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. The boundaries between previously separate worlds of the storage network and LAN and MAN/WAN are being broken down leading to thinking about data center networks as a whole.

Learning Objective

This tutorial will illustrate important trends and developments resulting in evolution to a true Data Center Network

Best Practices and Deployment of the Network for iSCSI, NAS and DAS in the Data Center
Samir Sharma
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Low Latency, high bandwidth, lossless, spanning tree, IO Convergence, Layer 2, Layer 3, Storage Resource Management ,Two Tier, Three Tier, and Flat… when deploying iSCSI, NAS and DAS what should the network topology be? How can network topology affect Large, Medium and Small Scale network deployments?

Learning Objective

In this presentation we will discuss best practice and deployments of the network for iSCSI , NAS and DAS in the Data Center.

The Confusion Arising from Converged Multi Hop FCoE Topologies
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 Some of this information is out of date, some product specific, and some just informal internet discussion.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 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 on SAN and LAN administration and operation. Finally, Simon will 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

Refresh and review terminology and topologies for both LAN and SAN to ensure a common framework for discussion between teams
Detail the different deployment modes for switches, the minimum feature sets, and possible enhancements
Discuss the different deployment models with their relative merits and feature requirements

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.

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

PCI Express IO Virtualization Overview
Ron Emerick
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PCI Express IO Virtualization Specifications working with System Virtualization allowing multiple operating systems running simultaneously within a single computer system to natively share PCI Express Devices. This session describes PCI Express, Single Root and Multi Root IO Virtualization. The potential implications to Storage Industry and Data Center Infrastructures will also be discussed. This tutorial will provide the attendee with:

Learning Objectives

Knowledge of PCI Express Architecture and Performance Capabilities, System Root Complexes and IO Virtualization.
The ability for IO Virutalization to change the use of IO Options in systems.
IO Virtualization connectivity possibilities in the Data Center (via PCI Express)

FCoE Direct End-Node to End-Node (aka VCoE VN2VN)
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 Small, Medium or Enterprise Data Center environments -- including the "Cloud" IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) provider environments.

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 including the value of this protocol to the "Cloud" IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) provider.