IBM System Storage N series N6220 and N6250

IBM System Storage N6220 storage controllers
include:

• Model C15: A single-node base unit
• Model C25: An active/active dual-node base unit
• Model E15: A single-node base unit with an I/O Expansion Module (IOXM)
• Model E25: A coupling of two Model E15s

IBM System Storage N6250 storage controllers
include:

• Model E16: A single-node base unit with IOXM
• Model E26: A coupling of two Model E16s

Exx models contain an I/O expansion module providing additional PCIe slots. The I/O expansion module is not available on Cxx models.

All six models are designed to provide fast data access, simultaneous multiprotocol support, expandability, upgradability, and low maintenance requirements. These six models can be configured as gateways.

These new models are designed to provide:

• Data availability and system-level redundancy to address the needs of business-critical and mission-critical applications
• Single, integrated architecture designed to support concurrent block I/O and file serving over Ethernet and FC SAN infrastructures
• High throughput and fast response times for database, email, and technical applications
• Support for enterprise customers requiring unified access to NAS via FC or iSCSI
• Attachment of FC, SAS, and SATA disk expansion units designed to allow deployment in multiple environments, including data retention, NearStore, disk-to-disk backup scenarios, and high-performance, mission-critical I/O intensive operations

The N6220 and N6250 support EXN1000 SATA storage expansion units, EXN4000 FC storage expansion units, EXN3000 series SAS/SATA expansion units, EXN3200 SATA expansion unit, and EXN3500 SAS expansion units. At least one storage expansion unit must be attached to the N series system.

Key prerequisites
The IBM System Storage N series requires FC, NFS, CIFS, or iSCSI protocol function.

Planned availability date
April 19, 2013