| To fully understand the methods employed by Fibre Channel technology, a solid comprehension of the most common Fibre Channel terms is essential. Following are the key terms with which you need to be familiar: Node Fibre Channel devices are called nodes. A node can be a computer (host), adapter, or any device containing one or more Fibre Channel ports. Node ID The node ID is a unique identifier for a node. Port Each node must have at least one port to provide access to other devices if it is connected to a Fibre Channel topology. The port on the node is known as an N_port. In the port-naming convention, N designates node, L designates loop, and F designates fabric. The Fibre Channel port names, types, topologies, and descriptions are listed in the following table. Port | Type | Topology | Description |
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N_port | Node | Point to point or fabric | The port on a specific node | NL_port | Node | Arbitrated loop | The node connected to an arbitrated loop | F_port | Fabric | Switched fabric | The fabric port | FL_port | Fabric | Switched fabric | The fabric connected to an arbitrated loop | L_port | Loop | Arbitrated loop | The hub port on an arbitrated loop |
Link Each Fibre Channel port uses a pair of optical fibers. One of the fibers carries information into the receiver port; the other fiber carries information out of the transmitter port. This pair of fibers is called a link. Topology A Fibre Channel topology is an interconnection scheme that connects two or more Fibre Channel N_ports. The three Fibre Channel topologies are point to point, FC-AL, and FC-SW.
Note For more information on Fibre Channel technology, review A. F. Benner's book Fibre Channel: Gigabit Communication and I/O for Computer Networks. |