Why do we use Fiber Channel?

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Fibre Channel is a fast data transport protocol created to support storage area networks (SANs). Fibre Channel Protocol stack is designed to transport in-order, lossless raw block data with low latency since SANs are used to connect data blocks between storage devices and servers. For data centres with mission-critical applications requiring synchronous data mirroring, commercial Fibre Channel is hence the protocol of choice.

Why do mission-critical workloads need Fibre Channel?

Asynchronous mirroring allows for the on-demand or scheduled copying of data across servers. This might be adequate for some disaster recovery scenarios, but businesses typically choose synchronous mirroring when even the smallest service outage or data loss cannot be tolerated.

Synchronous mirroring ensures that both servers are identical by automatically copying data from one server to the other whenever a change is made. The benefit: A backup server may immediately take over if the primary server goes down for any reason, including hardware failure or a natural calamity like a fire.

Fibre Channel Protocol and iSCSI are both compatible with asynchronous mirroring in SANs, however, Fibre Channel Protocol is the only protocol that supports synchronous mirroring. The type of mirroring you select may depend on whether your backup and replication application requires synchronous or asynchronous mirroring. For mission-critical workloads, many businesses and governmental data centres favour Fibre Channel.

Because Fibre Channel has been demonstrated to dependably handle even the most demanding workloads without missing data packets, it is the SAN technology of choice for the majority of data centres operating mission-critical applications. Furthermore, a slower but more reliable Fibre Channel connection can nevertheless perform better than a faster Ethernet connection.

However, it's typical for businesses to employ Ethernet for some use cases and Fibre Channel for others over the same fibre pair. For instance, a bank might use Ethernet for some workloads and Fibre Channel for others that must comply with regulations, such as withdrawals.

Using Fibre Channel transceivers that can be directly linked to a Fibre Channel switch is one of the most efficient ways to install a SAN. By selecting components that have been shown to function flawlessly together, you can secure the best performance for your SAN with the least amount of difficulty. To employ a Fibre Channel transceiver with your Fibre Channel switch as part of a DWDM connectivity solution, for instance, search for one that has undergone extensive testing and been given the go-ahead.

Thomastech's goal is to equip CIOs and IT specialists with corporate hardware and third-party maintenance so they can keep the data flowing. We look after your hardware and support needs for your data centre.

To deliver unmatched hardware, Data Center IT equipment, and support services for our Enterprise Data Center clients and customers globally, Thomastech's support team consists of a dedicated crew of in-house specialists and engineers.

Our large global network, when combined with our inventory and lab services, enables us to handle the staging, hardware procurement, maintenance service, and ITAD demands of our clients.

We are willing to meet with you and discuss possibilities with you to develop a workable solution with the best return on your investment.