FCP for the IBM eServer zSeries systems: Access to distributed storage

The IBM eServer zSeries FCP (Fibre Channel Protocol for SCSI) channel provides “Linux for zSeries” the capability to access storage devices using SCSI and FCP protocols, thus enabling it to make use of distributed storage. Leveraging the zSeries-unique virtualization approach for industry-standard storage devices as well, the zSeries FCP channel provides unique value in UNIX and Linux environments. This paper describes the major differences between traditional and distributed storage attachments of zSeries systems. Furthermore, it describes the implementation of the zSeries FCP channel, its unique capabilities and characteristics, and how it is implemented by Linux for zSeries.