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38 IBM System p5 520 and 520Q Technical Overview and Introduction
IBM iSCSI software Host Support Kit
The iSCSI protocol can also be used over standard Gigabit Ethernet adapters. To utilize this
approach, download the appropriate iSCSI Host Support Kit for your operating system from
the IBM NAS support Web site at:
http://www.ibm.com/storage/support/nas/
The iSCSI Host Support Kit on AIX 5L and Linux acts as a software iSCSI initiator and allows
you to access iSCSI target storage devices using standard Gigabit Ethernet network
adapters. To ensure the best performance, enable the TCP Large Send, TCP send and
receive flow control, and Jumbo Frame features of the Gigabit Ethernet Adapter and the
iSCSI Target. Tune network options and interface parameters for maximum iSCSI I/O
throughput on the operating system.
IBM System Storage N series
The combination of IBM System p5 and IBM System Storage™ N series as the first of a
whole new generation of iSCSI-enabled storage products provides an End-to-End set of
solutions. Currently, the System Storage N series feature three models: N3700, N5200, and
N5500.
All models provide:
Support for entry-level and midrange clients requiring Network Attached Storage (NAS) or
Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) functionality
Support for Network File System (NFS), Common Internet File System (CIFS), and iSCSI
protocols
Data ONTAP software (at no charge), with plenty of additional functions such as data
movement, consistent snapshots, and NDMP server protocol, some available through
optional licensed functions
Enhanced reliability with optional clustered (2-node) failover support
2.6.5 Fibre Channel adapter
The p5-520 and p5-520Q servers support direct or SAN connection to devices using Fibre
Channel adapters. Single-port Fibre Channel adapters are available in 2 Gbps and 4 Gbps
speeds. A dual-port 4 Gbps Fibre Channel adapter is also available. Table 2-7 provides a
summary of the available Fibre Channel adapters.
All of these adapters have LC connectors. If you are attaching a device or switch with an SC
type fibre connector, then an LC-SC 50 Micron Fiber Converter Cable (FC 2456) or an LC-SC
62.5 Micron Fiber Converter Cable (FC 2459) is required.
Supported data rates between the server and the attached device or switch are as follows:
Distances of up to 500 meters running at 1 Gbps, distances up to 300 meters running at
2 Gbps data rate, and distances up to 150 meters running at 4 Gbps. When these adapters
are used with IBM supported Fibre Channel storage switches supporting long-wave optics,
distances of up to 10 kilometers are capable running at 1 Gbps, 2 Gbps, and 4 Gbps data
rates.