Q-Logic FC0054607-00 A manual NPort ID virtualization, NLPort, Node loop port, Node port, Path

Fibre Channel and Converged Network Adapters for VMware ESX/ESXi 4.0 User’s Guide

N_Port

Node port. A port that connects by a point-to-point link to either a single N_Port or a single F_Port. N_Ports handle creation, detection, and flow of message units to and from the connected systems. N_Ports are end ports in virtual point-to-point links through a fabric, for example N_Port to F_Port to F_Port to N_Port using a single Fibre Channel fabric switch. See also FL_Port.

N_Port ID virtualization

See NPIV.

NIC

Network interface card or network inter- face controller. A computer circuit board or card that is installed in a computer so that it can be connected to a network.

NL_Port

Node loop port. A port capable of arbitrated loop functions and protocols. An NL_Port connects through an arbitrated loop to other NL_Port and at most a single FL_Port. NL_Ports handle creation, detec- tion, and flow of message units to and from the connected systems. NL_Ports are end ports in virtual point-to-point links through

afabric, for example NL_Port to F_Port to F_Port to N_Port using a single Fibre Channel fabric switch. In the absence of a fabric switch FL_Port, NL_Ports can communicate with other NL_Ports in virtual point-to-point links through a FC_AL open loop circuit often through FC_AL (arbitrated Loop) hub or loop switch devices. See: E_Port, F_Port, FL_Port, G_Port, N_Port.

node loop port

See NL_Port.

node port

See N_Port.

NPIV

The ability for a single physical Fibre Channel end point (N_Port) to support multiple, uniquely addressable, logical end points. With NPIV, a host Fibre Channel Adapter is shared in such a way that each virtual adapter is assigned to a virtual server and is separately identifiable within the fabric. Connectivity and access privi- leges within the fabric are controlled by identification of each virtual adapter and, hence, the virtual server using each virtual adapter.

NVRAM

Non-volatile random access memory. A type of memory that retains data (configu- ration settings) even when power is removed. You can manually configure NVRAM settings or restore them from a file.

path

A path to a device is a combination of a adapter port instance and a target port as distinct from internal paths in the fabric network. A fabric network appears to the operating system as an opaque network between the adapter (initiator) and the target.

Because a path is a combination of an adapter and a target port, it is distinct from another path if it is accessed through a different adapter and/or it is accessing a different target port. Consequently, when switching from one path to another, the driver might be selecting a different adapter (initiator), a different target port, or both.

FC0054607-00 A Glossary-5