ATTO FibreBridge 7500N FC-SAS Storage Bridge Controller

ATTO FibreBridge 7500N - 16Gb Fibre Channel to 12Gb SAS/SATA Storage Bridge Controller

The ATTO FibreBridge 7500N is an enterprise-class storage controller designed to seamlessly bridge 16-Gigabit Fibre Channel Storage Area Networks (SANs) with 12-Gigabit SAS and SATA storage devices. This high-performance bridge enables organizations to connect multiple shelves of cost-effective SAS/SATA JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks) storage to their Fibre Channel infrastructure, virtualizing and aggregating storage capacity while maintaining carrier-class reliability and ultra-low latency performance.

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Technical Specifications:

  • Product Model: ATTO FibreBridge 7500N
  • Part Numbers: FCBR-7500-DN1, 4163-0054-R00, FB7500N
  • NetApp Part Number: X1613A (when sold as NetApp qualified)
  • Form Factor: 1U (1.7 inches) rack-mountable
  • Architecture: Intelligent storage controller with patented Drive Map Director

Upstream Connectivity - Fibre Channel:

  • FC Ports: Dual independent 16 Gb/s Fibre Channel ports
  • Port Type: SFP+ optical connectors
  • Supported Data Rates: Auto-negotiating 16, 8, or 4 Gbps
  • Connection Modes:
    • Direct attachment to vendor-specified host FC HBAs
    • Fabric attachment to vendor-specified FC switches
    • Point-to-point (PTP) connection mode
  • Cable Type: Multimode fiber optic cable
  • Maximum Initiators: Up to 64 Fibre Channel initiators supported

Downstream Connectivity - SAS/SATA:

  • SAS Ports: Four (4) 12 Gb/s SAS/SATA ports (x4 wide)
  • Connector Type: Mini-SAS HD (High Density) cable plug connectors
  • Supported Data Rates: 12 Gb/s and 6 Gb/s (auto-negotiating)
  • Maximum Storage Devices: Up to 240 SAS/SATA disks (SSDs and HDDs)
  • Supported Devices: Vendor-specified disk shelves via SAS interface
  • Port Disable Feature: Unused SAS ports can be disabled for security

Performance Characteristics:

  • Latency: Less than 4 microseconds of added latency
  • Acceleration Technology: ATTO proprietary acceleration optimizes small block transfers
  • Performance Profile: Optimized for transactional environments and small I/O operations
  • Parallel Processing: Maximizes host-to-storage data flow with no services in the data path
  • Built-in PCIe Analyzer: Analyzes I/O paths for performance optimization by viewing commands in flight

Storage Virtualization & Aggregation:

  • Capacity Aggregation: Virtualizes multiple SAS/SATA disk shelves as Fibre Channel LUNs
  • Patented Drive Map Director: Simplifies Fibre Channel LUN installation and reduces maintenance costs
  • Flexible Architecture: Allows IT departments to architect storage solutions without vendor lock-in
  • Modular Design: Data center building block for custom storage architectures

Management & Monitoring:

Multiple Management Interfaces:

  • ATTO ExpressNAV System Manager: Web-based graphical management interface
  • Command Line Interface (CLI): ASCII-based interface via serial console or SSH
  • SNMP: Network management protocol support (deprecated in newer ONTAP versions)
  • In-Band Management: Management via FC ports (ONTAP 9.5 and later)
  • Out-of-Band Management: Via dedicated Ethernet ports

Management Ports:

  • Ethernet Ports: Dual 100/1000BASE-T Ethernet management ports (RJ-45)
    • Ethernet Management 1: Primary management interface
    • Ethernet Management 2: Secondary management interface
  • Serial Console: RS-232 serial header console port (RJ-45 connector)
  • USB: USB interface for configuration backup/restore

Management Capabilities:

  • DHCP support for automatic IP address assignment
  • Firmware updates via FTP or web interface
  • Core file retrieval and log extraction
  • Event logging with configurable filters
  • Real-time monitoring and alerting
  • Temperature monitoring and thermal management

High Availability & Redundancy:

  • Dual Hot-Swappable Power Supplies:
    • Can operate with single power supply for maintenance
    • Each supply includes IEC320 power receptacle and integrated cooling fan
    • Input: 100-240 VAC, 1A, 50/60Hz auto-sensing
    • Load-sharing for balanced power distribution
  • Redundant Cooling: Integrated fans in each power supply
  • Front-to-Rear Airflow: Integrates with data center cooling systems for efficient heat removal
  • No Single Point of Failure: Dual FC ports, dual SAS paths, dual power supplies

LED Indicators & Diagnostics:

Front Panel LEDs:

  • Ready: Green LED indicates bridge ready status
  • Alert: Yellow LED indicates alert condition
  • Power Supply LEDs: Green for on/ready, amber for unplugged/failed supply
  • FC Port Activity: Green LED indicates port activity

Rear Panel LEDs:

