Q-Logic QLA22XX manual What is Fibre Channel?, Features

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What is Fibre Channel?

1 – Introduction

that support private loop direct attach (PLDA) and fabric loop attach (FLA). Installation of the QLA22xx board is quick and easy.

1.2

What is Fibre Channel?

Fibre channel technology is outlined in the SCSI-3 Fibre Channel Protocol (SCSI-FCP) standard. Fibre Channel is a high-speed data transport technology used for mass storage and networking. It connects mainframes, super computers, workstations, storage devices, and servers.

Fibre Channel supports data transfer rates of 100 Mbytes/sec on copper and optical interfaces. The QLA2200/2200L board uses a copper interface for short connections (less than 30 meters); the QLA2200F/2202F/2204F/2212F board uses a multimode optical interface for intermediate distances (less than 500 meters); the QLA2200G board uses a GBIC, which can be either a single mode or multimode optical interface for long distances (greater than 500 meters).

With increased connectivity and performance, Fibre Channel is the technology preferred and used by system designers.

1.3

Features

■Compliance with PCI version 2.2 specification

■Compliance with Third Generation Fibre Channel Physical and Signaling Interface (FC-PH-3) standard

■Compliance with Fibre Channel-Arbitrated Loop (FC-AL-2) standard

■Compliance with U.S. and international safety and emissions standards

■Support for bus master DMA

■Fast!UTIL BIOS utility to customize the configuration parameters on the QLA22xx board and attached drives

■Two independent channels on a single board (QLA2202F board)

■Two independent channels, one of which supports internal and external connection (QLA2212F)

■Four independent channels on a single board (QLA2204F board)

■Supports Fibre Channel SCSI (FCP-SCSI) and internet protocol (IP) protocols

■Supports point-to-point fabric connection (F-PORT FABRIC LOGIN)

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FC0151103-00 E

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Contents Hardware Installation Guide for QLA22xx Board Family QLogic Corporation Table of Contents Figures Introduction General DescriptionWhat is Fibre Channel? FeaturesPreinstallation Procedures What You Need for InstallationQLA2200 Board Layout QLA2202F Board Layout QLA2204F Board Layout QLA2200G Board Layout Power Distribution Installation in the ComputerFC0151103-00 E Installation Help Problems After Installation Hardware Problem ChecklistSystem Configuration Problem Checklist Fibre Channel Problem Checklist Configuration Settings IntroductionHost Adapter Settings Selectable Boot SettingsTable A-1. Host Adapter Settings Table A-2. Advanced Adapter Settings Restore Default SettingsAdvanced Adapter Settings Raw Nvram DataConfiguration Settings Fast!UTIL Extended Firmware Settings Table A-3. Extended Firmware SettingsTable A-4. RIO Operation Modes Table A-5. Connection OptionsScan Fibre Channel Devices Fibre Disk UtilitySelect Host Adapter Select Host Adapter Fast!UTIL FC0151103-00 E Table B-2. QLA22xx Board Specifications Table B-1. QLA22xx Board Operating EnvironmentOptic support available using an external MIA

QLA22XX specifications

The Q-Logic QLA22XX series encompasses a range of high-performance Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters (HBAs) designed to enhance data storage and network connectivity within enterprise environments. Specifically, these adapters are tailored for environments requiring robust storage solutions, ensuring that organizations can effectively manage their data traffic and optimize their storage strategies.

At the heart of the QLA22XX is its adherence to the Fibre Channel standard, which allows for high-speed connections between servers and storage devices. These adapters support speeds of up to 16 Gbps, which provides the bandwidth necessary for handling multiple workloads simultaneously. This capability is crucial for businesses that rely on rapid access to large volumes of data, thereby facilitating quicker decision-making processes and enhancing productivity.

The QLA22XX series features advanced technologies such as enhanced error correction and adaptive routing. These technologies ensure data integrity and reliability during transfer, reducing the likelihood of data corruption. Additionally, the adaptiveness of the routing capabilities allows the HBA to optimize performance by dynamically adjusting to various network conditions and topologies.

Another key characteristic of the QLA22XX is its compatibility with a multitude of operating systems, including major platforms like Windows, Linux, and VMware. This broad compatibility simplifies deployment across diverse IT ecosystems, making it easier for organizations to integrate these HBAs without extensive modifications to their existing infrastructure.

Moreover, the QLA22XX series supports the latest management and monitoring tools, enabling administrators to have complete visibility into performance metrics and potential issues. This includes support for the SNMP protocol, which facilitates proactive monitoring and management of the networked storage systems.

Energy efficiency is also a consideration in the design of the QLA22XX series. These adapters are engineered to minimize power consumption, which not only aids in reducing operational costs but also contributes to the organization's sustainability goals.

In summary, the Q-Logic QLA22XX series is a reliable and high-performance Fibre Channel HBA solution. With its high-speed connectivity, advanced technologies for data integrity, broad compatibility, and proactive management features, it stands out as a robust option for enterprises looking to enhance their data storage and network connectivity capabilities.
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