RE: iFCP as an IP Storage Work Item

["harwood, jack" <harwood_jack@emc.com>]

While in concept FCIP and iFCP both provide gateway functionality I do not
believe they can be merged into one specification.  Both however do provide
useful functions and should be supported as work group items for IPS, I
understand FCIP is already a work item today.  

As mentioned in previous emails FCIP connects E_Ports, which supports
exisiting switch SAN technology.  As such, all of the traffic is sent across
one connection without regard to priority with many FC ports funneled
through single E_Ports.  The benefit to this is connecting existing SAN
technology with all of the control provided by the FC domain.   iFCP
provides the ability to map the FC port connections to the IP domain and
allow for distinguishing FC connections.  With this the FC traffic can be
prioritized according to the connection, traffic, application, etc...  This
perspective for a gateway allows for building SANs while utilizing network
traffic management tools.

As neither covers all cases for connecting Fibre Channel domains both should
be pursued.

Thanks

jack

*****************************************
jack harwood
EMC Corporation
228 South St.
Hopkinton, MA 01748
Phone: 508-435-1000  x22094
FAX: 508-544-2164
email: harwood_jack@emc.com