  • Power Supply Status: Blue for ready, blinking red for failed/unplugged supply
  • Ready/Alert: Green for ready, yellow for alert
  • Ethernet Link/Activity: Embedded green LEDs in RJ-45 connectors
  • Ethernet Speed: Green LED indicates 100MbE or 1000MbE connection
  • FC Port Link: Green LED indicates FC link established
  • SAS Device Activity: LEDs below mini-SAS HD connectors

Alert System:

The FibreBridge provides comprehensive event monitoring with severity levels:

  • Critical Alerts: Temperature extremes, power supply failures
  • Warning Alerts: Throughput thresholds exceeded
  • Info Alerts: FC/SAS port transitions, connectivity state changes
  • Throughput Monitoring: Aggregate I/O measurements per second on FC interfaces

Physical Specifications:

  • Dimensions:
    • Width: 17 inches
    • Depth: 11 inches
    • Height: 1.7 inches (1U)
  • Weight: Approximately 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
  • Mounting: Standard 19-inch rack-mountable with included rack kit

Environmental Specifications:

  • Operating Temperature: Monitored and reported via management interface
  • Thermal Protection: Automatic alerts when temperature exceeds safe operating range
  • Power Consumption: Energy-efficient design saves up to 25% power versus native FC components
  • Cooling Flow: Front-to-rear airflow compatible with standard data center cooling

Standards & Certifications:

  • Safety: TUV 72141224, EN 60950, CE, CSA 60950, UL 60950, CB IEC60950-1
  • Emissions/Immunity: FCC Part 15 Class B, ICES-003, CE (EN55022, EN55024), IEC61000-3-2, IEC61000-3-3
  • RoHS Compliance: Directive 2011/65/EC (RoHS2 recast) compliant
  • EMC Directive: Complies with EU EMC and Low Voltage Directives

Firmware & Software:

  • Firmware Version: Ships with version 2.96 or later (upgradeable)
  • Base Version: 125.06
  • Update Methods: Web interface, FTP, serial console
  • Configuration Backup: Save/restore configurations via USB or network

Qualified Platforms & Compatibility:

The FibreBridge 7500N has been qualified with industry-leading storage and SAN infrastructure:

NetApp Compatibility:

  • Used extensively in NetApp MetroCluster configurations
  • ONTAP integration for in-band management (9.5+)
  • Qualified with NetApp disk shelves and controllers
  • Supports fabric-attached and stretch MetroCluster topologies

General Compatibility:

  • Vendor-specified FC HBAs and switches
  • Vendor-specified SAS disk shelves
  • Enterprise SAN fabrics
  • Multi-vendor storage environments

Ideal Applications:

  • Storage Consolidation: Aggregate multiple SAS/SATA shelves into unified Fibre Channel storage pools
  • SAN Extension: Extend FC SAN infrastructure to cost-effective SAS/SATA storage
  • MetroCluster Deployments: NetApp MetroCluster stretch and fabric-attached configurations
  • Hybrid Storage Tiers: Combine high-performance SSD and high-capacity HDD storage
  • Data Center Modernization: Leverage existing FC infrastructure while adopting modern SAS storage
  • Cost Optimization: Reduce storage costs by using commodity SAS/SATA drives with FC connectivity
  • Backup & Archive: Large-capacity nearline storage accessible via FC SAN
  • Video Surveillance Storage: High-capacity storage for IP camera systems

Key Advantages:

  • Ultra-Low Latency: Less than 4 microseconds added latency maintains application performance
  • High Capacity: Support for up to 240 SAS/SATA devices in a single bridge
  • Energy Efficient: 25% power savings versus native FC components
  • Vendor Independence: Modular architecture avoids vendor lock-in
  • Proven Reliability: Qualified with leading storage platforms and SAN infrastructure
  • Simplified Management: Patented Drive Map Director reduces LUN configuration complexity
  • Flexible Deployment: Direct-attach or fabric configurations supported
  • Enterprise Support: ATTO dedicated program management with guaranteed response times

Included Components:

Typical package includes:

  • 1 x ATTO FibreBridge 7500N controller
  • 2 x Hot-swappable power supplies
  • 1 x Rack-mount kit
  • Power cables (IEC320)
  • Documentation and quick start guide

Note: Some configurations may ship without power supplies installed; verify included components when ordering.

Warranty & Support:

  • ATTO Technology Limited Warranty (terms vary by purchase)
  • Regular firmware updates and maintenance programs
  • Dedicated program management with escalation process
  • Guaranteed response times for enterprise customers

Why Choose the ATTO FibreBridge 7500N:

The FibreBridge 7500N delivers the perfect solution for organizations seeking to maximize their FC SAN investment while leveraging cost-effective SAS and SATA storage technologies. With ultra-low latency (less than 4 microseconds), support for up to 240 storage devices, dual-ported redundancy, and comprehensive management capabilities, this bridge controller enables data centers to architect flexible, high-performance storage solutions without vendor lock-in. The intelligent controller architecture with ATTO acceleration technology ensures optimal performance for transactional workloads, while the patented Drive Map Director simplifies deployment and ongoing maintenance. Extensively qualified with NetApp ONTAP systems and other enterprise platforms, the FibreBridge 7500N represents a proven, reliable foundation for mission-critical storage infrastructure.

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