HP StorageWorks MSA 2/8, StorageWorks Extended Fabric 3.1, StorageWorks Extended Fabric 4.1 User Manual

user guide

hp StorageWorks

extended fabric version

3.1.x/4.1.x

Product Version: 3.1.x/4.1.x

Third Edition (June 2003)

Part Number: AA–RTSDC–TE

This guide introduces Extended Fabric and describes how to activate and use Extended Fabric.

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Printed in the U.S.A.

Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide
Third Edition (June 2003)
Part Number: AA–RTSDC–TE

3Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

contents

Contents

About this Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Intended Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Related Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Text Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

HP Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

HP Storage Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

HP Authorized Reseller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1 Introducing Extended Fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Extended Fabric Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2 Installing Extended Fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Verifying Activated Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Activating the License Using Web Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Activating the License Using Telnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Obtaining Optional Software License Keys from HP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

3 Configuring an Extended Fabric Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Long Distance Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Configuring an Extended Fabric Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Enabling Long Distance Fabric Mode on a StorageWorks 1 Gb SAN Switch . . . . . . . . 22

Configuring Long Distance Fabric Mode on a StorageWorks 2 Gb SAN Switch

and StorageWorks Core Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

VC Translation Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Long Distance Port Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Contents

4 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Figures

1 Sample Extended Fabric configuration using HP SAN switches and Core switches . . . 21

Tables

1 Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2 Long Distance Port Matrix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

about this

guide

About this Guide

About this Guide

This user guide provides information to help you:

■ Understand HP StorageWorks Extended Fabric

■ Install Extended Fabric

■ Use Extended Fabric

■ Contact technical support for additional assistance

“About this Guide” topics include:

■ Overview, page 6

■ Conventions, page 7

■ Getting Help, page 9

About this Guide

6 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Overview

This section covers the following topics:

■ Intended Audience

■ Related Documentation

Intended Audience

This book is intended for use by system administrators who are experienced with
the following:

■ HP StorageWorks Fibre Channel SAN switches

■ Fabric Operating System V3.1.x or later

Related Documentation

For a list of related documents included with this product, see the Related
Documents section of the Release Notes that came with your switch.

For the latest information, documentation, and firmware releases, please visit the
following StorageWorks website:

http://www.hp.com/country/us/eng/

prodserv/storage.html

For information about Fibre Channel standards, visit the Fibre Channel
Association website, located at

http://www.fibrechannel.org.

About this Guide

Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

7

Conventions

Conventions consist of the following:

■ Document Conventions

■ Text Symbols

■ Getting Help

Document Conventions

The document conventions included in Table 1 apply in most cases.

Text Symbols

The following symbols may be found in the text of this guide. They have the
following meanings.

WARNING: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow

directions in the warning could result in bodily harm or death.

Table 1: Document Conventions

Element Convention

Cross-reference links Blue text: Figure 1
Key and field names, menu items,

buttons, and dialog box titles

Bold

File names, application names, and text
emphasis

Italics

User input, command and directory
names, and system responses (output
and messages)

Monospace font
COMMAND NAMES are uppercase

monospace font unless they are

case-sensitive
Variables <monospace, italic font>
Website addresses Blue, underlined sans serif font text:

http://www.hp.com

About this Guide

8 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Caution: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions

could result in damage to equipment or data.

Note: Text set off in this manner presents commentary, sidelights, or interesting points

of information.

About this Guide

Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

9

Getting Help

If you still have a question after reading this guide, contact an HP authorized
service provider or access our website:

http://www.hp.com

.

HP Technical Support

Telephone numbers for worldwide technical support are listed on the following
HP website:

http://www.hp.com/support/

. From this website, select the country

of origin.

Note: For continuous quality improvement, calls may be recorded or monitored.

Be sure to have the following information available before calling:

■ Technical support registration number (if applicable)

■ Product serial numbers

■ Product model names and numbers

■ Applicable error messages

■ Operating system type and revision level

■ Detailed, specific questions

HP Storage Website

The HP website has the latest information on this product, as well as the latest
drivers. Access storage at:

http://www.hp.com/country/us/eng/prodserv/

storage.html

. From this website, select the appropriate product or solution.

HP Authorized Reseller

For the name of your nearest HP authorized reseller:

■ In the United States, call 1-800-345-1518

■ In Canada, call 1-800-263-5868

■ Elsewhere, see the HP website for locations and telephone numbers:

http://www.hp.com

.

About this Guide

10 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

11Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

1

Introducing Extended Fabric

Extended Fabric uses Fibre Channel technology to create a fabric interconnected
at a distance of up to 100 kilometers. Extended Fabric can increase the allowable
distance between two switches. It is an optionally licensed product that runs on:

■ StorageWorks 1 Gb SAN switch series with StorageWorks Fabric OS version

2.0.x installed,

■ StorageWorks 2 Gb SAN switch series with StorageWorks Fabric OS version

3.0.x installed,

■ HP StorageWorks SAN Switch 2/32 with StorageWorks Fabric OS version

4.0.x installed, or

■ HP StorageWorks Core Switch 2/64 (Core Switch 2/64) switches with

StorageWorks Fabric OS version 4.0.x installed.

Extended Fabric optimizes the internal buffering algorithm for StorageWorks
1 Gb SAN switches, StorageWorks 2 Gb SAN switches, and Core Switch 2/64
switches. Extended Fabric provides maximum buffering between E_Ports
connected over an extended distance. Buffer reconfiguration results in line speed
performance of close to full Fibre Channel speed for switches interconnected at
100 kilometers, thus providing the highest possible performance for transfers
between switches. The Fibre Channel connection extensions can be provided by
Extended Distance small form factor pluggables (SFPs), Fibre Channel repeaters,
or Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) devices.

Note: Performance may vary depending on the condition of the fiber optic connections

between the switches. Losses due to splicing, connectors, tight bends, and other
degradation can affect the performance over the link and the maximum transmission
distance.

Introducing Extended Fabric

12 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Extended Fabric Licensing

To enable Extended Fabric, an Extended Fabric license must be installed. If a
fabric is created with StorageWorks 2 Gb SAN switches or above, the long
distance extended fabric configuration has to be set only once for each fabric at
the edge port connector switch. The edge port connector switch automatically
works with the rest of the switches in the fabric.

Note: To enable Extended Fabric in a fabric created with StorageWorks 1 Gb SAN

switches, each switch in the fabric must be configured individually.

13Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

2

Installing Extended Fabric

The installation of Extended Fabric requires an Extended Fabric license on each
switch in the fabric. A license may have been installed in the switch at the factory.
If not, follow the procedure below to obtain a license key.

This chapter provides the following information:

■ Verifying Activated Licenses, page 14

■ Activating the License Using Web Tools, page 16

■ Activating the License Using Telnet, page 17

■ Obtaining Optional Software License Keys from HP, page 18

Installing Extended Fabric

14 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Verifying Activated Licenses

You can display the current licenses using the licenseshow command. To
verify activated licenses:

1. Open a telnet or serial connection to the switch.

2. Log into the switch as Admin. The default password is password.

3. Enter the licenseshow command.
A list of the activated licenses displays.

switch:admin> licenseshow

SdcReRcbSbjedSfa:

Web license

SdcReRcbSbjedSfb:

Zoning license

SdcReRcbSbjedSd:

QuickLoop license

SdcReRcbSbjedSfe:

Fabric license

SdcReRcbSbjedSff:

Remote Switch license

SdcReRcbSbjedSfg:

Remote Fabric license

SdcReRcbSbjedSfh:

Extended Fabric license

SdcReRcbSbjedSfj:

Entry Fabric license

SdcReRcbSbVedSfM:

Fabric Watch license

SdcReRcbSbXedSfO:

Performance Monitor license

SdcReRcbSbbedSfS:

Trunking license

Installing Extended Fabric

15Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

4. If the Extended Fabrics license has not yet been activated, use one of the
following procedures to activate the license:

■ Activating the License Using Web Tools, page 16

■ Activating the License Using Telnet, page 17

SdcReRcbSbjedSfy:

Security license

switch:admin>

Installing Extended Fabric

16 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Activating the License Using Web Tools

To activate an Extended Fabrics license using Web Tools:

1. Launch a web browser by entering the switch name or IP address in the
Location/Address field of the browser and click Enter.

