This blog was originally started to better help me understand the technologies in the CCIE R&S blueprint; after completing the R&S track I have decided to transition the blog into a technology blog.
CCIE #29033
This blog will continue to include questions, troubleshooting scenarios, and references to existing and new technologies but will grow to include a variety of different platforms and technologies. Currently I have created over 185 questions/answers in regards to the CCIE R&S track!! Note: answers are in the comment field or within "Read More" section.
You can also follow me on twitter @FE80CC1E
Data Center Enhanced Ethernet (NGDC - Next Generation Data Centers)
- Priority Based Flow Control (802.1Qbb) - Supports storage traffic and provides CoS flow control
- CoS Based BW Management (802.1Qaz) - CoS based enhanced transmission, grouping of classes into "service lanes"
- Backward Congestion Notification (BCN/QCN - 802.1Qau)- end to end congestion management for L2 network
- Data Center Bridging Capacity Exchange Protocol (DCBXP - 802.1AB) - Auto-negotiation for enhanced Ethernet capabilities (switch to nic)
FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet) allows companies to further converge their infrastructure reducing the complexity and costs.
- Reduction in Cables and Switches
- Reduction in Interface Cards
- Reduction in Power and Cooling
FCoE runs on your data network and removes the need to have a separate Fibre channel infrastructure. FcoE is not routable and will not extend across routed IP networks. FCoE runs on top of Ethernet and enhancements to Ethernet were required in order to prevent frame loss (PFC). The new enhancements to Ethernet are referred to as Lossless Ethernet.
- Priority Flow Control (802.1Qbb)
Additional enhancements to Ethernet may include (dependent on the vendor)
- Bandwidth Management (802.1Qaz)
- Congestion Management (802.1Qau)
- Shortest Path Bridging (802.1aq)
Servers leverage CNA (Converged Network Adapter) with contains both the NIC (Network Interface Card) and HBA (Host Bus Adapter). CNAs have 1 or more ports.
Note: The diagram below is NOT meant to show redundancy.
Nexus 5000 Feature that needs to be licensed.
FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet) - is leveraged to further unify I/O. FCoE allows fibre channel to operate over ethernet by encapsulating Fibre Channel into ethernet.
FCoE Ports
Virutal N_Port (VN_Port) - Node ports which exist on hosts or storage arrays and connect to a FC fabric. Operates over Ethernet links.
Virtual F_Port (VF_Port) - Switch or director ports that connct to node ports. Operates over Ethernet links.
Virtual E_Port (VE_Port) - Expansion port that is used to inter-connect two FC switches together. When two swithes are connected they form an ISL (interswitch link) Operates over Ethernet links.
