OpenSolaris

1. Project: Fibre Channel over Ethernet
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OpenSolaris Project: Fibre Channel over Ethernet

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Introduction

Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) is a mapping of Fibre Channel over selected full duplex IEEE 802.3 networks. This would allow Fibre Channel to leverage the technology of 10GbE and future 40GbE while preserving the main parts of the Fibre Channel protocol.

Why FCoE

• I/O consolidation
• Fewer cards per server
• Reduction in server power budget and reduced cooling requirements
• Significant reduction in the amount of cables to manage
• Seamless connectivity with existing Storage Area Networks and Ethernet Networks – customers can continue to leverage their existing FC tools, security model and infrastructure

Project Overview

This project is a joint effort with Open Source FCoE.

Three new kernel modules will be delivered:

• fcoe: Virtual FCA driver for Leadville, functioning as FCoE initiator

• fcoet: Virtual FCA driver for COMSTAR, functioning as FCoE target

• fcoemod: common code library module for fcoe and fcoet

As FCA drivers, fcoe and fcoet conform to standard Leadville/COMSTAR FCA programming guide, which means no change of Leadville stack and COMSTAR is required. Both drivers send/receive FCoE frames through GLDv3 MAC client interface, hence will work with normal Network Interface Cards and VNICs in Crossbow.

The administration function will be implemented via new sub-commands of the fcadm utility.

Background Readings

www.fcoe.com
www.t11.org/fcoe

Related Projects

Open Source FCoE
Crossbow
COMSTAR