Routers
Fibre Channel routers enable the integration of IP-based hosts with Fibre Channel nodes. Thus, the use of Fibre Channel routers increases the reach of SANs by allowing access to remote storage devices over IP WANs through ATM, ISDN, and T1/T3 lines. Many vendors also offer routers that provide Fibre Channel to SCSI interconnectivity. In addition, the use of intelligent routers allows the implementation of firewalls that can play a very important role in preventing unauthorized access.
Depending on the functionality provided, the cost of a Fibre Channel router can range anywhere from $7000 to $35,000. Many vendors offer a wide variety of Fibre Channel routers. These vendors include Cisco, IBM, HP, Gadzoox, and Brocade Communication, Inc. As in the field of network routers, Cisco is considered the leader in Fibre Channel routers. The following sections describe Cisco routers.
Cisco SN 5420 Storage Router
The Cisco SN 5420 storage routers allow access to storage devices anywhere on an IP network. The routers offer the complete robustness of the TCP/IP protocol suite including security, manageability, availability, and QoS. The Cisco SN 5420 storage routers also enable SCSI over IP (iSCSI) access.
The main features of these routers include the following:
Seamless integration of legacy devices with IP applications.
Seamless interoperability with existing LANs, WANs, metropolitan-area networks (MANs), optical devices, and storage devices.
Familiar and easy-to-use interfaces in the form of GUI, CLI, and SNMP.
Optimal performance and reliability.
Enhanced security in the form of access control lists (ACLs).
High scalability and potential of future growth.
Figure 4-12 depicts a Fibre Channel router.
Figure 4-12 Fibre Channel Router
NOTE
For more information on Cisco SN 5420 storage routers, refer to the site http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/cc/pd/rt/5420/index.shtml.
Cisco 7200 Series Internet Routers
The 7200 series Cisco routers provide scalable solutions based on the differing requirements of performance and availability. These routers provide a rich range of IP services over varied interfaces including OC-3, DS-3, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, ATM, and so on.
NOTE
For more information on Cisco 7200 Series Internet routers, refer to the site http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/cc/pd/rt/7200.
Cisco 7600 Series Routers
The 7600 series Cisco routers offer high-speed optical WAN and MAN solutions that help service providers gain the competitive edge. Similar to the 7200 series Internet routers, 7600 series routers offer seamless integration of IP networks with interfaces such as OC-3, DS-3, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, ATM, and so on.
NOTE
For more information on Cisco 7600 Series Internet routers, refer to the site http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/cc/pd/rt/7600osr.