INSPEED™ SAN STORAGE SWITCH MODEL 355

CHAPTER 3 SWITCH MANAGEMENT

USER’S GUIDE

 

Port Information

The following settings are available.

Setting

Description

 

 

Smart Setting Name

Displays the name of the Smart Setting. The Smart Setting name will

 

automatically appear in the text box when selected in the scroll menu.

 

 

Smart Setting Type

The topology among switches for a port. Options include:

 

• Initiator or Target Port – the default setting. Should be used when there

 

are no links between switches.

 

• Tree Cascade – designates the port as a tree cascade port. Use this

 

setting when connecting multiple switches together in a tree cascade

 

configuration. Under most conditions, this setting will result in accept-

 

able performance.

 

• String Cascade 1 through String Cascade 4 – designates the string

 

cascade to which a port is assigned. String cascades maintain fairness

 

when two or more InSpeed-based storage switches are serially

 

cascaded. Switch performance may be lower when compared to a tree

 

cascade configuration.

 

 

Pre-Insertion Testing

The following settings are available.

Setting

Description

 

 

Enable Policies/Smart

This policy is the default operating mode for all ports and determines what

Insertion

the switch looks for prior to allowing a port to insert into a zone. When the

 

policy is enabled, an external device is sent an F7 Initialization notification

 

by the switch until an F7 Initialization notification is received from the

 

device. Once an F7 Initialization notification is received, the port is

 

inserted in the zone.

 

This policy takes precedence over all other policies. When this policy is

 

disabled, no additional policies are operational, and as long as a port

 

transmits a signal of the correct frequency and amplitude, the port will be

 

allowed in the zone.

 

 

Port Test Before Insertion

This policy ensures a device on a port is a valid, standards-compliant

 

participant before allowing the device to be inserted into a zone. The

 

device must meet all of the FC-AL requirements along with going through

 

a complete change notification cycle. During the change notification cycle,

 

the device becomes the Initialization Master (IM) and goes through the

 

change notification phases. Once the change notification cycle is

 

complete, the device can be inserted. This process ensures a bad device

 

is not allowed into the zone.

 

 

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Emulex 355 manual Port Information, Pre-Insertion Testing
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355 specifications

The Emulex 355 is a high-performance network interface card (NIC) designed specifically for data centers requiring advanced connectivity, reliability, and speed. With the rapid evolution of data transmission technology, the Emulex 355 stands out due to its robust features and capabilities that cater to the demands of modern IT infrastructures.

One of the key features of the Emulex 355 is its support for 10 Gigabit Ethernet, which allows for significantly faster data transfer rates compared to standard Gigabit connections. This increased bandwidth is essential for handling large volumes of data traffic, particularly in virtualized environments and cloud computing applications. Its high throughput ensures that data can be transmitted rapidly across networks, minimizing latency and improving overall performance.

The Emulex 355 employs advanced technologies such as iSCSI Offload and FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet), which help enhance data processing efficiency. These technologies allow the card to offload processing tasks from the host system's CPU, reducing the load on server resources and optimizing performance. The result is a more efficient system that can handle more concurrent connections and processes without being overwhelmed.

In addition to speed and efficiency, reliability is paramount in data center operations. The Emulex 355 includes features like error detection and correction, ensuring data integrity during transmission. Built-in redundancy and failover capabilities safeguard against potential network disruptions, allowing for continuous availability of services—a crucial aspect in mission-critical environments.

The Emulex 355 also offers support for various robust networking protocols, enabling seamless integration into existing network infrastructures. Its compatibility with multiple operating systems and virtualization platforms, such as VMware and Microsoft Hyper-V, further enhances its versatility.

Another notable characteristic of the Emulex 355 is its energy-efficient design. It is optimized for lower power consumption without sacrificing performance, aligning with contemporary efforts to reduce the carbon footprint in data centers.

In conclusion, the Emulex 355 NIC is a powerful solution equipped with features that address the complex demands of modern data centers. Its combination of speed, reliability, and efficiency, along with advanced technologies, makes it a preferred choice for organizations looking to enhance their network capabilities and ensure smooth, uninterrupted operations.
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