Compaq AA-RHGWC-TE manual Basic Fibre Channel Terminology, Frame

6.2.1 Basic Fibre Channel Terminology

The following list describes the basic Fibre Channel terminology:

Frame	All data is transferred in a packet of information
	called a frame. A frame is limited to 2112 bytes. If
	the information consists of more than 2112 bytes, it
	is divided up into multiple frames.
Node	The source and destination of a frame. A node
	may be a computer system, a redundant array of
	independent disks (RAID) array controller, or a disk
	device. Each node has a 64-bit unique node name
	(worldwide name) that is built into the node when it
	is manufactured.
N_Port	Each node must have at least one Fibre Channel
	port from which to send or receive data. This node
	port is called an N_Port. Each port is assigned a
	64-bit unique port name (worldwide name) when it
	is manufactured. An N_Port is connected directly
	to another N_Port in a point-to-point topology. An
	N_Port is connected to an F_Port in a fabric topology.
NL_Port	In an arbitrated loop topology, information is routed
	around a loop. The information is repeated by each
	intermediate port until it reaches its destination.
	The N_Port that contains this additional loop
	functionality is an NL_Port.
Fabric	A switch, or multiple interconnected switches,
	that route frames between the originator node
	(transmitter) and destination node (receiver).
F_Port	The ports within the fabric (fabric port). This port is
	called an F_port. Each F_port is assigned a 64-bit
	unique node name and a 64-bit unique port name
	when it is manufactured. Together, the node name
	and port name make up the worldwide name.
FL_Port	An F_Port containing the loop functionality is called
	an FL_Port.

Using Fibre Channel Storage 6–5