Fibre Channel and SANs

[gnomepunk]

I have an associate that has quoted a new server with a FC array for a lot more money than it seems worth. I have a meeting in a few days to talk about this server and need some general info on FC and in what situations it is more useful that standard SCSI. I'll keep digging on my own but just thought a few of you network gurus might have some quick info for me. Thanks!

 

[gnomepunk]

Let me clarify that. I don't think we need a SAN, just a typical file server. My associate believes the opposite. This server will be on a 1Gb fiber (optic) network with about 45 clients that will all need access to this "file server". No database server, no server side apps, just basic file sharing.

 

[spidey07]

The big advantages are speed, reliability, able to backup direct from disc to tape and other advanced features like:

no single point of failure
ability to make copies of entire volumes on the fly - like say to freeze it for a backup without interupting service

Most servers these days use FC. It's rare to see a server with internal disk.

 

[yoth]

So, how much storage do you need? what kind of files are people sharing on this server?

Also, scsi is still very popular for storage, whether internal or attached.

 

[Nothinman]

Most servers these days use FC. It's rare to see a server with internal disk.

I think that's a little extreme, sure FC is popular because of it's managability and such but it's also much more expensive, usually prohibitively so.

 

[cmetz]

spidey07, I think you're playing in much bigger-dollar environments than most of us folks around here.

SANs have a high cost to play. The low-end units I've seen really suck, too. So basically, SANs are a great solution if you have a large enterprise storage problem. Small businesses rarely need a SAN at all (internal disks handle things just fine, and usually don't need the features) and medium businesses can't usually spend the kind of money it takes to get a SAN that's worth it.

For small to medium sized businesses, I suggest the NAS approach instead. For a medium to large business, the Network Appliance filers are great boxes - they also have some SAN functionality in them. For a small business, depending on your level of technical expertise in house I'd recommend a Linux/BSD server, or a Thecus or similar stand-alone appliance NAS. Even Windows Server can do a decent job for a small business.

Without understanding better the problem you're trying to solve, I can't suggest more specifically what to buy.

Traditional SCSI is being replaced by SAS at a pretty rapid pace now that all the major server vendors are pushing it. As far as I can tell you shouldn't buy SCSI anymore if SAS is a reasonable option. I would not get the 2.5" disks unless you're really space constrained, they drive price/GB waaaaay up.

 

[spidey07]

if you could find a 3600 router you could do whatever your really wanted to as well.

A buddy of mine picks up 2600s for cheap...like 200 bucks each.

 

[Cooky]

spidey07, I think you just replied to the wrong thread (you probably meant to reply to the one w/ used 7505).
This thread is for FC and SAN, not 3600 routers.

 

[spidey07]

Thanks cooky.

It will all be IP here soon anyway.

 

[Philippine Mango]

Originally posted by: Cooky
spidey07, I think you just replied to the wrong thread (you probably meant to reply to the one w/ used 7505).
This thread is for FC and SAN, not 3600 routers.

LOL

 

[gnomepunk]

Thanks for the info guys...I think I have enough to make some random, wild decisions. This is for a government facility after all. xD