HP StorageWorks XP Disk Array Mainframe Host Attachment and Operations Guide XP24000, XP20000 (A5951 - 96151, September 2007)

• Full-duplex bi-directional data transfers
• Multiple I/O processes
• Allows small and large data transfers to be transmitted at the same time
• High-bandwidth transfer (up to 4 Gbps)
• Greater throughput rates over longer distances than ESCON
• Lowered interlock between the disk controller and channel
• Executing pipeline CCW
FICON Physical Specifications
The following table compares the physical specifications between ESCON and FICON.
Table 3 Comparing ESCON and FICON Physical Specifications
FICONESCONItem
ANSI FC-PHESCONPhysical Interface
ANSI FC-SB-2/FC-SB-3/PC-PI-2ESCONLogical Interface
1 Gbps / 2 Gbps / 4 Gbps, bidirectional200 Mbps, unidirectionalBandwidth and direction
Single Mode/9umMulti Mode/62.5umCable
Multi Mode/50 or 62.5um
Distance
Single Mode/9um—Long wave
10 km, 20 km (with RPQ)
Multi Mode/ 62.5um
300m(1Gbps)/150m(2Gbps)/75m(4Gbps)
3 kmShort wave
Multi Mode/ 50um
500m(1Gbps)/300m(2Gbps)/150m(4Gbps)
LC-duplex (see the following figure)ESCON ConnectorConnector
Point-to-Point and Switched Point-to-PointPoint-to-Point and Switched
Point-to-Point
Topologies
XP Disk Array Mainframe Host Attachment and Operations Guide 25