Web Tools launches, displaying the Fabric View.

2. Click the Admin button on the relevant switch panel.
The logon window displays.

3. Enter a login name and password with administrative privileges. The
administrator account user name and default password is “admin” and
“password”.

4. Click Enter.
The Administration View displays.

5. Select the License tab.

6. Enter the license key in the License Key field exactly as provided by your
switch supplier, and click Add.

The Extended Fabrics features are available as soon as the license is added.
For more information about Web Tools, refer to the HP StorageWorks Web

Tools Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide.

Installing Extended Fabric

17Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Activating the License Using Telnet

Activate licenses using the licenseadd command. To activate an Extended
Fabrics license using the CLI:

1. Open a telnet or serial connection to the switch.

2. Log into the switch as Admin. The default password is “password”.

3. Contact the switch supplier for an Extended Fabrics license key.

4. Enter the following:

licenseadd “key”

where ”key” is the license key exactly as provided by the switch supplier.
The license key is case-sensitive.

switch:admin> licenseadd "aAaaaaAaAaAaAaA"

adding license key "aAaaaaAaAaAaAaA"
done.

switch:admin>

5. Verify that the license was added by entering the licenseshow command,
as described in “Verifying Activated Licenses” on page 14.

Installing Extended Fabric

18 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Obtaining Optional Software License Keys from HP

If you’ve purchased optional software, or need to reinstall software features due to
a motherboard replacement in your switch, you will need to retrieve the software
license keys from the HP Authorization Center.

Obtain software license keys as follows:

■ If you have your HP Registration Number, (located on your software

entitlement certificate) go to

http://webkey.external.hp.com/welcome.asp

.

■ If your HP Registration Number is unavailable, contact the Authorization

Center directly:
— Canada and United States, (Monday through Friday 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

MST), [phone] or [phone].

— Asia, (Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm), [phone]

or [phone].

— Europe, Middle East, Africa and Netherlands (Monday through Friday

9:00 am to 6:00 pm), [phone].

19Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

3

Configuring an Extended
Fabric Connection

The Extended Fabric feature achieves long distance connections by allocating
more frame buffers for Fibre Channel traffic. Long distance connections require
more frame buffers than regular ISL connections. The greater the distance level of
a ISL long distance connection, the more frame buffers are required. This affects
the amount of buffers left over in the quad. A quad is defined as a group of four
adjacent ports that share a common pool of frame buffers. In an HP StorageWorks
SAN Switch (or port card in the Core Switch 2/64), ports 0 through 3 belong to a
single quad, ports 4 through 7 belong to a single quad, and so on.

Since the total number of frame buffers is limited in a quad when one port in a
quad is configured as a long distance port, all remaining ports in the same quad
must be configured appropriately. Refer to the “Long Distance Port Matrix” on
page 27.

Configuring long distance connections between core switches impacts available
ISL ports because normal ISLs are required for connections from core switches to
edge switches. When configuring long distance ISLs, make sure to balance the
need between long distance ISL connections and core-to-edge ISL connections
within a switch. Configuring long distance ISLs between core and edge switches
is possible, but is not a recommended practice.

Configuring an Extended Fabric Connection

20 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Long Distance Configuration

Note: Only active GBICs should be used when using HP Extended Fabric.

Note: Trunking is not supported with LE, L1, and L2 modes.

The long distance extended fabrics configuration needs to be set only once for
each fabric at the edge switch E-port. The configuration should be between any
same series switch. Long distance ports consume more buffers than regular ISL
ports, which means that a long distance port could disable other ports in the same
quad due to lack of buffers. Refer to the “Long Distance Port Matrix” on page 27
for buffer credit information.

Configuring an Extended Fabric Connection

21Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Figure 1: Sample Extended Fabric configuration using HP SAN switches and Core
switches

Valid Long Distance

ISL Connections

Invalid Long
Distance ISL

Invalid Long
Distance ISL

Invalid Long
Distance ISL

SAN Switch

2/16

SAN Switch

2/16

SAN Switch

2/16

SAN Switch

2/16

Core Switch

2/64

Core Switch

2/64

SAN Switch

2/32

SAN Switch

2/32

SAN Switch

2/32

1 Gb SAN

switch

1 Gb SAN

switch

1 Gb SAN

switch

1 Gb SAN

switch

1 Gb SAN

switch

Configuring an Extended Fabric Connection

22 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Configuring an Extended Fabric Connection

Note: The long distance ISL ports must have the same configuration or the fabric will

be segmented.

If the fabric contains one or more switches running HP StorageWorks Fabric OS
v2.x or v3.0.x or the switch has a long distance ISL, the following parameters
need to be set to configure HP StorageWorks Extended Fabrics.

■ Port configuration: the long distance fabric parameter set to 1

■ Switch configuration must be set to enable long distance - on switches

running FOS 2.x

Note: If one switch in the fabric has the long distance fabric parameter set to 1, all

switches in the fabric must have the parameter set to 1. Otherwise the fabric will be
segmented

ISL Trunking is not supported on a long distance ISL.

Enabling Long Distance Fabric Mode on a StorageWorks 1 Gb SAN
Switch

To configure a StorageWorks 1 Gb SAN switch to enable long distance, set the
long distance fabric mode bit as follows:

1. Log into the switch as the admin user.

2. Enter the switchdisable command to disable the switch.

3. Enter the configure command.

4. Enter “yes” at the Fabric Parameters prompt.

5. Click Enter to scroll through the Fabric Parameters without changing their
values, until you reach the Long Distance Fabric parameter.

6. At the prompt, specify a value of 1 to enable the Long Distance Fabric
parameter. For example:

Long Distance Fabric [0]: 1

Configuring an Extended Fabric Connection

23Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Example.

switch:admin> switchdisable

switch:admin> configure

Configure...

Fabric parameters (yes, y, no, n): [no] yes

Domain: (1..239) [3] 5

R_A_TOV: (4000..120000) [10000]

E_D_TOV: (1000..5000) [2000]

Data field size: (256..2112) [2112]

Sequence Level Switching: (0..1) [0]

Disable Device Probing: (0..1) [0]

Suppress Class F Traffic: (0..1) [0]

VC Encoded Address Mode: (0..1) [0]

Per-frame Route Priority: (0..1) [0]

Long Distance Fabric: (0..1) [0] 1

BB credit: (1..16) [16]

Virtual Channel parameters (yes, y, no, n): [no]

Zoning Operation parameters (yes, y, no, n): [no]

RSCN Transmission Mode (yes, y, no, n): [no]

NS Operation Parameters (yes, y, no, n): [no]

Arbitrated Loop parameters (yes, y, no, n): [no]

System services (yes, y, no, n): [no]

Portlog events enable (yes, y, no, n): [no]

Committing configuration...done.

switch:admin>

Configuring an Extended Fabric Connection

24 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Configuring Long Distance Fabric Mode on a StorageWorks 2 Gb SAN
Switch and StorageWorks Core Switch

Note: Only active GBICs should be used when using HP StorageWorks Extended

Fabric.
Trunking is not supported with LE, L1, and L2 modes.

This procedure is used to configure the ports in a long distance ISL connection.
Both ports must be configured to the same distance level.

To configure the distance level for a Extended Fabric ISL port:

1. Log into the switch as the admin user.

2. Issue the following command:

portcfglongdistance [slot/]port
[distance_level][vc_translation_link_init]

where:

slot Specifies the slot number in a Core Switch 2/64. The slot

number must be followed by a slash ( / ) and the port number.

port Specifies the port number where you want to initiate the long

distant ISL port.

distance Indicates the long distance mode to be set on the port. Select

from the following port levels:

Normal E_port This is the standard default value of all ports

on the switch. Normal E_port – supports up to
10 km at 1 Gbps and up to 5 km at 2Gps.

