SAN Design: March 29, 2001 3:18 pm
53-0001575-01 BROCADE Technical Note Page: 29 of 31
Frame Fibre channel structure used to transmit data. Consists of start-of-frame delimiter, header, any optional headers, data
payload, cyclic redundancy check (CRC), and end-of-frame delimiter. There are two types: data frames and link con-
trol frames. Similar to the networking concept “packet”.
FSPF Fabric Shortest Path First. BROCADE routing protocol for fibre channel switches
G-Port Generic Port. Port that can operate either as E_Port or F_Port. Ports are defined as G_Ports when disconnected or have
not assumed specific function within fabric
GBIC Gigabit Interface Converter -- converts electrical to optical signal
HBA Host Bus Adapter. Interface card between a server or workstation bus and the fibre channel network. Similar to a net-
work interface card
ISL Interswitch Link. Fibre channel link from the E_Port of one switch to E_Port of another.
JBOD Just a Bunch Of Disks. A number of disks connected in a single chassis to one or more controllers
Latency Time required to transmit a frame, from the time sent until time of arrival.
Link As applies to fibre channel, a physical connection between two ports, consisting of both transmit and receive fibres
LWL GBIC Long wavelength fibre optic GBIC. Based on 1300 nm lasers supporting 1.0625 Gbps link speeds. Connectors are
color-coded blue.
MIB Management Information Base. SNMP structure that provides configuration and device information to assist with
device management
Name Server Service of storing names, addresses, and attributes for up to 15 minutes, provided by a switch to other entities in fab-
ric. Defined by fibre channel standards, and existing at a well-known address. Also called Simple Name Server, SNS,
or directory service
N-Port Node Port. Port that can attach to a fibre channel port.
Storage Area Network. Network of systems and storage devices that usually communicate using fibre channel proto-
cols.
SWL GBIC Short wavelength fiber-optic cable. Based on 850 nm lasers supporting 1.0625 Gbps link speeds. Connectors are
color-coded black.
TABLE 1. Glossary of Fibre Channel and SAN Design Terminology
Term Definition