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EMC Symmetrix DMX-3 Product Guide
Performance and Optimization
Multiple channel directors
The Symmetrix DMX-3 channel directors process data from the host
and manage access to global memory over a direct matrix technology
(Figure 8 on page 54). Each channel director on the Symmetrix
DMX-3 supports eight internal links to global memory. The
Symmetrix DMX-3 may support up to ten qualified channel directors
that support connectivity to either mainframe systems or open
systems hosts.
Note: “Channel director descriptions” on page 76 contains detailed
information on each Symmetrix channel director. Contact your local EMC
Sales Representative for specific supported channel director configurations.
A Symmetrix DMX-3 can support simultaneous connections to
mainframe systems hosts and open systems hosts when the required
Symmetrix ESP software is installed on the Symmetrix system.
The DMX-3 supports these channel directors:
◆ ESCON directors (mainframe hosts)
◆ Fibre Channel directors (open systems hosts)
◆ Multiprotocol channel directors with these mezzanine card
connections for:
• Fibre Channel (open systems hosts)
• GigE for SRDF connectivity
Note: Contact your local EMC Sales Representative for GigE remote
support availability.
•GigE IPv4/v6 (IPsec capable)
• iSCSI (open systems hosts)
• FICON (mainframe hosts)
Channel speeds
and cable lengths
Symmetrix system channel speeds (data transfer rate) and cable
lengths vary according to the type of channel director. This section
describes the data transfer rates and supported cable lengths for the
different channel directors.
Fibre Channels Fibre Channels transfer data at speeds up to 4 Gb/s Symmetrix
systems support multimode cable lengths from 10 ft (three meters) to
1,640 ft (500 m).
Note: Table 22 on page 97 provides more detailed supported cable distance
information. Table 57 on page 304 provides part numbers for EMC Fibre
Channel cables.