SAN Replication Upgrade at London Data Center
A leading global cloud provider engaged Introl to significantly modernize their Storage Area Network (SAN) replication infrastructure within a critical data center located in London. The existing setup relied heavily on legacy LC OM3 multimode fiber cabling, causing substantial limitations in performance, scalability, and maintainability. As data workloads continued to grow, the client recognized the urgent need for a major upgrade to accommodate increasing demands and maintain service continuity.
Project Scope
The client’s SAN replication environment faced several pressing technical limitations:
Legacy LC OM3 multimode cabling, restricting bandwidth capabilities and increasing attenuation, especially over longer distances.
Performance bottlenecks caused by outdated fiber infrastructure, resulting in latency issues and reduced reliability during critical replication processes.
Complex cable management due to dense and aging cable infrastructure, complicating maintenance and scalability efforts.
Potential vulnerability to service disruptions or data integrity issues during critical replication tasks.
Introl was tasked with orchestrating a highly complex upgrade project that involved extensive hardware and cabling replacement, stringent deadlines, and minimal allowable downtime.
Technical Execution
Introl proposed and executed a comprehensive technical upgrade, including:
Complete migration from legacy LC OM3 multimode fiber to advanced OM4 MTP structured cabling, significantly boosting bandwidth, reducing latency, and enhancing data integrity over extended cable runs.
Deployment of high-density MTP mirror panels, facilitating simplified and efficient cable management, reducingmaintenance complexity, and improving scalability for future growth.
Integration of state-of-the-art SAN replication hardware and sophisticated replication software, ensuring optimal performance and increased reliability.
Development of detailed and phased cutover plans, rigorously tested to mitigate operational risks.
Extensive technical training for the client’s internal team, ensuring effective long-term management of the upgraded infrastructure.
Implementation
Due to the complexity and critical nature of the project, Introl deployed a dedicated team of 20 experienced technicians on-site for three weeks, meticulously preparing for the cutover:
Pre-implementation Phase:
Detailed on-site audits and existing infrastructure mapping.
Installation of new OM4 MTP structured cabling and mirror panels alongside legacy systems, ensuring readiness for efficient cutover.
Rigorous testing and validation of new infrastructure to confirm expected performance improvements and reliability.
Cutover Execution:
Executed over eight weekends to minimize disruption to operational continuity.
Methodical phased migrations, ensuring replication processes remained stable with minimal downtime.
Comprehensive monitoring and troubleshooting throughout each migration phase.
Post-implementation Phase:
Extensive validation testing and optimization of the newly implemented OM4 MTP infrastructure.
Performance benchmarking to confirm improvements in replication speeds, reliability, and system scalability.
Implementation of ongoing monitoring and management protocols to ensure sustained high-performance operation.
Results
The comprehensive SAN replication upgrade delivered substantial technical and operational improvements:
Significantly increased bandwidth and replication throughput, achieving up to 65% faster replication speeds compared to the previous infrastructure.
Enhanced signal integrity and reduced latency, ensuring reliability and accuracy across critical replication tasks.
Improved cable management through MTP mirror panels, facilitating efficient and simplified future maintenance.
Strengthened disaster recovery capabilities through reliable and rapid replication processes, significantly reducing operational risks.
Future-proofed infrastructure, strategically positioning the client for seamless scalability and continued growth.
The client acknowledged Introl's exceptional technical expertise, meticulous planning, and flawless execution. The upgrade surpassed their expectations, effectively resolving prior bottlenecks and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Client Feedback
Conclusion
Through rigorous planning, dedicated on-site effort, and precise execution over multiple weekends, Introl successfully modernized the SAN replication infrastructure at the London data center. By transitioning to OM4 MTP structured cabling and advanced replication hardware, Introl demonstrated unmatched capabilities in delivering sophisticated, scalable, and reliable infrastructure solutions to meet the complex needs of global cloud providers.