Need an iSCSI switch

[that1guy15]

Im working with my Virt guy to deploy a one-off solution for a small virtualization setup for another department. We will not own this setup but we want to design them something simple and stable.  The overall build out right now looks like two ESX host (7-10 VMs) with a single storage array using iSCSI or FC. We are running both options along with others and will review with them to make the final choice.

What I am needing to come up with is a solid switch to be used for iSCSI storage. Obviously cost needs to be reasonable but the hardware needs to be stable. At best we don't see needing more than 6-8 iSCSI connections.

Cisco 3850-48 copper are our standard closet build so its in the running if it can handle the load.

Im also looking at the Nexus 3K but Im not a fan of the price for this small of a deployment. We are open to other vendors and Im also thinking an Arista 7048 or 7010 or have even seen recommendations for Dell.

What are your thoughts?

[NetworkGroover]

How much storage traffic are you talking, and in what kind of traffic patterns?  If you have a lot of incast traffic patterns or speed transitions, you may want to make buffering a priority - especially for storage.  You also want to have a smaller oversubscription ratio.

That said, on the Arista front, the 7010T was designed mostly as a 1Gb management switch.  It only has 4MB of buffer, which may be doable for you, but between the two switches you mentioned, I'd definitely go with the 7048T which has 768MB of buffer.

Usually for storage the first recommendation would be the 7280SE as it has 9GB of buffering, but understand this is probably overkill.

[that1guy15]

Thanks dude!

Yeah minimum load with standard traffic. Nothing taxing or high I/O.

[wintermute000]

3850 is perfectly adequate

[burnyd]

Arista ftw.  Deep buffers make it perfect for ip storage.

If you want to go cisco there are some options depending on port speed.  I would recommend the nexus line.  The 9ks are sort of cheep.

[that1guy15]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

Looks like we are going to use the Arista 7048T for this option.

I would love to do this deployment but looks like we will be farming it out No time.

[NetworkGroover]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

Looks like we are going to use the Arista 7048T for this option.

I would love to do this deployment but looks like we will be farming it out No time.

Good deal. Let me know how your experience is, or whoever does it. 

You know.... if you want to play with Arista... there IS this thing called vEOS.. have I mentioned that yet?