User`s guide

Introduction 1-9
System Firmware
The system firmware controls the management, automatic configuration, and
diagnostics of the StorageWorks Fibre Channel Switch.
Interface Cards
The Switch has slots to accommodate eight plug-in, dual G_Port or dual
FL_Port interface cards.
All interfaces have status lights visible from the front panel giving a quick,
visual check of the interface card’s status and activity.
The Fibre Channel standards-compliant G_Ports and FL_Ports operate in full-
duplex mode, supporting link speeds of 1.0625 Gigabits/sec in each direction.
The following table explains the interface card terminology.
Table 1-2
Interface Card Terminologg
Term Definition
G_Port Generic Switch port that operates in either E_Port or F_Port modes.
E_Port An E_Port is an interSwitch expansion port used to connect to an
E_Port of another Switch to build a larger Fabric.
F_Port The F_Port is the Fabric access port used to connect an N_Port.
FL_Port The FL_Port is the Fabric access port used to connect NL_Ports to
the Switch in a loop configuration.
N_Port The N_Port is an equipment port connected to the Fabric via an
F_Port.
NL_Port The NL_Port is an equipment port connected to the Fabric in a loop
configuration via an FL_Port.
Nx_Port An Nx_Port is either a N_Port or a NL_Port.
G_Port Generic Switch port that operates in either E_Port or F_Port modes.
A Switch is scalable and allows interconnecting up to 32 Switches in flexible
topologies building medium to large Fibre Channel switching Fabrics.
Topologies are automatically changed as new Switches or links are added and