Date: 07/11/2011

Broadcom' CNAs with 10Gb FCoE NetApp-Ethernet validation

Broadcom Corporation has announced that its converged network adapters (CNAs) have successfully completed the NetApp-validated Ethernet Advantage Program. NetApp's validation is its ongoing expansion of 10GbE storage and networking ecosystem for Broadcom.

Enterprise data centers demand higher bandwidth and 10GbE Ethernet connectivity to support server virtualization, consolidation and convergence, says Broadcom. The NetApp Ethernet Advantage program is designed to create a trusted ecosystem to accelerate FCoE deployment by offering customers fully tested configurations supported by best-in-class vendors, as per Broadcom. The NetApp Ethernet Advantage Program incorporates automated testing and practices that are used to qualify FCoE solutions. The performance results in the NetApp Interoperability Matrix Tool (IMT) enable customers and partners to verify end-to-end solutions and to design the most robust FCoE, fibre channel, and iSCSI solutions.

Broadcom explains that FCoE solution unites data and storage networks on a common 10GbE fabric, significantly reducing power and cooling costs while minimizing overall system complexity. With performance speeds of up to 1.7 million input/output operations per second (IOPS) - more than 80 percent faster than the nearest competitor - it delivers multiprotocol support including Level 2 (L2) networking, Network Attached Storage (NAS), Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) offload and FCoE offload connectivity, according to Broadcom.

Visit Broadcom at the NetApp Insight Show, Las Vegas, Nov. 1-4, 2011, MGM Grand Hotel.

Patrick Rogers, Corporate Alliances, NetApp said, "As the leader in FCoE storage, NetApp is pleased to work with best-in-class ecosystem partners to deliver the advanced functionality and efficiency of converged Ethernet networks. Broadcom's support for FCoE complements NetApp's Unified Connect solution to help organizations greatly reduces cost and complexity associated with mixed network environments."

Vinod Lakhani, General Manager, High Speed Controllers, Broadcom Corporation said, "Server virtualization, cloud computing, and the need to contain costs and complexity are all major factors driving the need for 10GbE converged network adapters (CNAs). Broadcom is meeting that demand with the world's fastest CNAs and is proud that its fully offloaded FCoE solutions have earned NetApp's certification. This validation adds to Broadcom's growing ecosystem of solution partners including EMC's E-Lab testing. In addition to providing L2 networking and iSCSI support, these CNAs enable the creation of fully-interoperable solutions for our customer's most demanding environments."