Designed to seamlessly integrate into Brocade SAN infrastructures, the Brocade FC4-16IP iSCSI blade is based on the same Brocade next-generation 4 Gbit/sec Fibre Channel ASIC technology and Fabric OS used across the entire Brocade SAN family. Combined with state-of-the-art Ethernet network processors, this implementation enables a highly effective way to integrate iSCSI-based devices with Brocade SAN environments.

The Brocade FC4-16IP enables organizations to integrate lower-cost Ethernet-connected servers into Brocade Fibre Channel SANs by using the iSCSI protocol. SAN access provides more granular scalability when additional storage is required, and low-cost Ethernet attachment avoids the cost of additional Host Bus Adapters (HBAs) and Fibre Channel switch ports for server connectivity. With support for up to four Brocade FC4-16IP blades in a single Brocade 48000 Director, this enterprise-class iSCSI solution can scale up to support the connectivity of thousands of iSCSI servers.

The Brocade FC4-16IP utilizes Brocade Advanced Fabric Services, including key features such as Inter-Switch Link (ISL) Trunking and Extended Fabrics on the Fibre Channel ports. To simplify administration, organizations can utilize the familiar Fabric OS and SAN management tools they already use: a command line interface, Brocade Web Tools, and Brocade Fabric Manager.

• Enables iSCSI (Ethernet) servers to access storage in Brocade Fibre Channel SANs in a highly integrated, cost-effective manner for storage consolidation
• Provides high scalability, enabling up to thousands of iSCSI servers to connect to a single Brocade 48000 Director
• Improves the ROI of the SAN by enabling wider access to storage, optimizing resource utilization, and minimizing capital expenses
• Simplifies server administration and storage allocation while leveraging centralized storage to improve data security and control
• Extends new capabilities such as centralized backup or tape vaulting to existing servers in Direct Attached Storage (DAS) environments
• Enhances availability by leveraging enterprise-class SAN director services
• Increases productivity by utilizing familiar SAN management tools consistent with the overall SAN infrastructure