The Benefits of Network Consolidation
The benefits of consolidating networks typically involve CAPEX and OPEX savings for a simple reason: A single network is less expensive to build and operate than multiple networks.
Consolidation began as early as the early 1990s with the integration of IBM SNA and Multiprotocol Packet networks. It continued with the convergence of voice and data networks earlier this decade. Now Cisco's family of Data Center Switches introduces the next wave of network consolidation in the data center.
The most obvious manifestation of this is Unified Fabric, which encompasses multiple technologies, including Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCOE), which:
- Converges the Fibre Channel network with the Ethernet network
- Provides a consistent, homogenous I/O
- Simplifies cabling and provides a "wire once" environment enhancing virtual machine mobility
- Addresses data-center challenges such as power, space, cooling, complexity, and infrastructure sprawl
Lossless 10-Gigabit Ethernet is a necessary prerequisite for Unified Fabric and its benefits are available today. You can deploy Unified Fabric incrementally starting at the access layer where you can derive significant benefits from reduction in cabling, network interface cards (NICs), power requirements and overall infrastructure.
Organizations deploying FCoE are realizing significant reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO). One such example is the University of Arizona (Video - 22:46 min.)
Other Protocols
Although FCOE has received a good deal of attention, it is only one of many ways to enable LAN and SAN consolidation. Many protocols and solutions are available, providing companies with flexibility to select the option that works best for their environment.
Multiprotocol storage networking reduces business risk and lowers costs with multiple connectivity options, including 2G, 4G, and 8G Fibre Channel, IBM Fiber Connection (FICON), FCoE, iSCSI, and Fibre Channel over IP (FCIP). All these options are supported on the same modular MDS 9500 platform.
Unified O/S and management tools provide operational simplicity, interoperability, and feature consistency across the Cisco MDS 9000 and Cisco Nexus 7000, 5000, and 1000V Series Switches.
