Info on HP SAN Switch 2/16 product ? versus Brocade...

[George Quist]

We are planning for our redundant fabric ( to be a 2GB fiber layout.. ) At the current time there are 2 Brocade 2800 Silkworm fabric switch devices that comprise the SAN.. What is the Brocade product that is the same as the HP SAN Switch 2/16 ( HP part number 344119-B21 )? Am I correct to assume that this HP switch is in fact a Brocade supplied item to HP ?
thanks,
George Quist

[Uwe Zessin]

George,
I think the hardware equivalent of the SANswitch 2/16 is the Brocade Silkworm 3800.

If you are looking for cost you should keep in mind that an offer from a Brocade partner might not deliver the same licenses and warranty. I don't mean this in a negative sense, just that you need to weight in all factors.

[Jim Viera]

George,

The Brocade 3800 is the same hardware as the HP SAN Switch 2/16. Try this link for a Brocade / OEM Cross-Reference list.

http://www.brocade.de/san/Brocade_OEM_CrossReferenceList.pdf

I agree with the previous responder, make sure you get the proper licenses that you need with the hardware.

Jim

[Mike Naime]

George:

Before you can ISL the 2GIG switch to the existing 1GIG switch. You must set you PID mode on both switches to the same value.

The 2800's default to 0.
The 2 GIG products default to 1.

I would recommend that you change the PID value on the 2800's to 1. This will allow you to add new switches in the future without having to change everythign to a 1 at that time.

Note: You MUST reboot the switch to change the PID_MODE value.

[Poul S B Malmkjaer-Maso]

Hi Goerge,

As others have responded with the brocade switch I don't have to - I would however say that if most of your SAN is HP based it is probably a good idea to go with HP branded Brocade switches. The upside is that you get switches where the Firmware upgrades are tested by HP prior to release to ensure there are no problems with HP SAN kit, the down side is you have to wait longer for the FW releases (Bug fixes). With the 3800's HP support should be no problem, but from personal experiance (especially if you are in a small country) large complicated switches (SilkWorm 12000's)are not something HP support deals well with.

[Peter Mattei]

If you want to buy new 2Gbit Brocade switches I recommend using the new ones. It is an HP OEM of the Brocade 3850.
The 16 port one is available in different versions. The difference is in the options and numbers of supported hops.
StorageWorks SAN Switch 2/16V PN AA978A
StorageWorks SAN Switch 2/16N PN AA990A
StorageWorks SAN Switch 2/16N Power Pack PN AA977A

The main advantages are:
- firmware online maintenance
- lower price

For Quick specs see:
www.compaq.com/products/quickspecs/11908_div/11908_div.HTML
www.compaq.com/products/quickspecs/11914_div/11914_div.HTML

Cheers
Peter