3.4 Fibre Channel Basics

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3.4 Fibre Channel Basics

Fibre Channel has a number of new terms having no previous association with other protocols. For example, SCSI has Initiators and Targets, and Fibre Channel has Originators and Responders. In Fibre Channel, the Originators are devices that originate (initiate) a transaction or operation. The Responders then, answer the operation of the Originators. Also refer to the glossary in the back of this book for complete definitions of all terms.

The following pages will describe more terms, as well as the names of some of the pieces and parts of Fibre Channel technology/topologies. A node is a device. A device is any processor or mass storage subsystem with Fibre Channel functionality. A node has at least one port (in N_Port, the N stands for node) and can have multiple ports. A port is the connecting interface between the cable and the device, located on the device. The cable is referred to as the link. Fibre Channel is based on full duplex operation. Therefore two fibers, (TX and RX) one to transmit and one to receive, are required to operate a port. The term fiber in this case can be a copper cable or an optical strand cable.

Figure 3-2. Basic Terms: Node, Port, and Link
graphics/03fig02.gif
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Storage Area Networks. Designing and Implementing a Mass Storage System
Storage Area Networks: Designing and Implementing a Mass Storage System
ISBN: 0130279595
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2000
Pages: 88

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