Chapter 3. Overview of Network Operating Principles

Upon completing this chapter, you will be able to:

• Discuss the history of the Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) Parallel Interface (SPI), Ethernet, TCP/IP, and Fibre Channel (FC)

• Explain the difference between baud, raw bit, and data bit rates

• Quantify the actual throughput available to SCSI via the SPI, Internet SCSI (iSCSI), and Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP)

• Recognize the various physical topologies

• State which logical topologies are supported by the SPI, Ethernet, IP, and FC

• Define the basic techniques for service and device discovery

• Describe the discovery mechanisms used in SPI, Ethernet, TCP/IP, and FC environments

This chapter characterizes Ethernet, the TCP/IP suite, and Fibre Channel. These network technologies enable open systems block-oriented storage networking. We also examine the SCSI parallel interface (SPI) for historical perspective. Each section begins with a general characterization of the technology, to give readers a historical perspective on the development of each technology. Each section then examines throughput capabilities, supported topologies, and techniques for discovery of the operating environment. To help readers fully understand the discussion of each technology, this chapter begins with some useful background information.