SG0-001 · Question #10
Given the below system requirements: - Two Fabrics - Each fabric has 4 switches, 1 core director and 3 edge switches - A new storage array is being added - HA environment that is fully redundant Where
The correct answer is D. Connected to the core; half of the connections to each storage array controller connects to. This question describes a dual-fabric SAN environment with a core-edge topology and asks about the optimal connection strategy for a new, highly available storage array.
Question
Given the below system requirements:
- Two Fabrics
- Each fabric has 4 switches, 1 core director and 3 edge switches
- A new storage array is being added
- HA environment that is fully redundant
Where would a storage administrator MOST likely place the storage and how many connections would the administrator need to connect the array to the environment?
Options
- AConnected to the core; all connections from the storage array controller 1 go to fabric A and
- BConnected to the edge switches; each controller has its connections balanced between all
- CConnected to the edge switches; controller 1 has its connections balanced between all edge
- DConnected to the core; half of the connections to each storage array controller connects to
How the community answered
(63 responses)- A19% (12)
- B3% (2)
- C11% (7)
- D67% (42)
Why each option
This question describes a dual-fabric SAN environment with a core-edge topology and asks about the optimal connection strategy for a new, highly available storage array.
Connecting all connections from one storage controller to a single fabric violates the requirement for full redundancy, as a failure in that fabric would isolate the controller.
Connecting storage directly to edge switches is generally not recommended for high-bandwidth storage arrays in a core-edge design, as edge switches are typically for host connectivity. Also, the description for balancing connections is not specific enough for dual-fabric redundancy.
Similar to option B, connecting to edge switches is less ideal for core-connected storage in this topology, and the connection distribution described does not fully emphasize the crucial split across the two distinct fabrics for redundancy.
In a core-edge SAN topology requiring high availability and full redundancy, storage arrays are typically connected to the core switches or directors due to their high port density and central connectivity. To ensure redundancy across the two fabrics and balance the load, half of the connections from each storage array controller should connect to the core switch(es) in Fabric A, and the other half to the core switch(es) in Fabric B. This design ensures continued storage access even if one fabric or core switch fails.
Concept tested: SAN core-edge design and redundant storage connectivity
Source: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/storage-networking/mds-9000-series-multilayer-switches/white_paper_c11-736528.html
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