Overview

What This Chapter Will Do For You

This chapter looks at various topologies that can be used for implementing storage networks. You will learn how to use different topologies to span distance and optimize for performance and resiliency to meet your data protection needs. Some of the items you will learn about in this chapter include:

• How complexity can increase cost and management activities

• What not to do to in your effort to create a scalable and flexible access infrastructure

• The right topology is one that works for you instead of you working for it

• Locality and performance can be at the root of many storage challenges

9.1 Overview

This chapter looks at various storage networking topology configurations that can be implemented using different interfaces for diverse needs. The topologies discussed in this chapter can be combined with others and are not specific to any one protocol or interface unless otherwise noted. Some of the examples in this chapter are shown as a single fabric to simplify the illustration; however, a best practice is to implement redundant paths and redundant networks (fabrics).

9.2 Storage networking topologies

Storage and storage networks can be deployed into many different environments and for a wide range of applications. Storage networks, similar to traditional networks, can be implemented in varying topology configurations using different interfaces and protocols. Consequently, storage networks need to be flexible to meet the needs of these environments and align to their specific requirements, ranging from simple to complex, local to...