Fibre Channel
Fibre channel attached disk arrays offer the best enterprise options for your storage environment. These arrays support features like redundant RAID controllers, power supplies, and data paths. Fibre channel works best where there are existing switches and infrastructure or when the ultimate in speed and redundancy are required. |
|
|
SAS
SAS attached disk arrays support most of the same features as Fibre channel but use an SAS interface to connect to the host system. This reduces the cost and complexity of connecting units, while still providing high data throughput. SAS is currently the most popular medium for adding additional storage in environments where disk arrays are local and only a single data path is required. |
|
|
iSCSI
iSCSI leverages the flexibility and existing infrastructure of IP to provide a robust solution for complex networks or data traveling long distances. iSCSI is easy to set up, and can give any host system access to block level data without any additional hardware. |
|
|
Array Type |
Expandability |
Redundant Components (Optional) |
Protocols |
Supported Hard Drives |
Distance |
Fibre Channel |
Unlimited |
Controllers
Power Supplies
(Data Paths) |
Fibre Channel |
SAS/SATA |
Kilometers |
SAS |
128 Devices per Controller |
Power Supplies |
SAS |
SAS/SATA |
Meters |
iSCSI |
Unlimited |
Power Supplies (Ethernet Ports)
(Data Paths) |
iSCSI (SCSI over IP) |
SATA |
Unlimited |