Fibre Channel FAQs

Fibre Channel (FC) is a high-speed network technology used to connect servers to storage systems, forming the backbone of Storage Area Networks (SANs). It provides low-latency, high-throughput, and reliable data transfer, making it ideal for mission-critical applications and large-scale data environments.

Lenovo offers a comprehensive range of Fibre Channel solutions, including:

• ThinkSystem Fibre Channel Adapters: High-performance Host Bus Adapters (HBAs) supporting 64Gb, 32Gb, and 16Gb speeds, compatible with Lenovo ThinkSystem servers. Lenovo Press
• ThinkSystem Fibre Channel SAN Switches: Scalable and reliable switches designed for enterprise SAN environments. Notable models include:
  • DB610S Gen 6: 16 Gbps, compact 1U switch. BoyuTechs.com
  • DB710S: 32 Gbps, high-density 1U switch.
  • DB720S Gen 7: 64 Gbps, advanced features with autonomous SAN capabilities. BoyuTechs.com

Lenovo’s Gen 7 SAN switches, such as the DB720S, offer:

• 64 Gbps Q-Flex ports: High-speed connectivity for demanding workloads.
• Autonomous SAN capabilities: Self-learning, self-optimising, and self-healing features with Fabric Vision analytics.
• “Pay-as-you-grow” scalability: Port-on-Demand licensing allows for flexible expansion.
• NVMe over Fibre Channel support: Facilitates seamless transition to next-gen flash arrays. BoyuTechs.com

Lenovo’s Gen 7 Fibre Channel SANs are designed with security and reliability in mind. They feature:

• Built-in autonomous SAN capabilities: Proactively monitor and resolve issues to optimise performance.
• Secure-by-design architecture: Protects against potential threats and ensures data integrity.
• Advanced analytics: Provides insights into network performance and health. Lenovo Data Storage Central

When configuring a Fibre Channel SAN, consider:

• Redundancy: Implement at least two independent switches or networks to ensure a redundant fabric and avoid single points of failure. System X
• Zoning: Proper zoning ensures that internode traffic flows only within a single switch wherever possible, optimising performance and security. System X
• Compatibility: Ensure that all components, including adapters, switches, and storage systems, are compatible and support the desired speeds and features.

Lenovo’s Fibre Channel solutions provide:

• High-speed connectivity: With speeds up to 64 Gbps, ensuring rapid data transfer.
• Low latency: Minimises delays in data transmission, crucial for performance-sensitive applications.
• Scalability: Easily expand your SAN as your data needs grow.
• Integration with Lenovo storage systems: Seamless compatibility with Lenovo’s storage solutions for optimised performance.