10-10-2020, 08:56 AM
Storage Area Networks (SAN) play a massive role in enterprise environments, and Digital Equipment's DEC HSG80 entry with its specific features shifts things a bit. When you start looking at SAN controllers, you have to think about data throughput, redundancy, and compatibility with different disk types. The HSG80 stands out primarily with its ability to scale performance with a dual-controller architecture. You can attach multiple arrays, and its ability to interconnect different topologies elevates it significantly.
You might want to consider the bandwidth capabilities, which reach up to 1.6 Gbps per path. Compare that to something like the HP StorageWorks 2000 series SAN array, which gives you a max of 4 Gbps but might not have the same level of redundancy features. The HSG80 supports a well-rounded range of connectivity options including Fibre Channel and SCSI protocols. If you're going after compatibility, you'll find that its integration with different operating systems, especially UNIX and Windows, is seamless.
The caching mechanism also deserves your attention. The HSG80's cache can go up to 2 GB, helping with read/write operations without bottlenecks. You can compare this setup with the NetApp FAS series, which provides adaptive caching mechanisms but may end up being costlier for high-capacity configurations. By implementing an intelligent caching strategy, the HSG80 can effectively manage workloads that demand different I/O types, distinguishing itself there.
Latency is a pivotal aspect of SAN systems. With the HSG80, you get around 4 ms latency under peak load, which is pretty respectable. If you're comparing it to something like an EMC VNX series, which can hit latency spikes based around your specific configuration, the consistency of the HSG80 becomes a big selling point. Think about how latency impacts apps like databases running on top of these controllers; even nanoseconds matter in the long run.
One of the intricate features is the built-in RAID support that comes on the HSG80. You get RAID levels 0, 1, 3, 5, and even 6, which gives you flexibility in data protection and performance. Contrast this with a Dell Compellent system that prides itself on more adaptive RAID technologies. They both have their benefits. While Compellent focuses on automated tiering, the HSG80's standard RAID sets can also come in handy for predictable workloads.
To interface with the SAN, management tools must be considered. The HSG80 comes with a GUI through the DEC Enclosure Management software, which can manage storage allocation and health state reports. But, if you've ever tried using Dell's EqualLogic GUI, you'd note how that software caters to intuitive operations. You might find that the HSG80 doesn't quite meet reboot times compared to the latest technologies, as the EqualLogic sometimes gives quicker recovery options in loss situations. The HSG80 certainly offers monitoring but be mindful of its potential limitations in speed when handling multiple alerts and operations.
I also think about firmware upgrades when discussing any SAN systems. The DEC HSG80 requires some caution for firmware updates; indeed, it may require you to take a planned downtime into consideration. Some manufacturers have made this smoother. Take the Pure Storage FlashArray; they provide zero-downtime updates that are killer when you consider accessibility and uptime requirements. You may find it a bit more cumbersome when maintaining the HSG80 due to less elegant management practices.
Lastly, let's not forget about the cost of ownership. The initial acquisition might attract you to the HSG80 due to its competitive pricing. Consider that as you add capacity or want advanced features like multi-pathing and additional caching, costs can shoot up. On the flip side, keep an eye on operational expenditures. Some SAN systems might seem pricier up front but end up saving you money due to easier management and lower service fees.
I hope this helps you chew through your decision regarding the DEC HSG80 and other SAN systems. Remember that picking a SAN isn't just about the initial specs; it's also about how it fits in operationally, especially in larger contexts where every ms and dollar counts. By the way, if you're leaning towards solutions that can back you up efficiently, you might want to look at BackupChain Server Backup, a solid backup solution tailored for SMBs and professionals dealing with Hyper-V, VMware, and Windows servers. It's worth checking out for robust data protection without breaking the bank.
You might want to consider the bandwidth capabilities, which reach up to 1.6 Gbps per path. Compare that to something like the HP StorageWorks 2000 series SAN array, which gives you a max of 4 Gbps but might not have the same level of redundancy features. The HSG80 supports a well-rounded range of connectivity options including Fibre Channel and SCSI protocols. If you're going after compatibility, you'll find that its integration with different operating systems, especially UNIX and Windows, is seamless.
The caching mechanism also deserves your attention. The HSG80's cache can go up to 2 GB, helping with read/write operations without bottlenecks. You can compare this setup with the NetApp FAS series, which provides adaptive caching mechanisms but may end up being costlier for high-capacity configurations. By implementing an intelligent caching strategy, the HSG80 can effectively manage workloads that demand different I/O types, distinguishing itself there.
Latency is a pivotal aspect of SAN systems. With the HSG80, you get around 4 ms latency under peak load, which is pretty respectable. If you're comparing it to something like an EMC VNX series, which can hit latency spikes based around your specific configuration, the consistency of the HSG80 becomes a big selling point. Think about how latency impacts apps like databases running on top of these controllers; even nanoseconds matter in the long run.
One of the intricate features is the built-in RAID support that comes on the HSG80. You get RAID levels 0, 1, 3, 5, and even 6, which gives you flexibility in data protection and performance. Contrast this with a Dell Compellent system that prides itself on more adaptive RAID technologies. They both have their benefits. While Compellent focuses on automated tiering, the HSG80's standard RAID sets can also come in handy for predictable workloads.
To interface with the SAN, management tools must be considered. The HSG80 comes with a GUI through the DEC Enclosure Management software, which can manage storage allocation and health state reports. But, if you've ever tried using Dell's EqualLogic GUI, you'd note how that software caters to intuitive operations. You might find that the HSG80 doesn't quite meet reboot times compared to the latest technologies, as the EqualLogic sometimes gives quicker recovery options in loss situations. The HSG80 certainly offers monitoring but be mindful of its potential limitations in speed when handling multiple alerts and operations.
I also think about firmware upgrades when discussing any SAN systems. The DEC HSG80 requires some caution for firmware updates; indeed, it may require you to take a planned downtime into consideration. Some manufacturers have made this smoother. Take the Pure Storage FlashArray; they provide zero-downtime updates that are killer when you consider accessibility and uptime requirements. You may find it a bit more cumbersome when maintaining the HSG80 due to less elegant management practices.
Lastly, let's not forget about the cost of ownership. The initial acquisition might attract you to the HSG80 due to its competitive pricing. Consider that as you add capacity or want advanced features like multi-pathing and additional caching, costs can shoot up. On the flip side, keep an eye on operational expenditures. Some SAN systems might seem pricier up front but end up saving you money due to easier management and lower service fees.
I hope this helps you chew through your decision regarding the DEC HSG80 and other SAN systems. Remember that picking a SAN isn't just about the initial specs; it's also about how it fits in operationally, especially in larger contexts where every ms and dollar counts. By the way, if you're leaning towards solutions that can back you up efficiently, you might want to look at BackupChain Server Backup, a solid backup solution tailored for SMBs and professionals dealing with Hyper-V, VMware, and Windows servers. It's worth checking out for robust data protection without breaking the bank.
