A data storage network is a data transfer network between servers and equipment capable of storing information (information storage systems, tape drives, specialized systems for storing backup copies of data). The feature and advantage of a data storage network is high data transfer speed, low delays and fault tolerance of the connection.
The most popular protocol when building a data storage network is the Fiber Channel protocol (FCP). When building a data storage network based on the Fiber Channel protocol, switches from two main manufacturers are used: Brocade and Cisco (MDS series). Brocade switches are supplied through the channels of A-brand server equipment manufacturers.