Frame vs. Frame-LESS SAN Architectures
Have you heard of the Frame vs. Frame-less SAN debate? In the 10 years that I’ve been designing and implementing Storage Area Networks (SANs), I never considered an alternative to the traditional frame architecture, until I discovered EqualLogic – a frame-less SAN architecture. First, some legacy SAN background.
Frame based SANs
Most of us are familiar with frame based SANs that are assembled much like lego sets starting with an empty “frame” (the physical manifestation may be a rack). These are the well known products from companies like EMC, Hitachi (HDS), Network Appliance (NetApp) et al. To build out a “frame based” SAN we first need to assemble the components as follows:
- Head unit (1 or 2)
- 1 or 2 storage processors (SPs)
- Cache
- Network connections
- OS software
- Add-on software
- Disks – varying capacities and performance characteristics
Frame Issue 1 – Over Provisioning
Since Frame-based SANs contain individual components that scale independently (you can add more cache, Read more
There’s money in SAN complexity; and it’s yours
Have you ever tried to decipher a SAN pricing proposal from one of the “big” guys? There are more part numbers than I would expect when building the space shuttle. It is not enough to have the basic hardware broken down into dozens of pieces but then you have to select a dizzying array of software licensing options for both the array and any hosts using array features.
Here’s a sample SKU list from a major NAS/SAN vendor for a simple storage array:
FAS3050HA-IB-BASE-1 GF-RAS53050HA,IB,1B CF,OS,R5 2
X70015A-ESH2-R5-C DS14MK2 SHLF, ACPS,14x144GB,15K,HDD 5
X6524-R6-C CBL, 2M, Optical, Pair, LC/C,-C,R6 2
X6530-R6-C CBL,0.5M,PATCH,FC SFPTO SFP-C,R6 6
X1941A-R6-C CBL,5M,CLUSTER4X,CU-C,R6 2
X871A-R6-C 20A Storace Equipment Cabinet,-C,R6 1
X875A-R6-C 20A PWR CORD (4),CABINET, NEMA-S,R6 1
X800-42U-R6-C Cabinet Component Power Cable, R6 14
X5517-R6-C Storage cabinet, Rail Set,42U,-C,R6 1
X6529-R6-C SFP, Optical, Pair, LC/LC, -6, R6 4
X8773-R6-C Multiple Product Tie-Down Bracket,- 2
DOC-3XXX-C Documents, 3XXX,-C 1
Software (Base Unit)
SW-T4C-CIFS-C CIFS CIFS Software, T4C-C 2
SW-T4C-ISCSI-C iSCSI iSCSI Software, T4C-C 2
SW-T4C-NFS-C NFS NFS Software, T4C-C 2
SW-T4C-SRESTORE-C SnapRestore Software,T4C,-C 2
SW-T4C-SME-C SnapManager Software, Exchange, T4C 2
SW-T4C-SMSVS-C SnapMirro-SnapVault Software Bndl, 2
Software (Host Side)
SW-SDR-WIN SnapDrive, Windows 10
SW-SSP-SDR-WINDOW SW Subs SnapDrive for Windows 3.0 10
SW-SMBR-1000PK Single Mbox Recovery, 1000pk 1
SW-SSPVN-SMBR-1000PKendor SW Sub SMBR, 1000pk 1
SW-SDR-SOL-TIER1 SnapDrive, Solaris, Tier 1 10
1-2CPU
SW-SSP-SDR-SOL-TIER1SW Subs, SDR Solaris Support, Tier 10
SW-SDU-CPU SW, SnapDrive UNIX, CPU 5
SW-SMO-CPU SW, SnapManager Oracle, CPU 5
SW-SSP-SMO-CPU SW, SUB, SnapManager Oracle 5
Services and Support
CS-S-INST Initial Installation-DS14 1
CS-A SupportEdge Standard-FAS270 Mths: 3 2
Wow. All we wanted was a simple array to store some data. Instead, we got a dissertation on what the sales Read more
Scarce upgrades
Dell is quickly assimilating EqualLogic and that means change. Most users already know that the model numbers have changed from the the Legacy PS50, PS100, etc. to a standard PS5000E-X-XV with a capacity differentiator.
What is not commonly known is that many customers with legacy equipment may not be able to upgrade those boxes (add a second controller to a single controller box for example) because of scarce replacement parts.
Here’s why:
Dell knows that to maintain EqualLogic’s strong history of customer satisfaction, it must be able to supply field replacement parts for years to come. The fact that EqualLogic boxes defy the traditional storage mantra of “planned obsolescence” within 3 years, the Peer Storage operating system means that new boxes are easily integrated with older gear; easily extending the life, and value, of the equipment. This means boxes may have a useful life beyond 4, or even 5 years.
Dell doesn’t want to get into a situation where Legacy customers can’t get replacement parts well into the future…and that is a good thing. What is needed is an aggressive trade-in program to help legacy customers migrate to the newer platforms.
Welcome EqualLogic End-Users
Now that Dell has successfully acquired EqualLogic we thought it might be nice to have an area where EqualLogic customers can share their knowledge and experiences.
Enjoy.
