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ME4 Series storage supports connecting hosts directly to one or more IOM ports. The number of hosts supported depends on the number of IOM ports available (eight ports in a dual-controller configuration), and whether the hosts have multiple redundant connections. This configuration is simple and does not require additional SAN switches, but limits the number of attached servers. It is highly recommended to use a dual-controller, redundant-path configuration for any critical or production environments.
ME4 Series storage supports FC arbitrated loop (public or private) or point-to-point topologies. When directly connecting the host and ME4 Series system, use either the loop protocol or the point-to-point protocol. Point-to-point direct connection is only supported at 16 Gb/s.