I'm installing another SAN in a remote office to mirror the data from
my main corporate SAN to the remote office.   I only have to go about 1

mile and wondered, could I use my existing Multi-mode dark fibre (300m)

with repeaters to extend the distance to the other builiding?  I could
then connect a fibre port (GBIC) on each side to create an ISL
connection between the two switches.   This seems rather simplistic, so

I wondered if others could share their experiences with remote site
mirroring.  What worked, what didn't?  What would be the optimal
equipment on each end to mirror the data for Disaster Recovery? SCSI
routers?

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Reno,

One mile is not very long. To convince yourself, consider taking some
link loss measurements prior to designing in equipment.  You can
compare the power received to the minimum power requirement listed in
the GBIC datasheet. Give yourself some margin (~20% ?) You can use
single mode lasers on multi mode fiber as well. This will provide you
much better power density and less dispersion. I would still verify the
power at each end of the link.

I am a fan of not connecting SANs together via E-Port over distance. I
would  opt for the Cisco/VSAN/FCIP or McDATA/iFCP route. Both are great
solutions and should be considered.

McDATA has a 4 port box (2FC & 2IP) and is packed full of features. It
is a little cumbersome to set up but will provide you the domain
isoloation you are (should) be looking for. The product is the Eclipse
1620.

Cisco has an  IP services blade but requires you to purchase a 2 blade
chassis. I'm not sure if they have made a small appliance like McDATA.
It may be a little more expensive up  front but may be a fit if you
have some expansion ahead.

You should be ok with either of these solutions. I would not consider a
pure tunneling solution.

Rob

Reno wrote:
> I'm installing another SAN in a remote office to mirror the data from
> my main corporate SAN to the remote office.   I only have to go about 1
>
> mile and wondered, could I use my existing Multi-mode dark fibre (300m)
>
> with repeaters to extend the distance to the other builiding?  I could
> then connect a fibre port (GBIC) on each side to create an ISL
> connection between the two switches.   This seems rather simplistic, so
>
> I wondered if others could share their experiences with remote site
> mirroring.  What worked, what didn't?  What would be the optimal
> equipment on each end to mirror the data for Disaster Recovery? SCSI
> routers?

[ Post a follow-up to this message ]

How are you planning on mirroring your data ? I take it you want to do
some array-based mirroring relying on fibre channel connectivity ? What
would you want to use your mirror on the remote site for ?

The main problem with using an ISL connection between two fabrics is
events disrupt both fabrics. In most environments, that is a serious
problem. McData Eclipses (aka Nishans) provide a good solution because
they use the iFCP protocol to explicitly NOT do the ISL thing, but make
remote devices somehow show up in the local SNS service.

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You may be able to just slap a few long wave gbics on both sides and be
fine.  I think you can go 500 meters with those.  I have done that for
other customers in the opast and it workd out fine.

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