Glossary
SNMP Simple Network Management Protocol. An internet management protocol that uses either IP for network level functions and UDP for transport level functions, or TCP/IP for both. Can be made available over other protocols, such as UDP/IP, because it does not rely on the underlying communication protocols. See also Community (SNMP).
SNS Simple Name Server; a switch service that stores names, addresses, and attributes for up to 15 minutes, and provides them as required to other devices in the fabric. SNS is defined by Fibre Channel standards and exists at a well known address. May also be referred to as directory service. See also FS.
Switch Hardware that routes frames according to Fibre Channel protocol and is controlled by software.
Switch Name The arbitrary name assigned to a switch.
Switch Port A port on a switch. Switch ports can be E_Ports, F_Ports, or FL_Ports.
SWL Short Wavelength; a type of fiber optic cabling that is based on 850mm lasers and supports 1.0625 Gbps link speeds. May also refer to the type of GBIC or SFP. See also LWL.
T
Target A storage device on a Fibre Channel network. See also Initiator.
Tenancy The time from when a port wins arbitration in a loop until the same port returns to the monitoring state. Also referred to as loop tenancy.
Throughput The rate of data flow achieved within a cable, link, or system. Usually measured in bps (bits per second). See also Bandwidth.
Topology As applies to Fibre Channel, the configuration of the Fibre Channel network and the resulting communication paths allowed. There are three possible topologies:
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•Switched fabric — Multiple N_Ports linked to a switch by F_Ports.
•Arbitrated loop — Multiple NL_Ports connected in a loop.
Departmental Switch Model
