Specifications

Glossary
946 Fabric OS Version 3.1.x/4.1.x Reference 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.