# About SME

The SME solution is a comprehensive network-integrated encryption service with enterprise-class key management that works transparently with existing and new SANs. The innovative Cisco network-integrated solution has numerous advantages over competitive solutions available today:

• SME installation and provisioning are both simple and nondisruptive. Unlike other solutions, SME does not require rewiring or SAN reconfiguration.

• Encryption engines are integrated on the Cisco MDS 9000 18/4-Port Multiservice Module (MSM-18/4), the Cisco MDS 9222i Multiservice Module Switch, and the 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Storage Services Node (SSN-16), which eliminates the need to purchase and manage extra switch ports, cables, and appliances.

• Traffic from any virtual SAN (VSAN) can be encrypted using SME, enabling flexible, automated load balancing through network traffic management across multiple SANs.

• No additional software is required for provisioning, key, and user role management; SME is integrated into Cisco DCNM for SAN (DCNM-SAN), which reduces operating expenses.

Figure 1-1 shows the integration of SME with SAN fabrics to offer seamless management of data encryption.

Figure 1-1 SME

This section covers the following topics:

• SME Features

• SME Terminology

• Supported Topologies

• In-Service Software Upgrade in SME