Accusys ExaSAN SW16 - Manual (Page 11)

1. Introduction
User Guide Page 1-1
1. Introducing ExaSAN PCIe2.0 switch
1.1 System Overview
Your new ExaSAN (pronounced “X-sa-SAN”) PCIe 2.0 switch “SW16” is one of a family of
PCIexpress based storage and switch solutions from Accusys capable of transferring
data at up to 20 Gb/sec per port. The rack-mount form factor SW16 can be used in SAN
(Storage Area Network) storage solutions for the post production and broadcasting
industries that require high bandwidth shared storage.
1.1.1 What is the ExaSAN Solution
Developed by Accusys, Inc., a worldwide leader in RAID (Redundant Array of
Independent Disks) storage systems, ExaSAN is a family of storage and switch products
that take advantage of well known PCIe (PCI Express) technology speeds, standards,
and roadmap. The current ExaSAN products employ PCIe2.0 protocol that provides a 5
Gb/sec per lane transfers. With 4 lane QSFP (Quad SFP) connectors and cables,
ExaSAN can transfer up to 20 Gb/sec using single port QSFP HBA’s. With a dual port
QSFP HBA, data transfers up to 40 Gb/sec are available to the connected workstation.
The ExaSAN total solution, including its complete line of rack mount systems, tower
systems, PCIe switch systems and accessories, puts the benefits of shared, scalable, and
high-performance storage within easy reach of organizations with limited IT resources
and budgets.
Post production work including non-linear editing (NLE) requires high bandwidth storage
to quickly move the volume of data being processed, and ExaSAN storage solutions
meet those demands. The high bandwidth provided by ExaSAN technology allows the
client to complete editing tasks in a much shorter time to save time and money.
ExaSAN storage is a complete solution that includes the PCIe RAID system, cable and
HBA card.
Figure 1 below depicts the ExaSAN B08S2-PS system solution architecture in a DAS
environment.