Differences between FibreChannel (FC), Ethernet, iSCSI and fiber optics

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Differences between FibreChannel (FC), Ethernet, iSCSI and fiber optics

Fibre Channel (FC):

  1. Fibre Channel is a special networking protocol designed to transfer large amounts of data between storage devices such as servers and disk arrays.
  2. Fibre Channel provides very high data transfer speeds, typically from a few gigabits per second (Gbps) to as high as 128 gigabits per second (Gbps).
  3. Fibre Channel is mainly dedicated to data storage applications and environments where low latency is required.
  4. Fibre Channel uses glass fibers (or copper in some cases) to physically transfer data between devices.

Ethernet:

  1. Ethernet It is a universal network protocol, widely used in all types of networks, from small home networks to large corporate networks and the Internet.
  2. Ethernet supports a variety of data types and applications, such as user data, voice, video and server data.
  3. Ethernet Can operate at various speeds, ranging from 10 megabits per second (Mbps) to gigabits per second (Gbps) and terabits per second (Tbps) in the latest versions.
  4. Ethernet Uses a variety of transmission mediums, including copper twisted pair and fiber optics.

iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface):

  1. iSCSI uses Ethernet infrastructure, which means it can run on existing LANs (Local Area Network) or WANs (Wide Area Network).
  2. iSCSI uses the TCP/IP protocol to pack block-level data and transmit it over a network.
  3. iSCSI is more popular in smaller and medium-sized enterprises, where there is no need to install a separate network infrastructure and existing Ethernet infrastructure can be used.
  4. iSCSI offers good performance, but can be slightly less efficient than Fibre Channel under certain conditions.
  5. iSCSI tends to be more cost-effective because it uses existing Ethernet infrastructure, which can significantly reduce implementation costs.

Fiber:

  1. Fiber optic cable is a physical data transfer medium that consists of thin glass or plastic fibers.
  2. It transmits data in the form of light pulses, which allow for very fast, reliable and distant data transfer.
  3. It can be used in both Fiber Channel and Ethernet technologies, as well as in telecommunications and other systems.
  4. It offers high throughput, low latency and immunity to electromagnetic interference, making it an ideal medium for high-speed and reliable network connections.

Summary:

Fiber Channel is a network protocol mainly used for transferring large amounts of data in storage environments. Ethernet is a universal protocol that supports a variety of data types over different types of networks. iSCSI is a protocol that operates in an Ethernet environment. Fiber, on the other hand, is a physical medium that can be used to transfer data in both Fiber Channel and Ethernet, as well as other network technologies.

Related pages:

  1. Fibre Channel cards available from Supermicro
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  4. Supermicro AOC-STGN-I2S 2x10Gb SFP+ Intel 82599ES (Accessories, DAC Cables, FAQ)
  5. Supermicro AOC-S100GC-i2C