Page 1
user guide
hp StorageWorks
quickloop fabric assist
version 3.1.x
Product Version: 3.1.x
Second Edition (June 2003)
Part Number: AA–RTS1B–TE
This guide provides comprehensive information to help you administer your StorageWorks SAN
switch and your Storage Area Network (SAN).
Page 2
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Printed in the U.S.A.
QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
Second Edition (June 2003)
Part Number: AA–RTS1B–TE
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3QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.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 QuickLoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
QuickLoop Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
License Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
License Activation Using Web Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
License Activation Using Telnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2 Using QuickLoop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
QuickLoop Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Address Translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Administering QuickLoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
QuickLoop Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
QuickLoop Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Terminology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Storage Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Switch Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Dual-switch QuickLoop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
QuickLoop Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Pass 1: Sequential Looplet Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
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Contents
4 QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
Pass 2: Full Initialization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Error Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Switch Level Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Port Level Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Figures
1 Viewing a List of Activated Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Tables
1 Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
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5QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
about this
guide
About this Guide
About this Guide
This guide provides comprehensive information to help you administer your
StorageWorks SAN switch and your SAN. This guide can be used with the other
product-related documents or as a standalone document.
“About this Guide” topics include:
■ Overview, page 6
■ Conventions, page 7
■ Getting Help, page 9
Page 6
About this Guide
6 QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
Overview
This section covers the following topics:
■ Intended Audience
■ Related Documentation
Intended Audience
This document was developed to help administrators and technical experts
operate, maintain and troubleshoot networked SAN products and are experienced
with the following:
■ Networking technologies
■ Fibre Channel technologies
■ SAN environments and technologies
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 the Fibre Channel industry, visit the Fibre Channel Industry
Association website:
http://www .f ibrechannel.org
.
Page 7
About this Guide
QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
7
Conventions
Conventions consist of the following:
■ Document Conventions
■ Text Symbols
Document Conventions
The document conventions included in Tabl e 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.
Caution: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions
could result in damage to equipment or data.
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
Page 8
About this Guide
8 QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
Note: Text set off in this manner presents commentary, sidelights, or interesting points
of information.
Page 9
About this Guide
QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.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
.
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About this Guide
10 QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
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11QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
1
Introducing QuickLoop
HP StorageWorks QuickLoop is a unique Fibre Channel topology that combines
arbitrated loop and fabric topologies. An arbitrated loop supports communication
between devices that are not fabric-aware. Such devices are called private devices,
and arbitrated loops are often called private loops. QuickLoop allows a
StorageWorks SAN switch to emulate a hub environment, while offering the
additional benefit of connectivity to a fabric.
QuickLoop is an optionally licensed product that allows arbitrated loops to be
attached to a fabric. This allows private targets on arbitrated loops to be accessed
by public or private hosts elsewhere on the fabric.
Devices attached to QuickLoop can communicate with all other devices attached
to the same QuickLoop. However, private devices attached to QuickLoop can
communicate only with devices within the same QuickLoop. Public devices in an
arbitrated loop mode are considered private devices when connected to
QuickLoop ports.
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Introducing QuickLoop
12 QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
QuickLoop Basics
A QuickLoop consists of multiple private arbitrated looplets (a set of devices
connected to a single port) that are connected by a fabric. All devices in a
QuickLoop share a single AL_PA bit-map and behave as if they are in one loop.
This allows private devices to communicate with other devices over the fabric,
provided they are in the same QuickLoop. A QuickLoop can be configured to
consist of selected devices or looplets connected to the ports of one switch, or to a
cascaded switch pair.
QuickLoop provides a possible migration path from a hub to a fabric-based SAN.
QuickLoop-enabled switches can be used to replace hubs when the SAN is first
deployed and has only private devices attached. Fabric switches can be added
without any detrimental effect to the QuickLoop-enabled switches.
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Introducing QuickLoop
13QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
License Activation
Always verify that the license is activated when initially using a feature. Use the
licenseshow command to view a list of all licenses activated on your switch
(see Figure 1). If the license is not included in the list, continue with “License
Activation Using Telnet” on page 14 or “License Activation Using Web Tools” on
page 14.
1. Log onto the switch by telnet using an account that has administrative
privileges.
2. Enter the licenseshow command on the telnet command line.
A list of all activated licenses on the switch will be generated as shown in
Figure 1.
