Networking

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The Abstracts

Data Center Evolution and Network Convergence
Dr. Joseph White
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FC, FCoE, NAS, iSCSI, DCB, traditional LAN, internet/WAN, HPC, clusters, clouds, server virtualization, storage virtualization, network virtualization, and more are all colliding in your data center. Redundancy, resiliency, security, I/O consolidation, network convergence, dynamic application distribution, and thin provisioning with high levels of service are desired at all layers and all data center sizes across a broad spectrum of use cases. You worry about operational separation, buying decisions, investment protection, cost and energy savings, and evolving standards while maintaining very high levels of service and security. Is the technology evolving to a dream come true or a nightmare? If that doesn’t keep you up at night nothing will.

Learning Objectives

This tutorial will untangle, define, and illustrate the main ideas and concepts behind Data Center Evolution and Network Convergence to give context and a solid foundation for discussions with your vendors as well as for your further reading and investigation.
The point of view taken for this presentation is that of the network and transport characteristics in the face of the changes taking place.

pNFS & NFSv4.2: A Filesystem for Grid, Virtualization and Database
Alex McDonald
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This session will appeal to Virtual Data Center Managers, Database Server administrators, and those that are seeking a fundamental understanding of NFSv4.1 with pNFS, and new features in NFSv4.2. This session will cover the four key reasons to start working with NFSv4 today. Explain the storage layouts for parallel NFS; NFSv4.1 Files, Blocks and T10 OSD Objects, NFSv4.2 enhancements. We’ll conclude the session with use cases for grid, database access, enterprise and desktop virtualization

Learning Objectives

Understand NFSv4 features and availability; specifically NVSv4.1 with pNFS, and upcoming NFSv4.2 features
Provide use cases for grid, virtualization and database computing
Discuss and outline systems that support the latest NFS implementations

FCoE Direct End-Node to End-Node (aka FCoE)
John Hufferd
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A new concept has just been accepted for standardized in the Fibre Channel (T11) standards committee; it is called FCoE VN2VN (aka Direct End-Node to End-Node). The FCoE standard which specifies the encapsulation of Fibre Channel frames into Ethernet Frames is being extended to permit FCoE connections Directly between FC/FCoE End-Nodes. The tutorial will show the Fundamentals of the extended FCoE concept that permits it to operate without FC switches or FCoE Switches (aka FCF) and will describe how it might be exploited in a Data Center environment.

Learning Objectives

The audience will gain a general understanding of the concept of using a Data Center type Ethernet for the transmission of Fibre Channel protocols without the need for an FCoE Forwarder (FCF).
The audience will gain an understanding of the benefits of converged I/O and how a Fibre Channel protocol can share an Ethernet network with other Ethernet based protocols and establishes a virtual FCoE link directly between the End-Nodes.
The audience will gain an understanding of potential business value and configurations that will be appropriate for gaining maximum value from this Direct End-Node to End-Node.

The Confusion Arising from Converged Multihop Topologies as to the Roles and Capabilities of FCFs, FCoE-FC Gateways and FCoE Transit Switches
Simon Gordon
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There is much information on the various approaches for convergence, the different types of products that can be used, and the implications for a practical deployments. Some of this information is out of date, some product specific, and some just informal internet discussion. In addition there is an overloading of terminology that has evolved that can further lead to confusion. During this session, Simon will explain clearly and precisely each of the different types of product, the possible capabilities of such products, where they sit within the most typical deployments. He will also examine the implications of this are on SAN and LAN Administration and operation. Finally, Simon will also discuss some of the key changes that arise as the industry moves from the current FC-BB-5 standard to the FC-BB-6 standard which is under development

Learning Objectives

Understand the roles and capabilities of the FCF, Gateway, and Transit Switch
Learn the position of each within a typical deployment topology
Understand how these roles may change with FC-BB-6

PCI Impact on Storage Architectures and Future Data Centers
Ron Emerick
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PCI Express Gen2 and Gen3, IO Virtualization, FCoE, SSD are here. Discussions about PCI Express Storage Devices – what are they? This session describes PCI Express, Single Root and Multi Root IO Virtualization and the implications on FCoE, SSD and impacts of all these changes on storage connectivity, storage transfer rates. The potential implications to Storage Industry and Data Center Infrastructures will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives

Knowledge of PCI Express Architecture, PCI Express Roadmap, System Root Complexes and IO Virtualization.
Expected Industry Roll Out of latest IO Technologies and required Root Complex capabilities. Implications and Impacts of FCoE, SSD and PCI Express Storage Devices to Storage Connectivity. What does this look like to the Data Center?
IO Virtualization connectivity possibilities in the Data Center (via PCI Express). What does the 2020 & 2025 Data Center look like?

IP Storage Protocols: iSCSI
John Hufferd
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The session will explain the various parts of iSCSI: Network encapsulations of iSCSI PDUs; Session Relationship to SCSI and TCP/IP Connections; iSCSI flow from Initiator to Target; Error Recovery, Discovery and Security. It will also explain Companion Processes of Boot, SLP, & iSNS. And the session will describe iSCSI Environments from the small office, to the High End Enterprise. This session is appropriate for end user and developers of iSCSI technologies. Summary: This tutorial will explain the fundamentals of iSCSI and explain deployments in various environments. The protocol is explained, its relationship to SCSI is explained, and the use of Software and Hardware iSCSI initiators and targets will be discussed as will the companion protocols for discovery and security

Learning Objectives

The attendee will get the fundamentals of iSCSI. This will include the packet formats, the main iSCSI protocols and they will understand how iSCSI can deliver Block Storage across an IP connection
The attendee will understand the various Configurations/environments, and the various companion Processes.
The attendee will gain an understanding of where iSCSI might fit within their storage environment

Fibre Channel Over Ethernet (FCoE)
John Hufferd
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The Fibre Channel (T11.3) standards committee developed a Standard called Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) The FCoE standard specifies the encapsulation of Fibre Channel frames into Ethernet Frames and the amalgamation of these technologies into a network fabric that can support Fibre Channel protocols and other protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP/IP etc. A “Direct End-to-End” FCoE variant has been accepted for the next version of the Standard The tutorial will show the Fundamentals of these FCoE concepts and describe how they might be exploited in a Data Center environment and its position with regards to FC and iSCSI. The requirements on the Ethernet Fabric for support of FC protocols will also be shown.

Learning Objectives

The audience will gain a general understanding of the concept of using a Data Center type Ethernet for the transmission of Fibre Channel protocols.
The audience will gain an understanding of the benefits of converged I/O and how a Fibre Channel protocol can share an Ethernet network with other Ethernet based protocols
The audience will gain an understanding of potential business value and configurations that will be appropriate for gaining maximum value from this converged I/O capability.