HP Converged Network Switches -
Overview & Features

Overview

HP Converged Network Switches provide a reliable platform that helps reduce cable clutter, equipment acquisition costs, and operational costs associated with power consumption and cooling. The switch features a 1U form factor and low power consumption, delivering a “greener” data center.

The HP 2408 FCoE Converged Network Switch model features 8 Fibre Channel ports for 8 Gbit/sec performance along with 24 Ethernet ports for 10 Gbit/sec performance. The 10 Gbit Ethernet ports support Converged Enhanced Ethernet (CEE) which increase the reliability, efficiency, and scalability of Ethernet networks. These features allow support of multiple traffic classes over lossless Ethernet fabric, thus enabling consolidation of LAN, SAN, and cluster environments.

Features & Benefits

• Auto-sensing 1, 2, 4, and 8 Gb/sec FC switch ports:  Enables rapid deployment with minimal configuration in existing environments; provides the highest performance available, with complete backward and forward investment protection.
• 10Gbit Ethernet performance:  Supports the most data-intensive applications, it features a non-blocking architecture with 24 Converged Enhanced Ethernet (CEE) ports with 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
• Full duplex: Includes simultaneous wire-speed support for all ports to provide a high-performance system.

• Integrated FCoE and FC management:  FCoE extends the reach of Fibre Channel management applications and tools, enabling organizations to manage FCoE-attached devices under a single, unified management umbrella.
• Protects customers’ FC investments:  FCoE/CEE switches are managed by the same FC management tools and applications currently deployed in data centers without disrupting operations.
• No need for new training or learning of new tools:  IT professionals continue to use familiar tools without need to extend training or cumbersome deployment of unfamiliar management applications.

• Reduce server ports, cables, and switch ports: The FCoE switch is capable of transporting both storage and LAN traffic—eliminating the need for separate SAN and LAN adapters and cables.
• Reduce capital and operational expenditures: The consolidated SAN and LAN server ports and corresponding cables simplify configuration and cabling in server cabinets to reduce acquisition costs.
• Reduce power consumption:  Converged SAN and LAN traffic require fewer components using power or requiring cooling, organizations can save significant operating costs as well.

• Built from the same HP Fabric OS: Fabric OS simplifies management through standard interfaces and support through Data Center Fabric Manager.
• Compatibility with existing B-Series family: Seamless integration with all existing B-series SAN fabrics.
• Protects existing storage system investment:  FCoE traffic can travel over a unified network fabric directly to future FCoE enabled storage devices as well as to native Fibre Channel SANs.