Figure 1: Viewing a List of Activated Licenses
switch:admin> licenseshow
SdcReRcbSbjedSfa:
Web license
SdcReRcbSbjedSfb:
Zoning license
SdcReRcbSbjedSfc:
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
SdcReRcbSbjedSfy:
Security license
switch:admin>
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Introducing QuickLoop
14 QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
License Activation Using Web Tools
Use the following procedure to activate a license using Web Tools:
1. Launch a web browser.
2. Enter the switch name or IP address in the Location/Address section of the
browser and press Enter.
Advanced Web Tools launches, displaying the Fabric View.
3. Click Admin on the relevant switch panel.
The logon window displays.
4. Enter a logon name and password with administrative privileges and press
Enter.
The Administration View displays.
5. Select the License Admin tab.
6. Enter the license key in the License Key field.
7. Click Add.
The features are now available.
License Activation Using Telnet
Use the following procedure to activate a license using Telnet:
1. Enter the following on the command line:
licenseadd “key”
Where key is the license key provided to you, surrounded by quotation
marks. The license key is case sensitive and must be entered exactly as given.
2. Verify the license was added by entering the licenseshow command, as
shown in Figure 1.
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15QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
2
Using QuickLoop
This chapter describes how to use Quickloop. Topics include:
■ QuickLoop Overview, page 16
■ Address Translation, page 17
■ Administering QuickLoop, page 18
■ QuickLoop Topology, page 19
■ QuickLoop Implementation, page 20
■ Error Handling, page 23
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16 QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
QuickLoop Overview
QuickLoop can be enabled or disabled on either the entire switch or on individual
ports. When QuickLoop is disabled on a port, that port returns to Fabric mode.
When QuickLoop is enabled on a port, the port is added to the same QuickLoop to
which the switch belongs.
QuickLoop can be enabled on either single switch or dual switch configurations,
known as “QuickLoop partners.” QuickLoop can include all or some of the ports
on a switch or switch pair, and can have several private hosts. Public hosts in an
arbitrated loop mode are considered private devices when connected to
QuickLoop ports.
A switch can be configured to operate in any of the following modes:
■ QuickLoop mode—All ports on the switch, except for E_Ports or loopback
ports, are enabled for QuickLoop and participate in a logical Private Loop
Direct Attach (PLDA). Upon request, this can be set as the manufacturing
default. This mode can also be set by the telnet command qlEnable.
■ Fabric mode—No ports are QuickLoop-enabled (none participate in any
logical PLDAs), and all ports operate as FC-FLA compliant devices. This
mode can be set by the telnet command qlDisable.
■ Mixed mode—Each port is enabled for QuickLoop on an individual basis. The
port operating mode can be reset during operation. Ports set to QuickLoop
become looplets of the QuickLoop to which the switch belongs. Particular
ports can be taken in and out of the QuickLoop by entering the
qlportdisable and qlportenable.
Note: These modes cannot be configured by Simple Network Management Protocol
(SNMP).
A switch has a default mode, which depends on the switch model. When powered
up, all the ports of the switch will be set to the default mode.
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17QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
Address Translation
Address translation is transparent and requires no actions on the part of the user. It
is achieved through hardware translative mode (also known as phantom mode), in
which a device not physically located in a looplet is made addressable by a unique
AL_PA in that looplet. There are two hardware translative modes available to a
QuickLoop-enabled switch:
■ Standard translative mode—Allows public hosts to communicate with private
target devices across the fabric. Standard translative mode is available as an
integral part of Fabric OS, and does not require QuickLoop.
■ QuickLoop mode—Allows private hosts to communicate with private target
devices across the fabric when configured in the same QuickLoop. Also
allows private host to communicate with public target in the same QuickLoop.
In mixed mode individual ports within a switch are set by configuration commands
to one of the above two modes.
The switch automatically determines and sets the appropriate mode, based on
factory defaults and configurations currently in effect.
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Administering QuickLoop
QuickLoop can be managed through telnet commands or Advanced Web Tools.
Note: QuickLoop cannot be managed from a switch running Fabric OS v4.1.x and
QuickLoops cannot be enabled on a switch running Fabric OS v4.1.x.
You can use Advanced Web Tools to view and modify the QuickLoop settings
through the QuickLoop Admin tab on the Switch Admin view, available through
Advanced Web Tools. Refer to the HP StorageWorks Web Tools Version
3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide for a description of all available functions and screens.
You can use the Command Line Interface (CLI) to manage QuickLoop. Refer to
the HP StorageWorks Fabric OS Version 3.1.x/4.1.x Reference Guide for a
complete description of each telnet command.
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19QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
QuickLoop Topology
QuickLoop topologies have the following characteristics:
■ A QuickLoop can include up to two switches and can support up to 126
AL_PA devices.
■ Each particular switch can only be included in one QuickLoop.
