FCoE vs. FCIP, What is the difference?

Managing data is a crucial operation for an enterprise, and it requires a strong, robust design to meet the demands of business operations. As a result, storage area networks (SANs) have become increasingly popular. In addition to providing centralized storage for large amounts of data, they also provide sufficient access to the information they collect. 

There is no doubt that with SANs, multiple types of connections will have to be used to fulfill every need within the system, which means you will be working with both copper and fiber optic connections simultaneously. A method that bridges the gap between the different infrastructures is necessary when those other systems need to communicate. 

When it comes to building a connection between fiber channels and Ethernet, there are several options that you have at your disposal. There are two of them, which are FCoE and FCIP. Each represents a wide range of approaches to creating and maintaining cross-system communication. You must be familiar with each to make informed decisions regarding networking.

What is FCoE?

FCoE stands for Fiber Channel over Ethernet, is a storage protocol that enables Fiber Channel (FC) communication to run directly over Ethernet without needing additional power requirements. With Fiber Channel over Ethernet, the storage protocols can be converged into one single cable conveyance and interface, increasing the speed and security of your data. With this technology, Fiber Channel traffic can be moved across the existing Ethernet infrastructure to maximize performance.

A primary goal of FCoE is the consolidation of I/O (input/output), reducing the complexity of switches, and reducing cable and interface card counts found in the systems. There has been a slow adoption of FCoE since few end-to-end FCoE devices are available, and some organizations are unwilling to change how they implement and manage their networks.

In the past, organizations have used Ethernet network components for Ethernet networks, while Fiber Channel for storage networks is traditionally compatible with TCP/IP networks. The Fiber Channel gateway supports high-speed data connection between computing devices, meaning that servers can connect to shared storage devices and storage controllers can connect to drives. The Fiber Channel to Ethernet (FCoE) solution allows organizations to separate Fiber Channel traffic from Ethernet traffic on the same hardware or share Fiber Channel traffic with other users on the same physical cable.

Using Ethernet fabric and frame format, this technology can deliver lossless data. A high-speed Ethernet link is used instead of Fiber Channel links between devices, while Fiber Channel’s device communications remain intact.

It is commonly used in blade server configurations because it makes the system more scalable and the communication options more convenient. As a result of the ability for specialized servers to switch from copper to fiber of communication according to the business needs, administrators can use both LAN and SAN distribution based on their requirements. As a result, it is a highly adaptable solution.

What is FCIP?

FCIP stands for Fiber Channel over IP. It is interesting to note that the performance of storage transport over IP networks is limited, especially over public networks, due to the latency in ISP networks, so FCIP comes into play in this situation. The Fiber Channel over IP protocol allows the FC SAN to be transparently connected over an IP network. By tunneling FC SANs to SANs across geographically differing locations, it can be added to the network architecture. Several solutions enable access to storage throughout an organization through FCIP.

It is essential to understand that FCIP primarily consolidates input and output. Replacing fiber links with Ethernet enables different types of devices to communicate in areas that would otherwise be inaccessible, as Ethernet would replace fiber links.

There is no built-in security mechanism in the FCIP protocol. As a key management protocol, it relies upon the IPSEC and the IPSEC protocol suite for data confidentiality and authentication. An IP protocol used to transport Fiber Channel frames over IP links is known as FCIP. 

To control congestion, detect, and recover from errors, FCIP makes use of the TCP mechanism. An FCIP Link binds TCP connections to the pair of Fiber Channel entities to implement Inter-Switch Links between them. A fiber channel over IP technology combines several transport technologies to meet the dual requirements of sharing storage data and communicating over a distance, such as bandwidth.

FCoE vs. FCIP, What are the differences?

Applicability

With FCoE, enterprises can unify their data and storage into one converged network, while The FCIP protocol transfers data between networks using a tunnel. In FCIP, FC frames are transported across networks over IP via a tunneling protocol.

Usage Stage

FCoE is effective across all stages of the network – network to network, host to the network, and network to storage, while as far as FCIP is concerned, it only works at one stage, which is switch to switch.

Routing

FCoE does not run TCP/IP at the Ethernet Layer, and it cannot be routed over networks, while FCIP does have the capability of routing over networks.

Scope

There is a limitation to FCoE within a Data Center, while FCIP is applicable across all Data Centers of an enterprise using a Storage System.

Model of operation

At the Ethernet layer, FCoE operates directly over Ethernet as part of the protocol stack without requiring TCP or IP to execute the protocol. In contrast, the FCIP protocol transmits Fiber channel frames over TCP or IP, making it possible to route FCIP Fiber channel frames over current routers and Ethernet switches.

Final Thoughts

Two very different mechanisms in these setups enable communication between the fiber and copper networks. It is crucial to pick the correct methodology for implementing cross-communication applications in most high-end networking applications. FCIP is the most effective way to create tunnels to ensure seamless communication between different networks. With FCoE, you never have to worry about changing the communication method between various devices within your SAN if you need to change how your server communicates.

Read more:

• Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) technology frequently asked questions
• What is FCoE?