Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling

Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling 6
ECG02030699A
Hubs
Hubs provide the ability to use different fibre channel cables in the same loop to accommodate
different types of infrastructure cabling. Figure 3 shows an example of a 62.5-micron multi-mode
cable, a 50-micron multi-mode cable, and a 9-micron single-mode cable used in the same loop.
The hub’s ability to detect and bypass non-operational ports keeps the loop intact.
Figure 3. Using a hub to intermix fiber types
Gigabit Interface Converters
These industry-standard connection devices hot plug into all Fibre Channel System components
(host controllers, cables, hubs, and arrays). A shortwave GBIC (GBIC-SW) must be used with a
multi-mode fibre channel cable and a long wave GBIC (GBIC-LW) must be used with a
single-mode fibre channel cable.
A GBIC:
• Converts electrical signals into optical signals.
• Converts optical signals into electrical signals.
• Provides a transmission rate of 100 MB/s in each direction.
A GBIC-SW provides a transmission distance between components of up to 500 meters using
50-micron, multi-mode fiber optic cable. A GBIC-LW provides a transmission distance between
components of up to 10 kilometers using 9-micron, single-mode fiber optic cable.