| Q1. |
What Cisco MDS 9000 Storage Networking Modules does HP offer? |
| A1. |
- MDS 9000 16-port 1 / 2 Gb FC port card
- MDS 9000 32-port 1 / 2 Gb FC port card
- MDS 9000 4 port IP Storage Services Module
- MDS 9000 8 port IP Storage Services Module
- MDS 9000 Multiprotocol Storage Services Module
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| Q2. |
Are all IP SAN extension solutions interoperable? |
| A2. |
To interoperate, SAN extension products must closely adhere to open standards. Cisco has chosen to implement the FCIP standard on its three SAN extension platforms-the Cisco IPS Module, the FCIP Port Adapter Module, and the Cisco SN 5428-2 Storage Router. These products are interoperable and can be used in any combination to implement Fibre Channel SAN extension solutions. Because other SAN extension products such as the CNT Ultranet Edge Router and the Nishan IP Storage Switch are not compliant with the FCIP standard, they will not interoperate with the Cisco IPS Module. |
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| Q3. |
Are the Cisco Storage Networking Modules compatible with Cisco MDS 9000 features such as Virtual SANs (VSANs) and zoning? |
| A3. |
All features available on the Cisco MDS 9000 platform are also available when using the Cisco Storage Networking Modules. For example, multiple links between two Cisco MDS 9000 switches can be bundled into a PortChannel in the same way as for Fibre Channel ports. |
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| Q4. |
Does the Cisco Storage Networking Modules support high availability? |
| A4. |
High availability is supported through multiple Cisco Module capabilities:
- Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) provides failover at the IP level. Using VRRP, when an IPS interface fails, its IP address is assumed by a backup interface that provides an alternate path for connected hosts.
- Cisco EtherChannel technology increases availability by forming a single, logical Inter-Switch Link (ISL) between two adjacent gigabit Ethernet interfaces on an IPS module. If a single link fails, the ISL continues to operate over the remaining link.
- PortChannel enables multiple FCIP links to be bundled together into a single, logical ISL, creating a resilient pipe capable of withstanding link failures.
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| Q5. |
What security features do the Cisco Storage Networking Modules offer? |
| A5. |
The Cisco Modules integrates transparently into the security infrastructure of the Cisco MDS 9000 platform. Security features include role-based access control for module management, Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP) based iSCSI host authentication, access controls for iSCSI host ports, and inclusion of iSCSI hosts into Cisco MDS 9000 Fibre Channel zones. Additional IP Security (IPSec) can be deployed by adding Cisco security products such as the Cisco 7200 Router with an optional VPN acceleration module (SA-VAM) for IPSec encryption. |
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