A list and description of supported components of the Xsan
- Client
- Typically this is a regular Apple G5 or Intel Apple
- Also possible is a Windows PC/Server using the right StorNext FX SAN client. (See also Apple KB # 303222)
- Metadata Controller (MDC)
- This is usually an Apple Xserve but can also be a regular G5 or Intel Apple
- Storage
- Usually an Apple Xserve Raid
- Ethernet Network
- It is highly recommended you have a separate ethernet network that doesn't access the internet or use any services, this network is strictly for the Xsan metadata. The most simple GBit ethernet switch is ok, the simpler the better. (this has to do with the latency in the more advanced Ethernet switches).
- Fibre Channel Network
- All of your clients and metatdata controllers will communicate with the storage over fibre
- Xsan Software
- Xsan requires every client and every MDC to have a license.
- The pricing of the StorNext FX is a bit higher than Xsan. And is only a client license. It is not possible to use the StorNext FX as a MDC.