

( Brand: Ibm ), ( Type: Server Options ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 43W6720 U )
The IBM 43W6720 and 43W6726 4GB Pass-Thru Modules are high-performance, enterprise-grade storage solutions designed to provide an additional layer of flexibility and scalability to IBM Power Systems servers. These modules are ideally suited for environments where virtualized workloads demand direct access to storage, requiring unparalleled throughput and low latency.
Both the 43W6720 and 43W6726 models are identical in form factor and functionality, with the primary difference being their respective capacities: The 43W6720 supports four 3.5-inch HDDs or SAS SSDs, while the 43W6726 accommodates eight 2.5-inch HDDs or SAS SSDs.
Each module delivers up to 360GB/s total bandwidth for data transfer, ensuring that demanding workloads like databases, large-scale virtualization, and data analytics systems have ample resources to operate smoothly and efficiently. The modules also offer dual active-active controllers, providing high availability, VM mobility, and load balancing capabilities without interruption.
Additionally, these modules are fully interoperable with various IBM Power Systems servers, including the Power Systems E950, E980, Flex System 7200 and system S924, among others. They also support IBM Virtual Volumes, which simplifies the storage management process through a VM-centric policy-driven approach.
These pass-thru modules come with a (IDE/SAS) HBA to enable transfer and connection of diverse storage devices, making them a perfect fit for environments that require direct access to local storage without the need for additional virtualization layers.
Key features include:* Flexible, high-performance storage with support for HDD and SAS SSDs
* Highly scalable, with options for 4 or 8 drives for the 43W6720 and 43W6726 models, respectively
* Dual active-active controllers for high availability and workload balancing
* Interoperability with multiple IBM Power Systems servers
* Integrated HBA for easy connection to storage devices
* IBM Virtual Volumes enabled for simplified storage management.
The IBM 43W6720 and 43W6726 4GB Pass-Thru Modules are a robust and dependable solution catering to the demanding needs of enterprise storage deployments. Their high bandwidth, low latency, and scalability make them an ideal choice for complex, data-intensive workloads.
IBM 43W6720 and IBM 43W6726 are 4GB Fibre Channel Pass-Thru Modules designed for IBM Power Systems servers. These modules allow a server to directly access IBM disk arrays without requiring a host bus adapter (HBA) or a fabric-attached storage (FAS) switch. It's essential to consider the pros and cons before deciding to invest in these modules for your IBM Power Systems environment.
Pros of using IBM 43W6720 and IBM 43W6726 4GB Pass-Thru Modules:1. Direct Access to Storage: Eliminating the need for intermediary hardware like HBAs or FAS switches provides faster data transfer rates and lower latency, enhancing overall storage performance.
2. Simplified Management: Directly attaching storage to the server simplifies management by removing the need to handle components like HBAs.
3. Reduced Cabling: With a pass-thru module, fewer cables are required for connection since two ports are available on each module.
4. Improved Flexibility: The modular design allows for easy upgrades, repairs, or replacement of the host bus controller without affecting the rest of the system.
Cons of using IBM 43W6720 and IBM 43W6726 4GB Pass-Thru Modules:1. Expensive: These 4GB modules might be more expensive compared to other storage options like iSCSI or Fibre Channel SANs, especially when purchasing additional components such as switches.
2. Limited Scalability: The 4GB memory limit might not scale well for large enterprise applications; organizations may need to invest in multiple modules to cover their storage requirements.
3. Limited Compatibility: These modules are IBM-specific and not compatible with non-IBM systems.
Conclusion:IBM 43W6720 and IBM 43W6726 4GB Pass-Thru Modules offer the advantage of direct server-to-storage access with faster performance and simplified management. However, their higher cost, limited scalability, and specific compatibility restrictions must be carefully considered before making a purchase for your IBM Power Systems storage environment.
Recommendation:If you're looking for high-performance storage for your IBM Power Systems and can justify the expense, IBM 43W6720 and IBM 43W6726 4GB Pass-Thru Modules are a valid option as they simplify management, provide faster access to storage, and reduce the number of cables required. If your enterprise requires more extensive storage capabilities or is not entirely committed to the IBM ecosystem, you may consider alternative technologies like iSCSI, FAS, or other storage configurations.
IBM 43W6720 43W6726 4GB INTELLIGENT PASS-THRU MODULE.