server FC & ethernet connectivities

[minghar18]

Hi,

We are doing the tech refresh which are going to adopt Flexpod solution, which includes UCS Blade servers , UCS 6248UP FI , NExus 5K and Netapp SAN storage. There is also Catalyst core switch. The SAN storage is connect to N5k with FCoE

There are existing 3 units of HP DL380 Gen 8 have HBA card and 1GB base-T ethernet. I would like to know how the FC connection will be for these 3 servers.

- Can these 3 units of HP server conenct to NExus 5K with native FC  ? and can these servers access to the SAN storage (Storage to N5K is FCoE).

- The servers' ethernet connection will be connect to Catalyst core switch or N5K?

- Is that neccessary to add the CNA cards to these servers?

-  What is the best solution for the connectivity to allow the servers to be able to access the SAN storage and connect to network?

Thank you

[David Silva · Accepted solution]

Hello,

1. These three HP servers should have no issue connecting to the 5K for FC connectivity. You will just need to make sure that the 5K interfaces are set for FC not FCoE or Ethernet and are using the correct SFPs

2. The server Ethernet interfaces can connect to either. For the 5K, you will just need the correct SFP that you can plug your cables into

3. You won't need CNAs for these unless you want to

4. You can plug everything into the 5K if you'd like just for ease of use. You won't have to access two different switches to manage their Ethernet or FC traffic

Thanks,

David

[minghar18]

Hi David, Thanks for your useful information pertaining my question.

1. Just to confirm, the HP servers which connect to N5K with Native FC are able to access to the SAN storage which connect to N5k via FCoE?

2. Does N5K support 1GBe ethernet Base -T?

Thank you

Charmaine

[David Silva]

Hi Charmaine,

1. Yes so long as the zoning is correct you should have no issue accessing the SAN storage

2. Yes it does. You will need this SFP for that: Cisco GLC-T