SANcastle Technologies, Inc. teamed with Anritsu Company at NetWorld+Interop in Las Vegas to demonstrate an end-to-end networking solution integrating Fibre Channel-based Storage Area Networking (SAN) data and enterprise LAN data over high-speed optical MAN/WAN links up to OC-48 (2.5 Gbps) speed. There has never before been a way to transport SAN and native Ethernet LAN traffic together over an OC-48 link.
Remote storage connectivity is essential for applications such as content distribution, volume management, and disaster recovery. Until now, there was no cost-effective way for IT managers to seamlessly connect remote storage networks. Expensive MAN/WAN links were necessary, and these could not be used for LAN transport because the SAN was using them.
This new capability combines the Anritsu MultiFlow 5000 Layer 2/3/4 Gigabit Ethernet switch and the SANcastle GFS-8 Global Fabric Switch. The resulting enterprise networking solution greatly lowers costs and equipment requirements by using Ethernet and IP technology to allow both SAN and LAN data streams to share a single 2.5 Gbps OC-48 optical link.
SANcastle has developed a multiple protocol switch that enables seamless bi-directional integration of Fibre Channel (FC) and Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) networks over long distances without disruption or technology changes. SANcastle claims its GFS-8 is the first Global Fabric Switch. A unique, high-speed integrating switch, it enables a company's Fibre Channel network and IP network to work together seamlessly as a single connected network fabric. No changes are required to either network since GFS-8 is compatible with both networks' standards.
Data connectivity on a global basis will provide added value to existing storage and networking infrastructures by increasing network uptime, relieving constrained resources, and reducing the costs of network management for existing network infrastructures. Companies can now access critical data, perform remote copy, and implement reliable business continuation functions regardless of the distances between data centers.
Anritsu's flagship MultiFlow 5000 switch family incorporates the WAN functions of a router plus wire-speed 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet LAN switching. It provides wire-speed IP, IPX, and AppleTalk routing with Layer 2/3/4 switching, filtering, and load balancing. The MultiFlow 5000's unique ability for transporting native Ethernet traffic -- including the GFS-8's SAN data -- at OC-48 rates as well as supporting wide area ATM and T1 connectivity makes it a comprehensive Gigabit network solution.
About Anritsu Company:
Anritsu Company is a provider of technology solutions, and develops IP-based multilayer LAN/MAN/WAN switching products and solutions for the enterprise and service provider markets. For more information, visit www.us.anritsu.com.
About SANcastle Technologies, Inc.:
SANcastle Technologies, Inc. is a manufacturer of global data fabric switches for integrating Fibre Channel and Gigabit Ethernet networks. For more information, visit www.sancastle.com.