This operation is sometimes referred to as L0
in documents. L0 and normal E_ports are one

and the same.
Fx F_port or FL_port
Level E (LE) An Extended Fabric license is not required.

Supports up to 10km 1G and 2G. This mode

was created to support 2G up to 10km and

uses EF principles. This mode does not

support trunking with other ports.

Configuring an Extended Fabric Connection

25Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Example

3. Repeat step 2 for the remote Long Distance ISL port. Both the local and
remote long distant ISL ports must be configured to the same distance level
for the connection to work. When the connection is initiated, the fabric will
reconfigure.

Level 1(L1) An Extended Fabric license is required.

Extended Fabric port which can support up to
50 km at both 1 Gb/s and 2 Gb/s. This
mode does not support trunking with other
ports.

Level 2(L2) An Extended Fabric license is required.

Extended Fabric port which can support up to
100 km at 1 Gb/s up to 60 km 1 Gb/s and
2 Gb/s. This mode does not support trunking
with other ports.

Level 0.5 (L0.5) Supports up to 25 km 1 Gb/s and 2 Gb/s.

This mode was created to support 2 Gb/s up
to 10 km and uses EF principles. This mode

does not support trunking with other ports.
(Lx) Any of L1, L2, LE, L0.5, and LD
Level D (LD)

(Dynamic long
distance
configuration)

LD mode dynamically assigns buffers based

on the link round trip timing calculation. Ports

will be disabled once the buffer pool has

been depleted. For example, if two ports are

configured at LD and each is connected at

100 km, all buffers will be utilized and the

remaining two ports will be disabled.

This mode supports up to 100 km at 1 Gb/s

and 60 km at 2 Gb/s.

switch:admin> portcfglongdistance 1/1 LD 1

done.

switch:admin>

Configuring an Extended Fabric Connection

26 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

VC Translation Mode

The VC Translation mode is used to initiate long distance connections.

VC_Translation_Link_Init Specify 1 to activate long distance link

initialization sequence. This mode is used to
initiate long distance connections. When
configuring a long distance connection, the first
port configured does not require this mode.
When configuring the second port of a
connection, use this mode to initiate
communication between the ports.

Configuring an Extended Fabric Connection

27Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Long Distance Port Matrix

Since the total number of frame buffers in a quad is limited, the Long Distance
Port Matrix, shown in Table 2, introduces a combination of long distance ports
that are available. Ports A, B, C, and D are the four consecutive ports in a quad. A
quad is the group of ports managed by an ASIC.

Table 2: Long Distance Port Matrix

Fabric OS Speed Port A Port B Port C Port D

HP StorageWorks

FOS versions:

2.x

1 Gbps L2 E/L1 LE/L0.5/Fx Disabled
1 Gbps L2 L0.5 L0.5/LE/Fx Disabled
1 Gbps L2 L0.5 LE/Fx LE
1 Gbps L2 LE/Fx LE/Fx LE/Fx
1 Gbps E/L1/L0.5/

LE/Fx

E/L1/LE/L0.5/FxE/L1/LE/L0.5/FxE/L1/LE/L0.5/

Fx

1 Gbps LD LD LD LD

HP StorageWorks

FOS versions:

3.0, 3.0.1, 3.0.2,

4.0, 4.0.2

1 Gbps L2 E/L1 Fx Disabled
1 Gbps L2 Fx Fx Fx
1 Gbps E/Fx/L1 E/Fx/L1 E/Fx/L1 E/Fx/L1

HP StorageWorks

FOS versions:

3.0, 3.0.1, 3.0.2,

4.0, 4.0.2

2 Gbps L2 Disabled Disabled Disabled
2 Gbps L1 L1 Disabled Disabled
2 Gbps L1 E E/LE/Fx Disabled
2 Gbps L1 LE/Fx LE/Fx Fx
2 Gbps E/LE/Fx E/LE/Fx E/LE/Fx E/LE/Fx

HP StorageWorks

FOS Version:

3.1 and 4.1

1 Gbps L2 E/L1 LE/L0.5/Fx Disabled
1 Gbps L2 L0.5 LE/L0.5/Fx Disabled
1 Gbps L2 L0.5 LE/Fx LE
1 Gbps L2 LE/Fx LE/Fx LE/Fx
1 Gbps E/L1/L0.5/

LE/Fx

E/L1/L0.5/LE/FxE/L1/L0.5/LE/FxE/L1/L0.5/LE/

Fx

1 Gbps LD LD LD LD

Configuring an Extended Fabric Connection

28 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

HP StorageWorks

FOS Version:

3.1 and 4.1

2 Gbps L2 E Fx Disabled
2 Gbps L2 LE/Fx LE/Fx Disabled
2 Gbps L2 L0.5 Disabled Disabled
2 Gbps L1 L1 Disabled Disabled
2 Gbps L1 E E/LE/Fx Disabled
2 Gbps L1 LE/Fx LE/Fx Fx
2 Gbps L1 L0.5 LE/Fx Disabled
2 Gbps L0.5 L0.5 L0.5 Disabled
2 Gbps L0.5 E/L0.5/LE/Fx E/LE/Fx Disabled
2 Gbps L0.5 E/L0.5/LE/Fx LE/Fx LE/Fx
2 Gbps L0.5 E/LE/Fx E/LE/Fx LE/Fx
2 Gbps E/LE/Fx E/LE/Fx E/LE/Fx E/LE/Fx
2 Gbps LD LD LD LD

Table 2: Long Distance Port Matrix (Continued)

Fabric OS Speed Port A Port B Port C Port D

29Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

glossary

Glossary

Glossary

This glossary defines terms used in this guide or related to this product and is not
a comprehensive glossary of computer terms.

16-port card

The Fibre Channel port card provided with the StorageWorks Core switch. Contains 16 Fibre
Channel ports and the corresponding LEDs indicating port status and speed.

See also port card.

8b/10b Encoding

An encoding scheme that converts each 8-bit byte into 10 bits. Used to balance ones and zeros in
high-speed transports.

Access Control List

Enables an organization to bind a specific WWN to a specific switch port or set of ports, preventing
a port in another physical location from assuming the identity of a real WWN. May also refer to a
list of the Read/Write access of a particular community string.

See also device connection controls.

Account Level Switches

Refers to switches that have four login accounts into the operating system (in descending order):
root, factory, admin, and user.

See also root account, factory account, admin account, and user account.

Address Identifier

A 24-bit or 8-bit value used to identify the source or destination of a frame.

Admin Account

A login account intended for use by the customer to control switch operation.
See also account level switches.

AL_PA

Arbitrated Loop Physical Address. A unique 8-bit value assigned during loop initialization to a
port in an arbitrated loop.

Glossary

30 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Alias

An alternate name for an element or group of elements in the fabric. Aliases can be used to
simplify the entry of port numbers and WWNs when creating zones.

Alias Address Identifier

An address identifier recognized by a port in addition to its standard identifier. An alias address
identifier may be shared by multiple ports.

See also alias.

Alias AL_PA

An AL_PA value recognized by an L_Port in addition to the AL_PA assigned to the port.
See also AL_PA.

Alias Server

A fabric software facility that supports multicast group management.

ANSI

American National Standards Institute. The governing body for Fibre Channel standards in the
U.S.A.

API

Application Programming Interface. Defined protocol that allows applications to interface with a
set of services.

Arbitrated Loop

A shared 100 or 200 MBps Fibre Channel transport structured as a loop. Can support up to 126
devices and one fabric attachment.

See also topology.

Arbitrating State

The state in which a port has become the loop master. This state is only available from the Open
state.

Area Number

A number assigned to each potential port location in the StorageWorks Core switch. Used to
distinguish StorageWorks Core switch ports that have the same port number but are on different
port blades.

ASIC

Application Specific Integrated Circuit.

Glossary

31Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

ATM

Asynchronous Transfer Mode. A transport used for transmitting data over LANs or WANs that
transmit fixed-length units of data. Provides any-to-any connectivity, and allows nodes to transmit
simultaneously.

