http://storageadvisors.adaptec.com/2006/10/31/what-the-heck-is-%e2%80%9cfc-base-t%e2%80%9d/ Storage Solutions for Real World IT Professionals Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:11:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=1.5.2 http://storageadvisors.adaptec.com/2006/10/31/what-the-heck-is-%e2%80%9cfc-base-t%e2%80%9d/#comment-16412 Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:10:22 +0000 http://storageadvisors.adaptec.com/2006/10/31/what-the-heck-is-%e2%80%9cfc-base-t%e2%80%9d/#comment-16412 Addendum: See http://www.t11.org/t11/stat.nsf/1158203694fa939f852566dc0049e810/0442390ee2d213068525706500739f06?OpenDocument for the FC-BaseT project definition, status, business case, etc. Addendum: See http://www.t11.org/t11/stat.nsf/1158203694fa939f852566dc0049e810/0442390ee2d213068525706500739f06?OpenDocument for the FC-BaseT project definition, status, business case, etc.

]]> http://storageadvisors.adaptec.com/2006/10/31/what-the-heck-is-%e2%80%9cfc-base-t%e2%80%9d/#comment-16406 Wed, 01 Nov 2006 20:54:10 +0000 http://storageadvisors.adaptec.com/2006/10/31/what-the-heck-is-%e2%80%9cfc-base-t%e2%80%9d/#comment-16406 Tom, such comparisons depend on many factors, like the type of optical link (multi or single mode, distance) and whether the transceiver is a modular plug-in (a GBIC or SPF) or built-in. To get an idea, a 3Com 3C996B-T Gigabit Server NIC retails for 130 euro, its optical brother the 3C996-SX Gigabit short range fiber Server NIC costs 540 euro, 410 euro extra, so in this case at least the optical parts are far more expensive than the rest of the product. For a more expensive product like a HBA or FC switch, the relative difference would be less, but still significant. Of course, the FC market is minute in comparison with Ehernet's, so pricing will be less predictable. Tom, such comparisons depend on many factors, like the type of optical link (multi or single mode, distance) and whether the transceiver is a modular plug-in (a GBIC or SPF) or built-in. To get an idea, a 3Com 3C996B-T Gigabit Server NIC retails for 130 euro, its optical brother the 3C996-SX Gigabit short range fiber Server NIC costs 540 euro, 410 euro extra, so in this case at least the optical parts are far more expensive than the rest of the product. For a more expensive product like a HBA or FC switch, the relative difference would be less, but still significant. Of course, the FC market is minute in comparison with Ehernet’s, so pricing will be less predictable.

]]> http://storageadvisors.adaptec.com/2006/10/31/what-the-heck-is-%e2%80%9cfc-base-t%e2%80%9d/#comment-16341 Wed, 01 Nov 2006 02:20:39 +0000 http://storageadvisors.adaptec.com/2006/10/31/what-the-heck-is-%e2%80%9cfc-base-t%e2%80%9d/#comment-16341 Ernst, thanks for the clarification. Do you know roughly how the price compares between FC-copper tranceivers and Base-T tranceivers? Ernst, thanks for the clarification. Do you know roughly how the price compares between FC-copper tranceivers and Base-T tranceivers?

]]> http://storageadvisors.adaptec.com/2006/10/31/what-the-heck-is-%e2%80%9cfc-base-t%e2%80%9d/#comment-16330 Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:38:55 +0000 http://storageadvisors.adaptec.com/2006/10/31/what-the-heck-is-%e2%80%9cfc-base-t%e2%80%9d/#comment-16330 The Base-x notation in Ethernet is used to describe various physical layers, with T or TX used for twisted pair cable. So FC-Base-T would be a logical name for FC using a copper cable rather than an optical cable. Now FC was defined with an electrical variant all along, but that worked only at lower bit rates. Now that darn cheap 1G and soon 10G "Base-T" transceivers are are available, it makes sense to build FC switches and HBA's that use these to lower the port cost. If you can't beat 'em, join them! The Base-x notation in Ethernet is used to describe various physical layers, with T or TX used for twisted pair cable. So FC-Base-T would be a logical name for FC using a copper cable rather than an optical cable. Now FC was defined with an electrical variant all along, but that worked only at lower bit rates. Now that darn cheap 1G and soon 10G “Base-T” transceivers are are available, it makes sense to build FC switches and HBA’s that use these to lower the port cost. If you can’t beat ‘em, join them!

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