FCIA
16 GB FIBRE CHANNEL
17
When large blocks of data need to be transferred between arrays or sites, a faster link can accomplish the same job in less time. 16GFC is designed to assist users in transferring large amounts of data and decreasing the number of links in the data center.
Overview of 16GFC 16GFC has considerable improvements from the previous Fibre Channel speeds that include using 64b/66b encoding, transmitter training and linear variants as outlined in Table 1. 16GFC uses electronic dispersion compensation (EDC) and transmitter training to improve backplane links.
The
combination of these technologies enables 16GFC to provide the highest throughput density in the industry.
To remain backward compatible with previous Fibre Channel speeds, 16GFC ASICs must support 8GFC and 4GFC to meet the Fibre Channel Industry Association’s roadmap for future speeds. The 16GFC ASICs must have 8b/10b codecs for 4GFC and 8GFC and 64b/66b codecs for 16GFC. Users can attach new 16GFC devices and switches to existing infrastructure and the 16GFC devices will auto- negotiate down to the lower speeds of the legacy devices. The new 16GFC ports can be seamlessly added to the existing networks to increase performance for new
segments of the storage network while not requiring a forklift upgrade.
Fibre Channel has proven that it can jump to new speeds effectively and 16GFC is a continuation of that long range thinking that has made Fibre Channel such a success.
The Benefits of Higher Speed The benefits of faster tools are always the same – more work in less time. By doubling the speed, 16GFC reduces the time to transfer data between two ports.
When
more work can be done by a server or storage device, fewer servers, HBAs, links and switches are needed to accomplish the same task.
The benefits of 16GFC add
up and include:  Reduced number of links, HBAs and switch ports to do the same workload
 Reduced power consumption per bit  Easier cable management
Figure 1 shows a simple comparison of the number of links in an 8GFC fabric and a 16GFC fabric. The higher speed links of 16GFC eliminates tens or hundreds of ports from a comparable 8GFC fabric. The real savings
Figure 1: Network Design Implications
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