Auto-negotiate Speed

Process that allows two devices at either end of a link segment to negotiate common features, speed
(e.g., 1 or 2 Gbps) and functions.

Autosense

Process during which a network device automatically senses the speed of another device.

AW_TOV

Arbitration Wait Time-out Value. The minimum time an arbitrating L_Port waits for a response
before beginning loop initialization.

Backup FCS Switch

Backup fabric configuration server switch. The switch or switches assigned as backup in case the
primary FCS switch fails.

See also FCS switch, primary FCS switch.

Bandwidth

The total transmission capacity of a cable, link, or system. Usually measured in bps (bits per
second). May also refer to the range of transmission frequencies available to a network.

See also throughput.

BB_Credit

Buffer-to-buffer credit. The number of frames that can be transmitted to a directly connected
recipient or within an arbitrated loop. Determined by the number of receive buffers available.

See also Buffer-to-buffer Flow Control, EE_Credit.

Beacon

When all the port LEDs on a switch are set to flash from one side of the switch to the other, to
enable identification of an individual switch in a large fabric. A switch can be set to beacon by
telnet command or through Web Tools.

Beaconing

The state of the switches LEDs when the switch is set to Beacon.
See also Beacon.

Glossary

32 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Beginning Running Disparity

The disparity at the transmitter or receiver when the special character associated with an ordered
set is encoded or decoded.

See also disparity.

BER

Bit Error Rate. The rate at which bits are expected to be received in error. Expressed as the ratio of
error bits to total bits transmitted.

See also error.

BISR

Built-In Self Repair. Refers to the range of algorithms and circuit techniques to replace fault
elements in a VLSI circuit with redundant fault-free ones.

See also BIST, CMBISR.

BIST

Built-In Self Test. The technique of designing circuits with additional logic which can be used to
test proper operation of the primary (functional) logic.

See also BISR, CMBISR.

Bit Synchronization

See BER.

Blade

See 16-port card.

Blind-mate Connector

A two-way connector used in some switches to provide a connection between the motherboard and
the power supply.

Block

As applies to Fibre Channel, upper-level application data that is transferred in a single sequence.

Blower Assembly

A fan that prevents a switch (or individual elements within a switch) from overheating.

Boot Flash

Flash memory that stores the boot code and boot parameters. The processor executes its first
instructions from boot flash. Data is cached in RAM.

Glossary

33Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Boot Monitor

Code used to initialize the CP (control processor) environment after powering on. Identifies the
amount of memory available and how to access it, and retrieves information about system buses.

Broadcast

The transmission of data from a single source to all devices in the fabric, regardless of zoning.
See also multicast, unicast.

Buffer

-to-buffer Flow Control

Management of the frame transmission rate in either a point-to-point topology or in an arbitrated
loop.

See also BB_Credit.

Cascade

Two or more interconnected Fibre Channel switches. StorageWorks 1 Gb SAN switches (running
Fabric OS V2) and later can be cascaded up to 239 switches, with a recommended maximum of
seven interswitch links (no path longer than eight switches).

See also fabric, ISL.

Chassis

The metal frame in which the switch and switch components are mounted.

Circuit

An established communication path between two ports. Consists of two virtual circuits capable of
transmitting in opposite directions.

See also link.

Class 1

Service that provides a dedicated connection between two ports (also called connection-oriented
service), with notification of delivery or non-delivery.

Class 2

Service that provides multiplex and connectionless frame switching service between two ports,
with notification of delivery or non-delivery.

Class 3

Service that provides a connectionless frame switching service between two ports, without
notification of delivery or non-delivery of data. This service can also be used to provide a multicast
connection between the originator and recipients, with notification of delivery or non-delivery.

Glossary

34 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Class F

Connectionless service for control traffic between switches, with notification of delivery or
non-delivery of data between the E_Ports.

Class of Service

A specified set of delivery characteristics and attributes for frame delivery.

CLI

Command line interface. Interface that depends entirely on the use of commands, such as through
telnet or SNMP, and does not involve a Graphic User Interface (GUI).

CLS

Close Primitive Signal. Only in an Arbitrated Loop; sent by an L_Port that is currently
communicating on the loop, to close communication to an other L_Port.

CMBISR

Central Memory Built-In Self Repair. Test and repair bad cells in the central memory. If a "fail" is
reported, inform Tech Support and replace the board.

See also BIST, BISR.

Comma

A unique pattern (either 1100000 or 0011111) used in 8b/10b encoding to specify character
alignment within a data stream.

See also K28.5.

Community (SNMP)

A relationship between a group of SNMP managers and an SNMP agent, in which authentication,
access control, and proxy characteristics are defined.

See also SNMP.

Compact Flash

Flash memory that stores the run-time operating system and is used like hard disk storage. Not
visible within the processor's memory space. Data is stored in file system format.

Glossary

35Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Configuration

How a system is set up. May refer to hardware or software.

■ Hardware: The number, type, and arrangement of components that make up a system or

network.

■ Software: The set of parameters that guide switch operation. May include general system

parameters, IP address information, Domain ID, and other information. Modifiable by any

login with administrative privileges.
May also refer to a set of zones.
See also zone configuration.

Connection Initiator

A port that has originated a Class 1 dedicated connection and received a response from the
recipient.

Connection Recipient

A port that has received a Class 1 dedicated connection request and transmitted a response to the
originator.

Control Panel

Refers to the left-side panel of Web Tools, which accesses fabric-wide functions such as Zoning
and Events.

Core Switch

A switch whose main task is to interconnect other switches.
See also SAN switch.

CP Card

Control Processor Card. The central processing unit of the StorageWorks Core switch, which
contains two CP Card slots to provide redundancy. Provides Ethernet, serial, and modem ports with
the corresponding LEDs.

CRC

Cyclic Redundancy Check. A check for transmission errors included in every data frame.

Credit

As applies to Fibre Channel, the number of receive buffers available for transmission of frames
between ports.

See also BB_Credit, EE_Credit.

Glossary

36 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

CT_HDR

Common Transport Header. A header that conforms to the Fibre Channel Common Transport
(FC_CT) protocol.

CT_IU

Common Transport Information Unit. An information unit that conforms to the Fibre Channel
Common Transport (FC_CT) protocol.

Current Fill Word

The fill word currently selected by the LPSM.
See also fill word, LPSM.

Cut-through

A switching technique that allows the route for a frame to be selected as soon as the destination
address is received.

See also route.

Data Word

Type of transmission word that occurs within frames. The frame header, data field, and CRC all
consist of data words.

See also frame, ordered set, transmission word.

DB-9 connector

A 9-pin version of the RS-232C port interface. May be either the male of female interface.
See also RS-232 port.

dBm

Logarithmic unit of power used in electronics. Indicates signal strength in decibels above the
reference level, which is 1 milliwatt for dBm. An increase of 10 dBm or represents a 10-fold
increase in power.

DCE port

A data communications equipment port capable of interfacing between a DTE (data terminal
equipment) port and a transmission circuit. DTE devices with an RS-232 (or EIA-232) port
interface transmit on pin 3, and receive on pin 2.

See also DTE port, RS-232 port.

Defined Zone Configuration

The set of all zone objects defined in the fabric. May include multiple zone configurations.
See also enabled zone configuration, zone configuration.

Glossary

37Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Device Connection Controls

Enables organizations to bind an individual device port to a set of one or more switch ports. Device
ports are specified by a WWN and typically represent HBAs (servers).

See also access control lists.

Device

A disk, a RAID, or an HBA.

Disparity

The relationship of ones and zeros in an encoded character. “Neutral disparity” means an equal
number of each, “positive disparity” means a majority of ones, and “negative disparity” means a
majority of zeros.

DLS

Dynamic Load Sharing. Dynamic distribution of traffic over available paths. Allows for
recomputing of routes when an Fx_Port or E_Port changes status.

Domain ID

As applies to HP StorageWorks switches, a unique number between 1 and 239 that identifies the
switch to the fabric and is used in routing frames. Usually automatically assigned by the switch, but
can be manually assigned.