■ A QuickLoop can include either all of, or a subset of, the ports on a particular
switch.
■ Multiple non-overlapping QuickLoops can exist in a fabric of multiple
switches.
■ Switches with QuickLoop enabled can exist in the same fabric as
non-QuickLoop enabled switches.
■ A device attached to a QuickLoop can communicate with all other devices
attached to the same QuickLoop.
■ A private device in a QuickLoop can only communicate with devices in the
same QuickLoop. Existing PLDA capable host drivers need no modification
to perform I/O operations with storage devices.
■ Public devices that are arbitrated loop capable are treated as private devices
when connected to QuickLoop ports (their Fabric Login (FLOGI) is not
valid).
■ Legacy devices may be used in a QuickLoop and may be attached to a fabric
and operate as if in a PLDA environment.
■ QuickLoop functionality can be enabled or disabled for either the entire
switch or for particular ports. When QuickLoop is disabled on a particular
port, that port returns to Fabric mode.
■ If a looplet error is detected, QuickLoop automatically takes that looplet out
of service. If the error condition is cleared, the looplet is automatically
reinstated.
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20 QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
QuickLoop Implementation
QuickLoop is implemented by a combination of hardware and software
components, and requires no actions on the part of the user once it is installed and
configured.
Topics in this section include:
■ Terminology, page 20
■ Dual-switch QuickLoop, page 21
■ QuickLoop Initialization, page 22
Terminology
The terms and concepts introduced in this section are fundamental to
understanding the use of QuickLoop mode with StorageWorks SAN switches.
Topics include:
■ Storage Devices
■ Switch Ports
Storage Devices
The following two port types are on host or storage devices, not on switches.
■ N_port—(Node port) An equipment port that is not loop capable. Used to
connect the equipment to the fabric.
■ NL_port—An equipment port that is loop capable. Used to connect an
equipment port to the fabric in a loop configuration through the FL_Port on a
switch.
Switch Ports
Each port can be independently configured as one of various types:
■ F_port—A fabric port that is not in loop mode. Able to transmit under fabric
protocol, and interface over links. N_Ports on equipment connect to F_Ports
on switches.
■ FL_port—A fabric port on a switch that is in loop mode. Used to connect loop
capable NL_Ports to the switch in a loop configuration.
■ L_port—A node port (NL_port) or fabric port (FL_port) that has arbitrated
loop capabilities.
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21QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
Sometimes, a single fabric loop device is attached to a port. In this case, the port
would function as an FL_port. The attached device possesses either an N_port (if
the device is fabric-capable) or an NL_port, in which case the device would be
connected to the fabric in a loop configuration through an FL_Port on a switch. In
this latter case a looplet is created.
■ E_port—Expansion port. A port is designated an E_Port when it is used as an
interswitch expansion port to connect to the E_Port of another switch, to build
a larger switch fabric, or to build a two-switch QuickLoop configuration.
■ looplet—A set of devices connected in a loop to a port that is itself a member
of an arbitrated loop. By contrast, a single device rather than a loop might be
connected to a port.
Each device in a private loop must have a unique physical address. The
devices in a QuickLoop are assigned a unique phantom AL_PA.
■ AL_PA—Arbitrated loop physical address. A one byte value used to identify
a device in an arbitrated loop.
During implementation and operation of StorageWorks SAN switches in a
QuickLoop, messages are transmitted by devices as they come online. These
messages, called LIPs, are in addition to normal data traffic.
■ LIP—Loop initialization primitive.
Dual-switch QuickLoop
In a dual-switch QuickLoop (QuickLoop Partners), the initialization process is
driven by one of the switches, called the QuickLoop master. The role of the
QuickLoop master is dynamically assigned at each instance of QuickLoop
initialization, according to the following criteria:
■ If one switch receives LIPs from its looplets and the other does not, the switch
that receives the LIPs is the QuickLoop master.
■ If both switches receive LIPs from their respective looplets, the switch with
the lower domain ID is the QuickLoop master.
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22 QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
QuickLoop Initialization
QuickLoop initialization includes two passes:
■ Pass 1 Sequential looplet initialization—Allows each device in a looplet to
obtain a unique AL_PA.
■ Pass 2 Full QuickLoop initialization—Brings QuickLoop up to operation.
If Advanced Zoning is in use, the looplets that are initialized depend upon the
zoning configuration. Refer to the HP StorageWorks Zoning Version 3.1.x/4.1.x
User Guide.
Pass 1: Sequential Looplet Initialization
This pass allows each device in the QuickLoop to obtain a unique AL_PA in a
single AL_PA bit-map. Only those looplets from which LIPs were received are
initialized, using the loop initialization procedure described in the FC-AL
standard. The AL_PAs of devices in looplets from which no LIPs are received are
preserved during initialization.
