Specifications

Glossary
947Fabric OS Version 3.1.x/4.1.x Reference 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.