This IBM Redbooks publication supersedes both:

IBM TotalStorage: Introduction to SAN Routing, SG24-7119-00

Implementing the IBM TotalStorage Multiprotocol Routers, SG24-7246-00

The rapid spread and adoption of production storage area networks (SANs) has fuelled the need for multiprotocol routers. The routers provide improved scalability, security, and manageability by enabling devices in separate SAN fabrics to communicate without merging fabrics into a single, large SAN fabric. This capability enables clients to initially deploy separate SAN solutions at the departmental and data center levels. Then, clients can consolidate these separate solutions into large enterprise SAN solutions as their experience and requirements grow and change.

Alternatively, multiprotocol routers can help to connect existing enterprise SANs for a variety of reasons. For instance, the introduction of Small Computer System Interface over IP (iSCSI) provides for the connection of low-end, low-cost hosts to enterprise SANs. The use of an Internet Protocol (IP) in the Fibre Channel (FC) environment provides for resource consolidation and disaster recovery planning over long distances. And the use of FC-FC routing services provides connectivity between two or more fabrics without having to merge them into a single SAN.

This book targets storage network administrators, system designers, architects, and IT professionals who sell, design, or administer SANs. It introduces you to the products, concepts, and technology in the IBM System Storage SAN Routing portfolio. This book shows the features of each product and examples of how you can deploy and use them.

Chapter 1. SAN routing

Part 1. IBM b-type family

Chapter 2. IBM TotalStorage b-type family routing products

Chapter 3. IBM TotalStorage b-type family routing solutions

Chapter 4. IBM TotalStorage b-type family routing best practices

Chapter 5. IBM TotalStorage b-type family real-life routing solutions

Chapter 6. IBM TotalStorage b-type router implementation

Part 2. Cisco family

Chapter 7. Cisco family routing products

Chapter 8. Cisco routing solutions

Chapter 9. Cisco routing best practices

Chapter 10. Cisco routing real-life solutions

Chapter 11. Cisco initial setup

Chapter 12. Cisco FCIP implementation

Part 3. IBM m-type family

Chapter 13. IBM TotalStorage m-type family routing products

Chapter 14. IBM TotalStorage m-type family solutions

Chapter 15. IBM TotalStorage m-type family best practices

Chapter 16. IBM TotalStorage m-type family real-life routing solutions

Chapter 17. IBM TotalStorage m-type router implementation