User`s manual

Preliminary
Major Switch Chassis Features
SANbox-8 Fibre Channel Switch
1-10 General Description 59008-03 Rev. A Installer’s/User’s Manual
Major Switch Chassis Features
The following is an overview of the major features of the Switch chassis:
• A chassis can be defined as one of three stage types: Input-Output/Transfer
(IO/T), Cross Connect (CC), or SL Private Loop. An IO/T chassis supports
all port types (F, FL, SL, TL, and T). A CC chassis supports only T_Ports as it
serves as a bridge between many IO/T chassis. An SL Private Loop chassis
supports SL_Ports and T_Ports. Refer to“Three Multi-Chassis Topologies”
on page 5-8 for more information about IO/T and CC stage types. Refer to
“SL Private Loop Stage Type” on page 1-5 for more information about the
SL Private Loop Stage Type.
• The Switch undergoes Power-On-Self-Tests (POSTs) each time it is powered-
up. POST provides one pass through the tests, but does not test the GigaBit
Interface Converters (GBICs). The POST uses the Heartbeat LED to indicate
pass or fail test conditions. Refer to “Heartbeat LED (Yellow)” on page 1-20
and “Power-On-Self-Test (POST)” on page 3-2.
• LEDs indicate the status of the Switch and each port. Refer to “Front Panel
LEDs” on page 1-20.
• The Switch contains an RJ-45 Ethernet connector that provides a manage-
ment connection to the outside world. The user can use a management station
connected via this network to manage the Switch.
Refer to “Major Switch Management Features” and “Switch Management
Connector” later in this section, and the Switch Management manual for
more information.
• The Switch chassis may be connected to other Switch chassis to expand the
number of user ports. Refer to Section 5 Multi-Chassis Fabrics.
• The Switch chassis is shipped from the factory physically configured with
rubber feet on its bottom that allow it to sit on a flat surface and stack.
Mounting brackets (in a separate packet shipped with the Switch) allow you
to mount it in a 19-inch rack. When mounted in a rack, the Switch needs no
shelf or rails for support. Refer to Section 2 Installation for the install proce-
dure and Appendix A Reference Information for the dimensions and type of
rack.
• The Switch chassis may be configured with the airflow either front-to-back or
back-to-front depending on the model.
• SANbox switch fabrics support the use of MKII switches as IO/T chassis in
mesh and Multistage™ topologies. Refer to “Three Multi-Chassis Topolo-
gies” on page 5-8 for more information about MKII compatibility.