Fibre Channel is a storage area networking technology designed to interconnect hosts and shared storage systems within the enterprise. It's a high-performance technology with a high cost. iSCSI is an IP-based storage networking standard that has been touted for wide range of performance and price options.
This handbook gives an overview of Fibre Channel and iSCSI technologies, offers tips on enhancing iSCSI performance, and explores ways of achieving high availability and reliability in a SAN.
Fibre Channel technology
This chapter offers an overview of Fibre Channel specifications and devices, including HBAs and switches. Readers will also learn the pros and cons of using Fibre Channel SANs in the storage infrastructure.
ISCSI technology
This chapter highlights iSCSI devices, including Ethernet adapters and Ethernet switches. Readers will learn the pros and cons of iSCSI and the applications it is most suited for.
Enhancing iSCSI performance
This chapter examines means of improving iSCSI performance with high-performance Ethernet switches and TOE adapter cards. This chapter also offers tips and guidelines for iSCSI deployments.
SAN availability and reliability
This chapter outlines techniques, such as port aggregation, trunking and failover, used to achieve high availability and redundancy in a SAN (Fibre Channel or iSCSI).
Related Fibre Channel and iSCSI information
ISCSI vs. Fibre Channel explained
How to integrate iSCSI and Fibre Channel, and make it work
Integrating Fibre Channel and iSCSI
