Optical module and fiber patch cord selection

In the storage area network, between servers and switches, between storage devices and switches, and between switches and switches, it is necessary to use optical modules and optical fiber jumpers to achieve interconnection, and develop a cost-effective optical module and optical fiber jumper solution. Very necessary, let's take a look at the details below

Optical modules and fiber patch cords are the most important infrastructure for network connections. In a storage area network (SAN, Storage Area Network), a switch is a device used between servers and storage devices, that is, between servers and switches, between storage devices and switches, and between switches and switches. Interconnection is achieved through optical modules and fiber optic patch cords.

Of course, depending on the specific application, we also need to choose different optical modules and fiber jumpers to achieve the best performance of the equipment. In addition, in addition to considering performance, we also need to consider issues such as future network scaling. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a cost-effective optical module and fiber patch cord solution.

Optical Modules and Fiber Patch Cords

Key Factors Affecting Optical Module and Fiber Selection

As we mentioned above, SAN is mainly composed of servers, storage devices and switches. Then, when we choose optical modules and fiber jumpers for interconnection, we must also consider the specific conditions of servers, storage devices and switches. Then, according to the specific conditions of servers, storage devices and switches, select appropriate optical modules and fiber jumpers. Below, we will talk about several important factors about servers, storage devices and switches.

server

Bandwidth: According to specific application load requirements, users can choose 1GbE, 10GbE or 40GbE servers. Sometimes, users may have special requirements on the type of traffic, so there will be restrictions when choosing a server. For example, servers that support data center bridging must be 10GbE and above.

Of course, as the server bandwidth is different, the optical modules and fiber patch cords used will also be different. Cost: In any data center, the server is the device that is connected to the most devices, so choosing a low-cost connection scheme can greatly reduce the cost of building a data center. Power: In any high-density server, choosing a connection scheme with low power consumption can greatly reduce operating costs. Distance: The server and the switch are usually separated by a short distance. They are usually in the same rack, and sometimes even in the same row of the same rack. At this time, there is no need to use a particularly long fiber jumper to connect the two. By. Flexibility of wiring: Based on changing distance requirements, some users tend to choose copper cables, so the connection solution at this time can only be matched with copper cables.

storage device

Reliability: Storage traffic is very sensitive to loss, and sometimes a small loss of traffic can have a big impact on application performance. Qualification: The qualification of a storage device supplier is an important consideration in selecting storage devices, because after-sales services such as supplier support are very important. Latency: Excessive delay in the conversion step will take up data processing time. Therefore, reducing the conversion delay can greatly improve application performance, which is very important for user experience. For example, faster online order processing is a good user experience.

switch

Bandwidth: Each port of a server has its own bandwidth requirements, however, the requirements of each network port are affected by a variety of factors, including traffic generated by the server, overage ratios, fiber limitations, and more. Distance: The connection distance between switches or between switches and routers can vary from a few inches to tens of kilometers. Generally speaking, the longer the distance, the higher the price of the required optical components. Latency: Network topology and traffic profiling of applications (high performance computing, computer clusters, etc.) affect the minimum latency the network can tolerate.