What is a CNA?

Answer: Converged Network adapters, or CNas, support both data networking (TCP/IP) and storage networking (fC) traffic on a single I/O adapter using two new technologies: Enhanced Ethernet and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (fCoE).

What is FCoE?

Answer: fibre Channel over Ethernet, or fCoE, is a new technology defined by the T11 standards body that allows traditional fC storage networking traffic to travel over an Ethernet link by encapsulating fC frames inside Layer 2 Ethernet frames. Visit www.fcoe.com for in-depth details of this new technology.

What infrastructure changes are needed with CNAs?

Answer: Implementing CNa technology requires installing CNas into servers that are connected to fCoE switches at the network’s edge. This is the minimum infrastructure change required for data centers getting started with CNa technology, which preserves existing investment in core Ethernet infrastructure and fibre Channel fabric and storage.

Over time, administrators may choose to upgrade the data center’s core switches and storage to fCoE-capable models as the ecosystem develops. In today’s data centers, servers containing separate Ethernet NICs and fC HBas are connected to separate Ethernet and fCswitches. A data center implementing CNas, are connected to fCoE switches and demonstrate how CNas reduce the number of adapters, cables, and switches needed at the network’s edge, while preserving the existing core network and storage infrastructure.

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