By combining general information about Storage Area Networks (SANs) with specific information about the SilkWorm line of Fibre Channel switches from Brocade Communications Systems, Building SANs with Brocade Fabric Switches provides great value to information systems engineers interested in planning and implementing network storage solutions. Written in large part by two Brocade engineers--with support from their organization--this book is the definitive one to have if you've chosen a Brocade system, and not a bad choice by any means if you're working with a competitor's equipment. The authors' coverage of Fibre Channel fundamentals (including physical cabling and connectors) is particularly illuminating.

Chris Beauchamp and Josh Judd recognize that building a SAN may be a new kind of project for many of their readers, and so they spend time discussing SANs' goals and the process of discovering user requirements through interviews. They work through the design process from there, showing how to allocate transmission capacity, provision storage space, and decide on a topology. Their teaching technique is a combination of text and prose (like watching a slide show in a conference room) and bright question-and-answer sections that help clarify specific details. There are some command-line listings, as well. Overall, the treatment is comprehensive and a pleasure to absorb. --David Wall

Topics covered: The design and implementation of Storage Area Networks (SANs) via Fibre Channel networks and equipment in Brocade Communications Systems' SilkWorm line. Fibre Channel fundamentals, SAN design goals, the SilkWorm line, the design process, and troubleshooting all are covered well.