This IBM Redbooks® publication is focused on the IBM b-type SAN Extension platforms and their deployment within IBM® Storage Solutions. IBM b-type SAN Extension platforms provide long-distance storage data transport over Fibre Channel over IP (FCIP), IBM FICON® over IP, or IP Extension (IPEX) protocols.

The content within this book provides the reader an extensive look at the IBM b-type SAN Extension technology, an overview of supported IBM long-distance solutions, infrastructure design, and the best practices for migrating from older generation systems to the latest offerings.

The target audience of this book is network and storage administrators.

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. The IBM SAN42B-R7 and IBM SAN18B-6 Extension Switches

Chapter 3. IBM SAN42B-R7 features

Chapter 4. IBM solution support

Chapter 5. Extension best practices

Chapter 6. Extension refresh guidance

Chapter 7. IBM b-type Extension configuration

Chapter 8. IBM b-type Extension architectures

Chapter 9. IBM SANnav Management Suite 2.3