Pass 2: Full Initialization
This pass sets up the QuickLoop as a single logical PLDA. This is accomplished
by making all assigned AL_PAs addressable by any device in the QuickLoop,
regardless of whether the destination device and source device are in the same
physical looplet. If the destination and source devices are not in the same physical
looplet, the hidden FL_Port in the source device looplet acts on behalf of the
destination device, and the fabric provides the transport service.
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23QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
Error Handling
QuickLoop isolates faulty switches or ports by excluding them from the
initialization process. This allows minimization of the impact of a faulty looplet or
switch on normal QuickLoop operations, and is particularly important for
QuickLoops that contain multiple looplets distributed across two switches.
Topics in this section include:
■ Switch Level Errors
■ Port Level Errors
Switch Level Errors
Switch-level errors that can affect dual switch QuickLoops, include the following
conditions:
■ No switch with the configured partner switch’s WWN can be found in the
fabric.
■ No response is received from the partner switch during the initial handshake.
■ Inconsistent responses are received from the partner switch.
■ Responses are not received in time during QuickLoop initialization.
If one of the above errors is detected on a switch, the partner re-initializes to form
a separate QuickLoop containing only the devices on the partner switch, creating
two QuickLoops. If the error condition is removed, the QuickLoops are
re-initialized to form a single QuickLoop.
Port Level Errors
Port-level errors include the following:
■ Any physical level errors occur, such as loss of synchronization or laser fault.
■ The frequency of LIPs received from a port exceeds a threshold.
■ A port fails to become the Loop Initialization Master within a time-out period
after LIPs are either received from or sent to the port.
■ A port does not receive a loop initialization sequence back within a time-out
period after the sequence is sent.
If an error is detected on a looplet, the QuickLoop is re-initialized with the looplet
excluded. The error condition is monitored, and if the condition is removed, the
looplet is added back to the QuickLoop.
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24 QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
The looplet error recovery procedure includes the following steps:
1. LIPs are issued to the looplet, and it is determined whether the hidden
FL_Port enters OPEN-INIT and becomes the Loop Initialization Master.
2. The rest of the standard Loop Initialization Sequences are completed, and it is
determined whether the looplet can be fully initialized within a time-out
period.
3. The looplet is kept idle and it is determined whether it remains stable.
If the procedure fails at any of the above steps, the looplet remains isolated from
the QuickLoop, and the procedure is executed again after the time-out period. If
all the steps are successfully completed, the looplet is reinstated into the
QuickLoop by full initialization.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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57QuickLoop Fabric Assist Version 3.1.x User Guide
index
Index
Index
A
address translation 17
AL_PA 12
arbitrated loop 11
audience 6
authorized reseller, HP 9
C
configurations, oop 20
conventions
document 7
text symbols 7
D
default mode 16
document
conventions 7
related documentation 6
E
errors
handling 23
looplet 19, 23, 24
port level 23
switch level 23
F
Fabric mode 16, 19
Fabric mode, switch level 16
FC_AL 22
FC-FLA 16
full initialization (pass 2) 22
G
getting help 9
H
hardware translative mode 17
help, obtaining 9
HP
authorized reseller 9
storage website 9
technical support 9
I
implementation of QuickLoop 20
initialization
full (pass 2) 22
of QuickLoop 22
sequential looplet (pass 1) 22
L
legacy devices 19
LIP 24
definition 21
frequency 23
from looplet 21
in QuickLoop 21
initialization 22
initialization master 23
master 21
threshold 23
time-out 23
loop
initialization master 24
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initialization sequences 24
looplet 24
looplet error 19, 24
M
master, QuickLoop 21
modes
about 16
Fabric Assist 17
Fabric mode (switch-level) 16
hardware translative 17
mixed 16, 17
QuickLoop 17
QuickLoop (switch level) 16
standard translative 17
P
phantom, mode 17
port level
errors 23
setting QuickLoop 16
Q
QuickLoop
address translation 17
definition 12
master 21
port level 16
switch level 16
R
recovery
port level 23
switch level 23
related documentation 6
S
sequential looplet initialization (pass 1) 22
SNMP 16
standard translative mode 17
switch level
errors 23
Fabric mode 16
mixed mode 16
QuickLoop 16
switch, master 21
symbols in text 7
T
technical support, HP 9
text symbols 7
translation, address 17
W
Web Tools
Fabric Assist 14
QuickLoop 14
websites
HP storage 9
StorageWorks 6
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