement usually means expensive purchases and time-consuming conversion, migration of data, and installation of FC-compatible hardware systems and peripherals.

Hewlett-Packard's solution to this concern is the Fibre Channel SCSI Multiplexer (FC-SCSI MUX). The FC-SCSI MUX allows an FC host to use FC technology to transmit data to SCSI type devices. Using the FC-SCSI MUX, customers can extend the distance between a host and peripherals and expand the number of SCSI devices connected to the host.

The MUX multiplexes the inputs and outputs from a single FC connection, HBA, to as many as four SCSI busses . Since each bus can support up to 15 devices, one MUX, theoretically, can support up to 60 devices (with varying levels of performance).

The FC-SCSI MUX permits multiple SCSI mass storage devices to participate in the Fibre Channel architecture. Currently, up to eight SCSI IDs can be connected through the SCSI MUX and communicate with the host through a single Fibre Channel link.

The advantage this device affords is to be able to attach existing SCSI devices to a Fibre Channel mass storage network. Currently Digital Linear Tape (DLT) libraries are supported, however disk and other SCSI devices will be supported with future releases.

5.8.1 FC-SCSI MUX Topology

Figure 5-23. FC-SCSI MUX Topology with Two DLT Libraries

graphics/05fig23.gif

   


Fibre Channel for Mass Storage
Fibre Channel for Mass Storage
ISBN: B000OHG7EW
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 1999
Pages: 53

flylib.com © 2008-2017.
If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net