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Our idea is, to have a backup server in building A and a tape library in building B. Building A and B are already connected via OS2 SingleMode.

The tape library is only available with a MultiMode FC transceiver.

Our idea was to put a FC-HBA (SM-Transceiver) into the backup server, connect it to the SingleMode patch panel in building A using a SingleMode-Cable.

In building B we would put an active SingleMode to MultiMode converter in between, with a SingleMode-Cable coming from the patch panel and a MultiMode-Cable going to the tape library.

So far, everyone I've talked to says this is impossible, but I am missing (or don't understand) the central point why.

One possible solution would be, to put the backup server and tape library next to each other and connect them directly using a MultiMode FC-HBA on the backup server side.

Then why can't I connect them using the extra SM<->MM converter.

I was told, that the components would not "find" each other. But how could they, when connecting directly via MultiMode?

Using a FC-Switch would solve the problem, so I was told, but the costs are simply to high for the use case.

So, why does a direct connection work, and putting a mode converter in between does not?

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    What kind of converter are you referring to? Any dual-SFP+ media converter would need to be of the unmanaged, dual simplex type and support FC-compatible transceivers. And why don't you put SMF transceivers in your existing FC switch and connect your backup server in building B? Commented Oct 29, 2024 at 18:25
  • I had in mind using something like this: "Mini Unmanaged 1x 10GBase-X to 1x 10GBase-X 2SFP+ Slots 10Gigabit Fiber Media Converter, European Plug Standard" (available at fs.com). Regarding the FC Switch: We don't have a FC Switch. Commented Oct 29, 2024 at 22:15
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    "xBASE-X" indicates Ethernet compatibility. You should ask their support whether it might be compatible with FC signaling (my guess, they can't tell and chances are 20:80 against). Anyway, without express vendor support you're entering experimental territory here. Commented Oct 30, 2024 at 7:30
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    Then it seems to be dumb enough and up to 8GFC should work. Commented Oct 31, 2024 at 7:30
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    Any kind of (Ethernet) frame-level processing (e.g. switching, in-band management) would prevent FC operation. Commented Oct 31, 2024 at 8:10

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