Intel cost-effectively doubles performance of fibre channel storage systems to enable emerging applications

Intel Corporation today introduced two optical transceivers that will double the performance of Fibre Channel storage systems at about the same cost.

The new transceivers support the 4Gbps Fibre Channel specification, which is emerging as a solution to bottlenecks occurring in today`s 2Gbps storage-area networks, but where 10Gbps systems would not be required.

"Video- and graphics-rich applications, plus new requirements for increased document retention and security, are driving the need for faster storage networks," said Bob Zona, marketing director of Intel`s Optical Products Division. "The new 4Gbps transceivers are aimed at systems that can meet those needs, and at roughly the same price as 2Gbps transceivers when purchased in volume."

"Emulex is working with Intel and other key industry players to ensure broad deployment of reliable and robust 4Gbps Fibre Channel solutions," said Mike Smith, Emulex executive vice-president of worldwide marketing. "As the first company to deliver 4Gbps embedded storage switches, Emulex is fully committed to deploying a broad family of building-block solutions for 4Gbps technology. We are working closely with Intel to ensure complete compatibility and interoperability of our planned 4Gbps products with Intel`s new optical transceivers."

The two 4Gbps optical transceivers Intel introduced today are aimed at host bus adaptors (HBA), switches and redundant-array-of-independent-disks (RAID) modules that provide high-speed optical connections for the emerging generation of 4Gbps Fibre Channel storage systems. Both products are compatible with 2- and 1Gbps in the field today, providing an easy, cost-effective upgrade path. The new transceivers conform to multi-source agreements (MSA) -- standards that define electrical, physical and other characteristics, providing storage equipment makers with compatible building blocks that reduce design time and cost.

The new Intel TXN31015 optical transceiver is based on the compact Small Form Factor (SFF) MSA, and is targeted at HBAs and RAID applications in storage-area networks. The Intel TXN31115 optical transceiver is based on the Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) MSA and is designed for 4Gbps Fibre Channel switches. Its hot-plug capability enables flexible installation during manufacturing and in the field. Both transceivers are designed to operate on the 850nm multimode optical fibre found in 90% of enterprise networks.

"The new transceivers complement our broad line of 10Gbps transceivers, offering storage system vendors a range of optical options for all levels of storage systems," Zona said.

The Intel TXN31015 and TXN31115 transceivers are sampling today, and will be shipping in production quantities in the second half of 2004. They are priced at $47 in sample quantities of 1 000, and will be price competitive with 2/1Gbps solutions in volume orders.

Rounding out Intel`s optical transceiver family are two new transceivers for entry-level 2- and 1Gbps Fibre Channel and Ethernet storage systems. The new 2/1Gbps Intel TXN31011 SFF and TXN31111 SFP transceivers operate at 2- and 1Gbps Fibre Channel and at 1Gbps Ethernet rates. They are designed for Fibre Channel HBAs and switches, and Ethernet network interface cards. Both are available now and priced at $35 in quantities of 1 000.