DTE port

A data terminal equipment port capable of interfacing to a transmission circuit through a
connection to a DCE (data communications equipment) port. DTE devices with an RS-232 (or
EIA-232) port interface transmit on pin 3, and receive on pin 2 in a 9-pin connector (reversed in
25-pin connectors).

See also DCE port, RS-232 port.

DWDM

Dense Wavelength Multiplexing. A means to concurrently transmit more than one stream of data
through a single fiber by modulating each stream of data onto a different wavelength of light.

E_D_TOV

Error Detect Time-out Value. The minimum amount of time a target waits for a sequence to
complete before initiating recovery. Can also be defined as the maximum time allowed for a
round-trip transmission before an error condition is declared.

See also R_A_TOV, RR_TOV.

Glossary

38 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

E_Port

Expansion Port. A type of switch port that can be connected to an E_Port on another switch to
create an ISL.

See also ISL.

EE_Credit

End-to-end Credit. The number of receive buffers allocated by a recipient port to an originating
port. Used by Class 1 and 2 services to manage the exchange of frames across the fabric between
source and destination.

See also End-to-end Flow Control, BB_Credit.

EIA Rack

A storage rack that meets the standards set by the Electronics Industry Association.

ELWL

Extra Long Wavelength. Laser light with a periodic length greater than 1300 nm (e.g., 1420 or

1550). ELWL lasers are used to transmit Fibre Channel data over distances greater than 10 Km.
Also known as XLWL.

Enabled Zone Configuration

The currently enabled zone configuration. Only one configuration can be enabled at a time.
See also defined zone configuration, zone configuration.

End-to-end Flow Control

Governs flow of class 1 and 2 frames between N_Ports.
See also EE_Credit.

Entry Fabric

Basic HP license that allows one E_Port per switch. Not supported by StorageWorks Core
switches.

Error

As applies to Fibre Channel, a missing or corrupted frame, time-out, loss of synchronization, or
loss of signal (link errors).

See also loop failure.

ESD

Electrostatic Discharge.

Glossary

39Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Exchange

The highest level Fibre Channel mechanism used for communication between N_Ports. Composed
of one or more related sequences, and can work in either one or both directions.

Extended Fabric

An HP product that runs on Fabric OS and allows creation of a Fibre Channel fabric interconnected
over distances of up to 100 kilometers.

Extended Fabric is a means of allowing the implementation and management of SANs over
extended distances. This is achieved by adjusting the Buffer-to-Buffer Credits to guaranteed
allocation of buffers to specific ports.

F_Port

Fabric Port. A port that is able to transmit under fabric protocol and interface over links. Can be
used to connect an N_Port to a switch.

See also FL_Port, Fx_Port.

Fabric

A Fibre Channel network containing two or more interconnected switches in addition to hosts and
devices. May also be referred to as a switched fabric.

See also topology, SAN, cascade.

Fabric Access

An HP product that consists of a set of APIs that allow third party applications to interface with
Fabric OS.

Fabric Access allows the application to control the fabric directly for functions such as discovery,
access (zoning), management, performance, and switch control. Consists of a host-based library
that interfaces the application to switches in the fabric over an out-of-band TCP/IP connection or
in-band using an IP-capable Host Bus Adapter (HBA).

Fabric Assist

An HP feature that enables private and public hosts to access public targets anywhere on the fabric,
provided they are in the same Fabric Assist zone. This feature is available only when both
QuickLoop and Zoning are installed on the switch.

Fabric Assist is a means of allowing private hosts to communicate with public targets across a
switched fabric. Fabric Assist also allows private hosts to communicate with private targets that are
not resident on the same switch across a switched fabric.

See also QuickLoop.

Glossary

40 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Fabric Configuration Server

One or more designated HP switches that store and manage the configuration and security
parameters for all other switches in the fabric. These switches are designated by WWN, and the list
of designated switches is known fabric-wide.

Fabric Manager

An HP product that works in conjunction with Web Tools to provide a graphical user interface for
managing switch groups (such as the SAN Switch Integrated/32) as a single unit, instead of as
separate switches. Fabric Manager is installed on and run from a computer workstation.

Fabric Name

The unique identifier assigned to a fabric and communicated during login and port discovery.

Fabric OS

The proprietary operating system on HP StorageWorks switches.

Fabric Watch

An HP product that runs on Fabric OS and allows monitoring and configuration of fabric and
switch elements.

Allows the SAN manager to monitor key fabric and switch elements, making it easy to quickly
identify and escalate potential problems. It monitors each element for out-of-boundary values or
counters and provides notification when defined boundaries are exceeded. The SAN manager can
configure which elements, such as error, status, and performance counters, are monitored within an
HP switch.

See also Fabric Manager.

Factory Account

A login used during manufacturing to initialize and test a switch and is not intended for customer
use.

See also account level switches.

Failover

The act that causes control to pass from one redundant unit to another. In the StorageWorks Core
switch one may failover from the currently Active Control Processor (CP) to the Standby CP.

FAN

Fabric access notification. Retains the AL_PA and fabric address when loop re-initializes (if the
switch supports FAN).

FC-AL-3

The Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop standard defined by ANSI. Defined on top of the FC-PH
standards.

Glossary

41Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

FC-FLA

The Fibre Channel Fabric Loop Attach standard defined by ANSI.

FCIA

Fibre Channel Industry Association. An international organization of Fibre Channel industry
professionals. Among other things, provides oversight of ANSI and industry developed standards.

FCP

Fibre Channel Protocol. Mapping of protocols onto the Fibre Channel standard protocols. For
example, SCSI FCP maps SCSI-3 onto Fibre Channel.

FC-PH-1, 2, 3

The Fibre Channel Physical and Signaling Interface standards defined by ANSI.

FC-PI

The Fibre Channel Physical Interface standard defined by ANSI.

FC-PLDA

The Fibre Channel Private Loop Direct Attach standard defined by ANSI. Applies to the operation
of peripheral devices on a private loop.

FCS switch

Fabric configuration server switch. One or more designated HP switches that store and manage the
configuration and security parameters for all switches in the fabric. FCS switches are designated by
WWN, and the list of designated switches is communicated fabric-wide.

See also backup FCS switch, primary FCS switch.

FC-SW-2

The second generation of the Fibre Channel Switch Fabric standard defined by ANSI. Specifies
tools and algorithms for the interconnection and initialization of Fibre Channel switches in order to
create a multi-switch Fibre Channel fabric.

Fibre Channel Transport

A protocol service that supports communication between Fibre Channel service providers.
See also FSP.

FIFO

First In, First Out. May also refer to a data buffer that follows the first in, first out rule.

Fill Word

An IDLE or ARB ordered set that is transmitted during breaks between data frames to keep the
Fibre Channel link active.

Glossary

42 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Firmware Download

Loading firmware down from a server into a switch.

Firmware

The basic operating system provided with the hardware.

FL_Port

Fabric Loop Port. A port that is able to transmit under fabric protocol and also has arbitrated loop
capabilities. Can be used to connect an NL_Port to a switch.

See also F_Port, Fx_Port.

Flash Partition

Two redundant usable areas, called “partitions,” into which firmware can be downloaded in the
StorageWorks Core switch.

Flash

Programmable NVRAM memory that maintains its contents.

FLOGI

Fabric Login. The process by which an N_Port determines whether a fabric is present, and if so,
exchanges service parameters with it.

See also PLOGI.

Frame

The Fibre Channel structure used to transmit data between ports. Consists of a start-of-frame
delimiter, header, any optional headers, the data payload, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC), and an
end-of-frame delimiter. There are two types of frames: Link control frames (transmission
acknowledgements, etc.) and data frames.

See also Data Word.

FRU

Field Replaceable Unit. A component that can be replaced on site.

FS_ACC

Fibre Channel Services Accept. The information unit used to indicate acceptance of a request for a
Fibre Channel service.

FS_IU

Fibre Channel Services Information Unit. An information unit that has been defined by a Fibre
Channel service.

