Chapter 7. IBM System x3690 X5 367
Table 7-6 Internet links to support and downloads
7.9.8 SAN storage reference and considerations
The IBM System x3690 X5 with its MAX5 memory expansion capability is considered a
high-end server in the IBM System x product line. Target workloads for this design include
virtualization and database applications. In both designations, it is typical for the user to
attach SAN storage to the server for data storage.
SAN storage attachment
A storage area network (SAN) enables a storage system to be accessible by separate servers
as though it is a local disk. This SAN approach provides easier centralized management of
the storage system. The following list describes the typically used SAN protocols, each with
their own characteristics:
Fibre Channel (FC)
This is the most prominent interface that is used for SAN connectivity in mission-critical
data centers. It has proven reliability and performance in highly demanding applications.
Storage data communication uses FC protocol over fibre cable. Typical requirements for
this configuration require FC HBA on the servers and FC SAN switches connecting to the
storage system with the available FC interface (IBM System Storage DS3400, DS4000
series, DS5000 series, and so on).
Internet SCSI (iSCSI)
This interface is often considered as a more affordable alternative to FC because storage
data communication uses the TCP/IP protocol over the standard network interface.
However, when paired with fast 10 Gb Ethernet, iSCSI has proven to be able to compete
with FC performance. Typical requirements include iSCSI HBA or standard Ethernet port
with software iSCSI initiator and network infrastructure. Attached storage systems require
an available iSCSI interface (IBM System Storage DS3300, DS4000 series, DS5000
series, and so on.)
Vendor Product Address Available support
IBM Systems support http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/ Docs, firmware, and drivers
IBM x3690 X5 support http://www.ibm.com/support/entry/portal/Ove
rview/Hardware/Systems/System_x/System_x369
0_X5
IBM ServerGuide http://www.ibm.com/support/entry/portal/doc
display?lndocid=SERV-GUIDE
Installation tool
IBM UpdateXpress http://www.ibm.com/support/entry/portal/doc
display?lndocid=SERV-XPRESS
Firmware and driver update tool
IBM Bootable Media
Creator
http://www.ibm.com/support/entry/portal/doc
display?lndocid=TOOL-BOMC
Firmware update tool
Microsoft Windows Server http://support.microsoft.com/ph/14134 Docs, drivers, and OS update
Red Hat RHEL https://www.redhat.com/support/ Docs, drivers, and OS update
Novell SLES http://www.novell.com/support/ Docs, drivers, and OS update
VMware vSphere http://downloads.vmware.com/d/ Docs, drivers, and OS update
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