This module enables large and scalable deployment of SAN extension solutions. The SAN extension module has two independent service engines that can each be individually and incrementally enabled to scale as business requirements expand. The SAN extension module supports the full range of services available on other Cisco MDS 9000 Family Fiber Channel switching modules, including virtual SAN (VSAN), security, and traffic management services. The FCIP module uses Cisco expertise and knowledge of IP networks to deliver outstanding SAN extension performance, reducing latency for disk and tape operations with FCIP acceleration features, including FCIP write acceleration and FCIP tape write and read acceleration. Hardware-based encryption helps secure sensitive traffic with IP Security (IPsec), and hardware-based compression dramatically enhances performance for both high- and low-speed links, enabling immediate cost savings in expensive WAN infrastructure. Multiple FCIP interfaces within a single engine or across service engines can be grouped into a port channel of up to 16 links for high availability and increased aggregate throughput.