Specifications

12 Getting Started with the McDATA Intrepid FICON Director
2.1 Introduction to the FICON Director
This section provides an overview of the McDATA Intrepid FICON Directors and discusses the
hardware components, models, configuration, and software.
2.1.1 FICON Director overview
The McDATA Intrepid models implement Fibre Channel technology that provides
high-performance scalable bandwidth, high available operation, and redundant switched data
paths that support FICON-attached servers and storage devices.
The Intrepid 6064 FICON Director is an enterprise class Director that provides switch fabric
connectivity for to up 64 ports. The Intrepid 6140 is the newest addition and provides up to
140 ports.
Both models have the following characteristics:
򐂰 Scalable design
򐂰 Automatic failover of critical components
򐂰 Based on a Serial Crossbar (SBAR) switching element
򐂰 Low latency, non-blocking architecture
򐂰 Consistent latency of 2 microseconds
򐂰 Software based zoning
The Directors provide a modular design that enables quick removal and replacement of Field
Replacable Units (FRUs), including a:
򐂰 Cable management assembly and front bezel
򐂰 Power module assembly (with AC power switch), redundant fan modules and redundant
power supplies
򐂰 Redundant processor (CTP) cards and serial crossbar (SBAR) assembly logic cards
򐂰 A minimum configuration of six fiber port module (FPM) cards or universal port module
(UPM) cards for both Intrepid Directors, to a maximum configuration of 16 FPM/UPM
cards for the Intrepid 6064 and a maximum configuration of 35 UPM cards for the Intrepid
6140.
Each FPM card provides four 1 Gbps Fibre Channel port connections through LC-Duplex
small form factor (SFF) fiber-optic transceivers. Each UPM card provides four 2 Gbps
Fibre Channel port connections through SFF fiber-optic transceivers.
The Intrepid 6140 is only offered with 2 Gbps UPM and CTP cards.
For both FPM and UPM cards, short wavelength (SX) laser transceivers are available for
transferring data over either 50 micron or 62.5 micron multimode fiber cable. Long
wavelength (LX) laser transceivers are available for transferring data over 9 micron single
mode fiber cable. Fiber optic cables attach to Director port transceivers with LC-Duplex
connectors.
򐂰 The power module assembly at the rear of the Director also provides a 9-pin, D-type
subminiature maintenance port for connection to a local terminal or remote terminal.
Protocol intermix
The McDATA Intrepid Directors support Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP) and FICON protocol
intermix at the port level. If protocol intermix is used on the same Director, FCP and FICON
ports should be isolated by zoning.