Glossary

43Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

FS_REQ

Fibre Channel Services Request. A request for a Fibre Channel services function, or notification of
a fabric condition or event.

FS_RJT

Fibre Channel Services Reject. An indication that a request for Fibre Channel services could not be
processed.

FS

Fibre Channel Service. A service that is defined by Fibre Channel standards and exists at a
well-known address. For example, the Simple Name Server is a Fibre Channel service.

See also FSP.

FSPF

Fabric Shortest Path First. HP routing protocol for Fibre Channel switches.

FSP

Fibre Channel Service Protocol. The common protocol for all fabric services, transparent to the
fabric type or topology.

See also FS.

Full Fabric

The HP license that allows multiple E_Ports on a switch, making it possible to create multiple ISL
links.

Full-duplex

A mode of communication that allows the same port to simultaneously transmit and receive
frames.

See also half-duplex.

Fx_Port

A fabric port that can operate as either an F_Port or FL_Port.
See also F_Port, FL_Port.

G_Port

Generic Port. A port that can operate as either an E_Port or F_Port. A port is defined as a G_Port
when it is not yet connected or has not yet assumed a specific function in the fabric.

Gateway

Hardware that connects incompatible networks by providing translation for both hardware and
software. For example, an ATM gateway can be used to connect a Fibre Channel link to an ATM
connection.

Glossary

44 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

GBIC

Gigabit interface converter. A removable serial transceiver module that allows gigabaud
physical-level transport for Fibre Channel and gigabit Ethernet. Typically refers only to the
SC-form factor transceivers.

See also SFP.

Gbps

Gigabits per second (1,062,500,000 bits/second).

GBps

Gigabytes per second (1,062,500,000 bytes/second).

Half-duplex

A mode of communication that allows a port to either transmit or receive frames at any time, but
not simultaneously (with the exception of link control frames, which can be transmitted at any
time).

See also full-duplex.

Hard Address

The AL_PA that an NL_Port attempts to acquire during loop initialization.

Hardware Translative Mode

A method for achieving address translation. The following two hardware translative modes are
available to a QuickLoop-enabled switch:

■ Standard Translative Mode: Allows public devices to communicate with private devices that

are directly connected to the fabric.

■ QuickLoop Mode: Allows initiator devices to communicate with private or public devices that

are not in the same loop.

HBA

Host Bus Adapter. The interface card between a server or workstation bus and the Fibre Channel
network.

High Availability

An attribute of equipment that identifies it as being capable of conducting customer operations well
in excess of 99% of the time. Typically High Availability is identified by the number of nines in
that percentage. “Five Nines” means the equipment is rated as being capable of conducting
customer operations 99.999% of the time without failure.

Glossary

45Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Host

A computer that accesses storage devices over the fabric. May also be referred to as a server.
See also workstation.

Hot Pluggable

A FRU capability that indicates it may be extracted or installed while customer data is otherwise
flowing in the chassis.

Hub

A Fibre Channel wiring concentrator that collapses a loop topology into a physical star topology.
Nodes are automatically added to the loop when active and removed when inactive.

IBTA

The InfiniBand Trade Association (IBTA). The IBTA is an industry consortium of more than 200
companies working together to develop a new common I/O specification designed to bring greater
scalability and performance to server I/O. InfiniBand defines a new channel based, switched-fabric
technology for server-to-server and server-to-I/O interconnection that is expected to improve
scalability and performance over existing PCI Bus technologies.

Idle

Continuous transmission of an ordered set over a Fibre Channel link when no data is being
transmitted, to keep the link active and maintain bit, byte, and word synchronization.

InfiniBand

See IBTA.

Initiator

A server or workstation on a Fibre Channel network that initiates communications with storage
devices.

See also Target.

Integrated Fabric

The fabric created by a SAN Switch Integrated/32 and SAN Switch Integrated/64, consisting of six
SAN Switch 16-EL switches cabled together and configured to handle traffic as a seamless group.

IOD

In-order Delivery. A parameter that, when set, guarantees that frames are either delivered in order
or dropped.

IPA

Initial Process Associator. An identifier associated with a process at an N_Port.

Glossary

46 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Isolated E_Port

An E_Port that is online but not operational due to overlapping Domain IDs or nonidentical
parameters (such as E_D_TOVs).

See also E_Port.

ISL

Interswitch Link. a Fibre Channel link from the E_Port of one switch to the E_Port of another.
See also E_Port, cascade, ISL Trunking.

ISL Trunking

An HP feature that enables distribution of traffic over the combined bandwidth of up to four ISLs
(between adjacent switches), while preserving in-order delivery. A set of trunked ISLs is called a
trunking group; each port employed in a trunking group is called a trunking port.

See also Master Port.

IU

Information Unit. A set of information as defined by either upper-level process protocol definition
or upper-level protocol mapping.

JBOD

Just a Bunch Of Disks. Indicates a number of disks connected in a single chassis to one or more
controllers.

See also RAID.

K28.5

A special 10-bit character used to indicate the beginning of a transmission word that performs
Fibre Channel control and signaling functions. The first seven bits of the character are the comma
pattern.

See also comma.

Kernel Flash

Flash memory that stores the bootable kernel code and is visible within the processor's memory
space. Data is stored as raw bits.

Key Pair

In public key cryptography, a pair of keys consisting of an entity's public and private key. The
public key can be publicized, but the private key must be kept secret.

Glossary

47Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

L_Port

Loop Port. A node port (NL_Port) or fabric port (FL_Port) that has arbitrated loop capabilities. An
L_Port can be in one of two modes:

■ Fabric mode: Connected to a port that is not loop capable, and using fabric protocol.

■ Loop mode: In an arbitrated loop and using loop protocol. An L_Port in loop mode can also be

in participating mode or non-participating mode.
See also Non-participating Mode, Participating Mode.

Latency

The period of time required to transmit a frame, from the time it is sent until it arrives. Together,
latency and bandwidth define the speed and capacity of a link or system.

LED

Light Emitting Diode. Used on HP switches to indicate the status of various switch elements.

Link Services

A protocol for link-related actions.

Link

As applies to Fibre Channel, a physical connection between two ports, consisting of both transmit
and receive fibers.

See also Circuit.

LIP

Loop Initialization Primitive. The signal used to begin initialization in a loop. Indicates either loop
failure or resetting of a node.

LIS_HOLD_TIME

Loop Initialization Sequence Hold Time. The maximum period of time for a node to forward a
loop initialization sequence.

LM_TOV

Loop Master Time-out Value. The minimum time that the loop master waits for a loop initialization
sequence to return.

Login BB_Credit

The number of receive buffers a receiving L_Port has available when a circuit is first established.
See also BB_Credit.

Loop Circuit

A temporary bidirectional communication path established between L_Ports.

Glossary

48 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Loop Failure

Loss of signal within a loop for any period of time, or loss of synchronization for longer than the
time-out value.

See also error.

Loop Initialization

The logical procedure used by an L_Port to discover its environment. Can be used to assign AL_PA
addresses, detect loop failure, or reset a node.

Loop_ID

A hex value representing one of the 127 possible AL_PA values in an arbitrated loop.

Looplet

A set of devices connected in a loop to a port that is a member of another loop.

LPSM

Loop Port State Machine. The logical entity that performs arbitrated loop protocols and defines the
behavior of L_Ports when they require access to an arbitrated loop.

LWL

Long Wavelength. A type of fiber optic cabling that is based on 1300-mm lasers and supports link
speeds of 1.0625 Gbps. May also refer to the type of GBIC or SFP.

See also SWL.

Master Port

As relates to trunking, the port that determines the routing paths for all traffic flowing through the
trunking group. One of the ports in the first ISL in the trunking group is designated as the master
port for that group.

See also ISL Trunking.

Media

See transceiver.

MIB

Management Information Base. An SNMP structure to help with device management, providing
configuration and device information.

