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3-Tier Platform Design Guide
Introduction Solution design and key components Cisco UCS-managed compute layer Cisco Intersight-managed compute layer Network layer Storage layer
Storage layer
Introduction
Connectivity
Switch airflow configuration in 3-Tier Platforms Cisco MDS switches
Storage block configuration
Dell PowerMax storage Dell Unity XT storage Dell PowerStore T storage PowerScale storage
Multiple storage arrays
Block storage File storage
Data protection and replication Management and virtualization Solution configuration and specifications References

Connectivity

Home > Integrated Products > VxBlock 1000 and 3-Tier Platform Reference Architectures > Guides > 3-Tier Platform Design Guide > Connectivity

Connectivity

  • Two Cisco MDS switches or directors provide connectivity between the compute layer and the storage layer:

    • The Cisco MDS model depends on the speed and total number of SAN ports that are required to support the compute and storage components. Connections from the storage components are over 32 Gbps connections.
    • The number of storage connections varies based on the storage platform and size.

    Cisco UCS 4th and 5th generation FIs provide an FC port channel with one of the following connections:

    • Four 32 Gbps connections (128 Gbps)
    • Eight 32 Gbps connections (256 Gbps)
    • Sixteen 32 Gbps connections (512 Gbps) for 5th-Gen FI

    The 32 Gbps connections require 32 Gbps SFPs and SAN ports. The Cisco MDS 9148T multilayer fabric switch supports eight connections from the Cisco UCS domain and up to two domains.

    The Cisco MDS switches provide:

    • FC connectivity between the compute and storage layer components
    • Connectivity for backup and business continuity requirements (if configured)

    The Cisco MDS switches automatically negotiate the port speed, based on the SFPs in the FIs. Front-end IOMs in the storage array connect to the Cisco MDS switches in the network layer over 32 Gbps FC links.