iSCSI or Fibre for Video Editing

[specialk90]

Hello.

I need to add a server to hold all our video assets for video editing. I need over 200MB/s read/write for my main workstation (HP Z800) and the other workstations can suffice with 50-60MB/s read speed. As I have just learned that bonding does not increase throughput for a single connection, I am looking into using a 10Gb NIC in both the server and the Z800 and a 2port 1Gb NIC in the server connected to a switch for the other 2 workstations.

1) With a single 10TB volume with all video assets, is it possible to use both the 10Gb and the 1Gb NICs for the 3 workstations? I need to keep costs down so a 10Gb switch is out of the question.

2) With DSS, is there any reason to use Fibre instead of the 10Gb NIC?

3) Also, is the Open-E DSS good for video editing use? I assume so as it is just a file server but I need to be certain.

4) Is DSS user friendly or does it require someone very knowledgeable in networking to setup?

5) What difference is there between CX4 and ethernet for the 10Gb and an 80' distance between the Z800 and server?

6) One last question: for the storage allotment, does it go by total drive space or formatted space? With 6 2TB drives in Raid 5 and 4 1TB drives in Raid 10, that is 16TB total but only 12TB available, and plus 2 80GB drives in R1 for DSS.

FYI, all workstations are HP (Z400, Z600, Z800) running Win 7 Pro x64. I will build the server myself using parts I already have in the Z800 - an Areca 1680ix-8 & BBU and 6 2TB Seagate Constellation ES drives in Raid 5. For NICs, I will use Intel.

THANKS!!!!

[SeanLeyne]

1) With a single 10TB volume with all video assets, is it possible to use both the 10Gb and the 1Gb NICs for the 3 workstations? I need to keep costs down so a 10Gb switch is out of the question.

2) With DSS, is there any reason to use Fibre instead of the 10Gb NIC?

3) Also, is the Open-E DSS good for video editing use? I assume so as it is just a file server but I need to be certain.

4) Is DSS user friendly or does it require someone very knowledgeable in networking to setup?

5) What difference is there between CX4 and ethernet for the 10Gb and an 80' distance between the Z800 and server?

6) One last question: for the storage allotment, does it go by total drive space or formatted space? With 6 2TB drives in Raid 5 and 4 1TB drives in Raid 10, that is 16TB total but only 12TB available, and plus 2 80GB drives in R1 for DSS.

FYI, all workstations are HP (Z400, Z600, Z800) running Win 7 Pro x64. I will build the server myself using parts I already have in the Z800 - an Areca 1680ix-8 & BBU and 6 2TB Seagate Constellation ES drives in Raid 5. For NICs, I will use Intel.

THANKS!!!!

Here are my answers:

1) Yes, you can mix 10Gbe and 1Gbe connection. Through, you could use multiple 10Gbe cards cards with connections to each workstation.

2) First is the cost. CX4 adapter are inexpensive (about the same as 1Gbe), Fiber adapters/connections more expensive.

Second is connection distances. Fiber connections can be made over very, very long distances (miles). CX4 connections are limited to 15 meters unless you use active cables like the EMCORE Connects Cables (formerly from Intel) which allow connections up to 100 meters.

3) I don't have any direct experience in your needs so I can't comment.

4) DSS is fairly simple, but you do need to have basic knowledge of networking.

5) With the right cables there is no difference.

6) DSS is licensed based on available/formatted storage space.