
EMC Connectrix DS-32B2 and ED-12000B Fabric OS Reference Manual g-9
Glossary
FCP Fibre Channel Protocol. Mapping of protocols onto the Fibre Channel 
standard protocols. For example, SCSI FCP maps SCSI-3 onto Fibre 
Channel.
FC-PH-1, 2, 3 The Fibre Channel Physical and Signalling Interface standards 
defined by ANSI.
FC-PI The Fibre Channel Physical Interface standard defined by ANSI.
FC-PLDA The Fibre Channel Private Loop Direct Attach standard defined by 
ANSI. Applies to the operation of peripheral devices on a private 
loop.
FCS Switch Fabric configuration server switch. One or more designated switches 
that store and manage the configuration and security parameters for 
all switches in the fabric. FCS switches are designated by WWN, and 
the list of designated switches is communicated fabric-wide. See also 
Backup FCS Switch and Primary FCS Switch.
FC-SW-2 The second generation of the Fibre Channel Switch Fabric standard 
defined by ANSI. Specifies tools and algorithms for the 
interconnection and initialization of Fibre Channel switches in order 
to create a multiswitch Fibre Channel fabric. 
Fibre Channel
Transport A protocol service that supports communication between Fibre 
Channel service providers. See also FSP.
FIFO First in, First out. May also refer to a data buffer that follows the first 
in, first out rule.
Fill Word An IDLE or ARB ordered set that is transmitted during breaks 
between data frames to keep the Fibre Channel link active. 
Firmware The basic operating system provided with the hardware.
Firmware Download The process of loading firmware down from a server into the switch.
Flash Programmable NVRAM memory that maintains its contents.
Flash Partition Two redundant usable areas, called partitions, into which firmware 
can be downloaded.