Specifications

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