Tape drive Connectivity – Fiber channel Vs SAS

backupfibre-channelltosastape

We want to change our tape backup system and acquire a LTO8 tape drive.

Something that I cannot find the answer easily is what are the pro&con of the connectivty by Fiber channel or SAS.

For the moment I have find that :

  • SAS 6Gb max // Direct connection less latency // Need SAS card on the server (or hypervisor)
  • Fiber 10Gb max // can be shared by several Servers // A virtual server can be used

Our network for internal server is 10Gb so It's tempting to take the fiber option.

Do I forget something ?


Edit :
Our Configuration is a 10 Gb Network dedicated (No VLAN tags) Admin Lan mixed in Rj45 and FC (which means only NAS servers // Replication server // Backup server // switches).

So the tape drive will be connected directly to a Switch//Server not a SAN.

Best Answer

You order whatever fits your current equipment/strategy. Performance-wise there's no difference.

SAS is generally cheaper for direct-attached but Fibre Channel offers the opportunity for FC SAN integration.

Our network for internal server is 10Gb

Your Ethernet network doesn't matter - Fibre Channel is not compatible with that. If you're not already into FC, go with SAS.