Product Description
IBM 8969-R42 Storage Networking SAN42B-R7
The IBM 8969-R42 is a 1U Gen 7 Fibre Channel extension switch for long-distance SAN connectivity over IP networks.
Product Description
The IBM Storage Networking SAN42B-R7 (machine type 8969 model R42) is a Gen 7 extension switch designed for FCIP-based SAN extension between data centers. It provides Fibre Channel ports that support up to 64 Gbps speeds along with high-speed Ethernet interfaces for tunnel connectivity. The switch supports multiple logical FCIP tunnels with aggregate bandwidth up to 50 Gb/s. Hardware-based compression and IPsec encryption are included for efficient and secure replication over WAN links. Extension trunking combines multiple IP circuits for load balancing and resilience. The SAN42B-R7 supports connectivity to compatible extension platforms such as the Brocade SX6 blade and SAN18B-6. Dual power supplies and redundant fans provide high availability in a 1U form factor.
Features
- Fibre Channel ports supporting up to 64 Gbps speeds
- FCIP tunnels with up to 50 Gb/s aggregate bandwidth
- Hardware-based compression for FC traffic over tunnels
- Hardware-based IPsec encryption for secure tunnels
- Extension trunking with lossless link loss recovery
- Support for 1/10/25/100 GbE interfaces for IP connectivity
- Dual redundant power supplies and fans
- 1U rack-mount form factor
- Compatible with SAN18B-6 and SX6 extension platforms
Technical Specifications
- Machine Type-Model: 8969-R42
- Form Factor: 1U
- Fibre Channel Ports: Up to 24 ports (mix of SFP+ and SFP-DD) supporting 8/16/32/64 Gbps
- Ethernet Interfaces: Support for 1 GbE, 10 GbE, 25 GbE, and 100 GbE for FCIP tunnels
- Tunnel Bandwidth: Up to 50 Gb/s aggregate
- Compression: Hardware-based for FC traffic
- Encryption: Hardware IPsec (IPv4 and IPv6)
- Power Supplies: Dual hot-swappable AC
- Dimensions: Approximately 17.32 in. W × 1.73 in. H × 23.24 in. D
- Weight: Approximately 26.5 lb empty; 27.9 lb fully loaded
Compatibility
The IBM 8969-R42 Storage Networking SAN42B-R7 is compatible with:
- Extension platforms: IBM Storage Networking SAN18B-6 and Brocade SX6 Extension blade
- Storage systems: IBM FlashSystem, SAN Volume Controller, and other Fibre Channel storage arrays supporting FCIP replication
- Host systems: IBM Power Systems and other platforms with Fibre Channel connectivity for remote replication workloads
- Optics: 32G/64G SFP+ and SFP-DD shortwave, longwave, and extended longwave transceivers
- Networks: IP networks supporting FCIP with compatible WAN circuits
- Software: Brocade Fabric OS with extension features
- Limitations: Does not support tunnel connectivity with older platforms such as SAN06B-R, SAN42B-R, or FX8-24. Confirm firmware levels, QoS configuration, and WAN circuit requirements before deployment. Follow IBM documentation for circuit and tunnel limits