Glossary

49Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Modem Serial Port

The upper serial port on the CP Card of the StorageWorks Core switch. Can be used to connect the
CP Card to a modem with a standard 9-pin modem cable. Consists of a DB-9 connector wired as a
RS-232 device, and can be connected by serial cable to a DCE device. A Hayes-compatible modem
or Hayes-emulation is required. The device name is ttyS1.

See also DB-9 connector, DCE port, terminal serial port.

Monitoring State

The state in which a port is monitoring the flow of information for data relevant to the port.

Multicast

The transmission of data from a single source to multiple specified N_Ports (as opposed to all the
ports on the network).

See also broadcast, unicast.

Multimode

A fiber optic cabling specification that allows up to 500 meters between devices for 1 Gb, or 300
meters between devices for 2 Gb.

N_Port

Node Port. A port on a node that can connect to a Fibre Channel port or to another N_Port in a
point-to-point connection.

See also NL_Port, Nx_Port.

NAA

Network Address Authority. An identifier that indicates the format of a network address.

Name Server

Frequently used to indicate Simple Name Server.
See also SNS.

Native Address Identifier

A unique, 64-bit address is assigned to each port, and is referred to as its World-Wide Name
(WWN). If a port connects to an arbitrated loop, it will also be assigned a dynamic 8-bit address,
referred to as its arbitrated loop physical address, or AL_PA. If it connects to a fabric, it will be
assigned a dynamic 24-bit address, referred to as its Native Address Identifier.

Negotiate

See auto-negotiate speed and autosense.

Glossary

50 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

NL_Port

Node Loop Port. A node port that has arbitrated loop capabilities. Used to connect an equipment
port to the fabric in a loop configuration through an FL_Port.

See also N_Port, Nx_Port.

Node Name

The unique identifier for a node, communicated during login and port discovery.

Node

A Fibre Channel device that contains an N_Port or NL_Port.

Non-participating Mode

A mode in which an L_Port in a loop is inactive and cannot arbitrate or send frames, but can
retransmit any received transmissions. This mode is entered if there are more than 127 devices in a
loop and an AL_PA cannot be acquired.

See also L_Port, Participating Mode.

Nx_Port

A node port that can operate as either an N_Port or NL_Port.

Open Originator

The L_Port that wins arbitration in an arbitrated loop and sends an OPN ordered set to the
destination port, then enters the Open state.

Open Recipient

The L_Port that receives the OPN ordered set from the open originator, and then enters the Open
state.

Open State

The state in which a port can establish a circuit with another port. A port must be in the Open state
before it can arbitrate.

OPN

Open Primitive Signal.

Glossary

51Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Ordered Set

A transmission word that uses 8B/10B mapping and begins with the K28.5 character. Ordered sets
occur outside of frames, and include the following items:

■ Frame delimiters: Mark frame boundaries and describe frame contents.

■ Primitive signals: Indicate events.

■ Primitive sequences: Indicate or initiate port states.

Ordered sets are used to differentiate Fibre Channel control information from data frames and to
manage the transport of frames.

Packet

A set of information transmitted across a network.
See also Frame.

Participating Mode

A mode in which an L_Port in a loop has a valid AL_PA and can arbitrate, send frames, and
retransmit received transmissions.

See also L_Port, Non-participating Mode.

Path Selection

The selection of a transmission path through the fabric. HP StorageWorks switches use the FSPF
protocol.

Performance Monitor

Comprehensive HP tool for monitoring the performance of networked storage resources.

Performance Monitoring

An HP product that provides error and performance information to the administrator and end user
for use in storage management.

Phantom Address

An AL_PA value that is assigned to an device that is not physically in the loop.
Also known as phantom AL_PA.

Phantom Device

A device that is not physically in an arbitrated loop, but is logically included through the use of a
phantom address.

PLOGI

Port Login. The port-to-port login process by which initiators establish sessions with targets.
See also FLOGI.

Glossary

52 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Point-to-point

A Fibre Channel topology that employs direct links between each pair of communicating entities.
See also topology.

Port Cage

The metal casing extending out of the optical port on the switch, and in which the SFP can be
inserted.

Port Card

A Fibre Channel card that contains optical or copper port interfaces, and acts like a switch module.
See also 16-port card.

Port Module

A collection of ports in a switch.

Port_Name

The unique identifier assigned to a Fibre Channel port. Communicated during login and port
discovery.

POST

Power On Self-Test. A series of tests run by a switch after it is turned on.

Primary FCS Switch

Primary fabric configuration server switch. The switch that actively manages the configuration and
security parameters for all switches in the fabric.

See also backup FCS switch, FCS switch.

Private Device

A device that supports arbitrated loop protocol and can interpret 8-bit addresses, but cannot log
into the fabric.

Private Loop

An arbitrated loop that does not include a participating FL_Port.

Private NL_Port

An NL_Port that communicates only with other private NL_Ports in the same loop and does not
log into the fabric.

Protocol

A defined method and a set of standards for communication.

PSU

Power Supply Unit.

Glossary

53Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Public Device

A device that supports arbitrated loop protocol, can interpret 8-bit addresses, and can log into the
fabric.

Public Loop

An arbitrated loop that includes a participating FL_Port, and may contain both public and private
NL_Ports.

Public NL_Port

An NL_Port that logs into the fabric, can function within either a public or a private loop, and can
communicate with either private or public NL_Ports.

Quad

A group of four adjacent ports that share a common pool of frame buffers.

QuickLoop

An HP StorageWorks product that makes it possible to allow private devices within loops to
communicate with public and private devices across the fabric through the creation of a larger loop.

May also refer to the arbitrated loop created using this software. A QuickLoop can contain a
number of devices or looplets; all devices in the same QuickLoop share a single AL_PA space.

A means of allowing private hosts to communicate with private targets across a switched fabric.
The QuickLoop/Fabric Assist feature also allows:

■ Private hosts to communicate with public targets across a switched fabric

■ Private hosts to communicate with private targets that are not resident on the same switch

across a switched fabric
See also Fabric Access, fabric assist, and translative mode.

QuickLoop Zoning

Protects devices from disruption by unrelated devices during critical processes; for example,
during a tape backup session.

R_A_TOV

Resource Allocation Time-out Value. The maximum time a frame can be delayed in the fabric and
still be delivered.

See also E_D_TOV, RR_TOV.

R_RDY

Receiver ready. A primitive signal indicating that the port is ready to receive a frame.

Glossary

54 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

RAID

Redundant Array of Independent Disks. A collection of disk drives that appear as a single volume
to the server and are fault tolerant through mirroring or parity checking.

See also JBOD.

Remote Fabric

A fabric that spans across WANs by using protocol translation (a process also known as tunneling)
such as Fibre Channel over ATM or Fibre Channel over IP.

Remote Switch

Bridges two switches into a SAN as large as 3000KM or more through protocol encapsulation in
ATM networks via the Computer Network Technologies (CNT) UltraNet Open Systems Gateway.

Request Rate

The rate at which requests arrive at a servicing entity.
See also service rate.

RLS Probing

Read link status of the AL_PAs.

Root Account

A login used for debugging purposes by HP engineers and is not intended for customer use.
See also account level switches.

Route

As applies to a fabric, the communication path between two switches. May also apply to the
specific path taken by an individual frame, from source to destination.

See also FSPF.

Routing

The assignment of frames to specific switch ports, according to frame destination.

RR_TOV

Resource Recovery Time-out Value. The minimum time a target device in a loop waits after a LIP
before logging out a SCSI initiator.

See also E_D_TOV, R_A_TOV.

RS-232 port

A port that conforms to a set of Electrical Industries Association (EIA) standards. Used to connect
DTE and DCE devices for communication between computers, terminals, and modems.

See also DCE port, DTE port.

Glossary

55Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

RSCN

Registered State Change Notification. A switch function that allows notification of fabric changes
to be sent from the switch to specified nodes.

RX_ID

Responder Exchange Identifier. A 2-byte field in the frame header used by the responder of the
Exchange to identify frames as being part of a particular exchange.

SAN

Storage Area Network. A network of systems and storage devices that communicate using Fibre
Channel protocols.

