Compaq StorageWorks HSG60 ACS Solution Software V8.6 for Sun Solaris Installation and Configuration Guide

Chapter 6
Fibre Channel: Considerations for Both
Loop and Fabric Environments
General FC Environmental Considerations
Fibre Channel (FC) configurations consists of an assembly of servers, storage (RAID
Arrays), hubs, switches, and repeaters. Together this assmbly presents a multitude of
options for configuring a storage area network and require attention to their configuration
in design, installation, testing, and documentation.
In the simple cases, a configuration can easily be understood and investigated. In more
complex configurations, considering FC’s ability to support transmission lengths in terms
of miles/kilometers the problems of design, installation, testing and documentation require
a greater discipline and control.
Configurable Objects
This section describes how to configure the Sun server and the storage (RAID array)
components so that given a path with a loop or switch configuration, the Sun server and
storage will be able to communicate successfully. This section describes how to configure
the following objects:
■ Servers
■ Storage
■ Hubs
■ Switches