Hi, we want to migrate to 5820 series switchs with a converged network and we have a FC SAN. This SAN can incorporate iSCSI through 10GBASE-T RJ-45 connections. So i can go with FCoE or iSCSI.
- If I go with FCoE, I can choose the switch HP 5820-14XG-SFP+ with the FC module (HP 5820 4-port 8/4/2 Gbps FCoE SFP+ Module). Perfect, but I read in the HP SAN Design Reference Guide (page 64) about this switch:
Considerations: Requires connectivity to an FC switch for access to FC storage systems. See Figure 45 (page 71) and Figure 47 (page 73).
What does it mean? Why can I not connect directly to the SAN? Why do I need the FC switch? I want to unify data and storage network and reduce costs
- If I go to iSCSI, 5800 series do not have 10GBASE-T RJ-45 ports, true?
Not a lot of 10G-T from HP; it uses a lot more power apparently. Certainly none in the 5800/5820 range.
You could look at the zl chassis (eg 5406 or 8206) and install modules as required, including an 8 port RJ45 10G-T module. The 3800 switches (with the 40Gb stacking modules) also have 10G-T ports available.