See also fabric.

SAN Switch

A switch whose main task is to connect nodes into the fabric.
See also core switch.

SCSI

Small Computer Systems Interface. A parallel bus architecture and protocol for transmitting large
data blocks to a distance of 15 - 25 meters.

SDRAM

Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory. The main memory for the switch. Used for
volatile storage during switch operation.

See also flash.

Sequence

A group of related frames transmitted in the same direction between two N_Ports.

Service Rate

The rate at which an entity can service requests.
See also request rate.

SFF

Small Form Factor.

SFP Cable

The latest innovation in high-speed copper cabling for Fibre Channel and InfiniBand. It
incorporates the SFP module directly onto the cable assembly, eliminating the need for a separate
SFP copper module and an HSSDC2 cable assembly.

Glossary

56 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

SFP

Small form factor pluggable. A transceiver used on 2 Gbps switches that replaces the GBIC. Refers
to the LC-form factor transceiver.

See also GBIC.

SID/DID

Source identifier/Destination identifier. S_ID is a 3-byte field in the frame header that is used to
indicate the address identifier of the N_Port from which the frame was sent.

Single Mode

The fiber optic cabling standard that, when used in conjunction with a 1300 nm laser light, can
transfer data up to 10 km between devices. When used in conjunction with a 1550 nm laser light,
single mode cabling can transfer data over 10 km.

See also multimode, LWL, ELWL, and XLWL.

SI

Sequence Initiative.

SNMP

Simple Network Management Protocol. An internet management protocol that uses either IP for
network-level functions and UDP for transport-level functions, or TCP/IP for both. Can be made
available over other protocols, such as UDP/IP, because it does not rely on the underlying
communication protocols.

See also Community (SNMP).

SNMPv1

The original SNMP, now labeled v1.

SNS

Simple Name Server. A switch service that stores names, addresses, and attributes for up to 15
minutes, and provides them as required to other devices in the fabric. SNS is defined by Fibre
Channel standards and exists at a well-known address. May also be referred to as directory service.

See also FS.

StorageWorks SAN switch

The brand name for the HP family of switches.

Switch Name

The arbitrary name assigned to a switch.

Switch Port

A port on a switch. Switch ports can be E_Ports, F_Ports, or FL_Ports.

Glossary

57Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Switch

Hardware that routes frames according to Fibre Channel protocol and is controlled by software.

SWL

Short Wavelength. A type of fiber optic cabling that is based on 850-mm lasers and supports

1.0625-Gbps link speeds. May also refer to the type of GBIC or SFP.
See also LWL.

Tachyon

A chip developed by Hewlett-Packard, and used in various devices. This chip has FC-0 through
FC-2 on one chip.

Target

A storage device on a Fibre Channel network.
See also Initiator.

Tenancy

The time from when a port wins arbitration in a loop until the same port returns to the monitoring
state. Also referred to as loop tenancy.

Terminal Serial Port

May also be referred to as the console port. The lower serial port on the CP Card of the
StorageWorks Core switch. This port sends switch information messages and can receive
commands. Can be used to connect the CP Card to a computer terminal. Has an RS-232 connector
wired as a DTE device, and can be connected by serial cable to a DCE device. The connector pins
two and three are swapped so that a straight-through cable can be used to connect to a terminal.
The device name is ttyS0.

See also DCE port, modem serial port.

Throughput

The rate of data flow achieved within a cable, link, or system. Usually measured in bps (bits per
second).

See also bandwidth.

Topology

As applies to Fibre Channel, the configuration of the Fibre Channel network and the resulting
communication paths allowed. There are three possible topologies:

■ Point to point: A direct link between two communication ports.

■ Switched fabric: Multiple N_Ports linked to a switch by F_Ports.

■ Arbitrated loop: Multiple NL_Ports connected in a loop.

Glossary

58 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Transceiver

Device that converts one form of signaling to another for transmission and reception; in fiber
optics, it refers to optical and electrical.

Transfer State

The state in which a port can establish circuits with multiple ports without reentering the
arbitration cycle for each circuit. This state can only be accessed by an L_Port in the Open state.

Translative Mode

A mode in which private devices can communicate with public devices across the fabric.

Transmission Character

A 10-bit character encoded according to the rules of the 8B/10B algorithm.

Transmission Word

A group of four transmission characters.
See also data word.

Trap (SNMP)

The message sent by an SNMP agent to inform the SNMP management station of a critical error.
See also SNMP.

Trunking

See ISL Trunking.

Tunneling

A technique for enabling two networks to communicate when the source and destination hosts are
both on the same type of network, but are connected by a different type of network.

U_Port

Universal Port. A switch port that can operate as a G_Port, E_Port, F_Port, or FL_Port. A port is
defined as a U_Port when it is not connected or has not yet assumed a specific function in the
fabric.

UDP

User Datagram Protocol. A protocol that runs on top of IP and provides port multiplexing for
upper-level protocols.

ULP_TOV

Upper-level Time-out Value. The minimum time that a SCSI ULP process waits for SCSI status
before initiating ULP recovery.

Glossary

59Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

ULP

Upper-level Protocol. The protocol that runs on top of Fibre Channel. Typical upper-level protocols
are SCSI, IP, HIPPI, and IPI.

Unicast

The transmission of data from a single source to a single destination.
See also broadcast, multicast.

user account

A login intended for use by the customer to monitor, but not control, switch operation.
See also account level switches.

VC

Virtual circuit. A one-way path between N_Ports that allows fractional bandwidth.

Web Tools

An HP product that runs on Fabric OS and provides a graphical interface to allow monitoring and
management of individual switches or entire fabrics from a standard workstation running a
browser.

Well-known Address

As pertaining to Fibre Channel, a logical address defined by the Fibre Channel standards as
assigned to a specific function, and stored on the switch.

Workstation

A computer used to access and manage the fabric. May also be referred to as a management station
or host.

WWN

World-Wide Name. An identifier that is unique worldwide. Each entity in a fabric has a separate
WWN.

XLWL

Xtra Long Wave Length. Laser light with a periodic length greater than 1300 nm (e.g., 1420 or

1550). XLWL lasers are used to transmit Fibre Channel data over distances greater than 10 Km.
Also known as ELWL.

Xmitted Close State

The state in which an L_Port cannot send messages, but can retransmit messages within the loop.
A port in the XMITTED CLOSE state cannot attempt to arbitrate.

Glossary

60 Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

Zone

A set of devices and hosts attached to the same fabric and configured as being in the same zone.
Devices and hosts within the same zone have access permission to others in the zone, but are not
visible to any outside the zone.

See also Zoning.

Zone Alias

A name assigned to a device or group of devices in a zone. Aliases can greatly simplify the zone
administrative process.

See also alias.

Zone Configuration

A specified set of zones. Enabling a configuration enables all zones in that configuration.
See also defined zone configuration, enabled zone configuration.

Zone Member

A port, node, WWN, or alias, which is part of a zone.

Zone Schemes

The level of zoning granularity selected. For example, zoning may be done by switch/port, WWN,
AL_PA, or a mixture.

See also zone configuration.

Zone Set

See zone configuration.

Zoning

An HP product that runs on Fabric OS and allows partitioning of the fabric into logical groupings
of devices. Devices in a zone can only access and be accessed by devices in the same zone.

See also zone.

61Extended Fabric Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide

index

Index

Index

A

audience 6
authorized reseller, HP 9

C

conventions

document 7
equipment symbols 9
text symbols 7

D

document

conventions 7
related documentation 6

E

equipment symbols 9

G

getting help 9

H

help, obtaining 9
HP

authorized reseller 9
storage website 9
technical support 9

I

installation 13

K

key, license 13

L

license installation 13
license key 13
line speed performance 11

P

performance, Extended Fabric 11

R

related documentation 6
requirements, Extended Fabric 11

S

symbols in text 7
symbols on equipment 9

T

technical support, HP 9
text symbols 7

W

warning

symbols on equipment 9

websites

HP storage 9