INSPEED™ SAN STORAGE SWITCH MODEL 355

CHAPTER 3 SWITCH MANAGEMENT

USERS GUIDE

 

Diagnostics

The following settings are available.

Setting

Description

 

 

Port Control

The method for controlling a port. Options include:

 

• auto – the default setting. The switch will automatically insert a port

 

based on policy settings. This prevents the insertion of incompatible

 

ports, which may cause disruption.

 

• bypass – removes a port from the network. Use this mode to keep a

 

device out of an initialization cycle when troubleshooting.

 

• extLoopback – removes a port from the network and routes the port's

 

receive signal back through the port's transmitter. Use this mode to

 

isolate a specific zone for troubleshooting or to test a transceiver’s

 

circuitry and attached media from the node end.

 

• insert – allows ports whose transceivers cannot derive a valid clock

 

or "K" character (Ordered Set) to join a zone. Use this mode

 

cautiously – devices without valid characters may put bad data into a

 

zone, causing the zone to go down.

 

 

Bypass on Clock Delta

The switch determines the relative frequency of the signal being

 

received by a port to the internal switch clock. The result of this test

 

allows the determination of how far apart in frequency the switch’s

 

clock is in relation to the clock of the received signal – the clock delta. If

 

the clock delta exceeds a set threshold, the switch is notified and the

 

port may be bypassed if necessary. Typically, clock drift is slow enough

 

to allow the removal and replacement of a defective part before the

 

defective part begins to affect system performance.

 

 

Managing Firmware and Configuration Files

The Switch Files page displays information on the switch’s firmware and configuration files. To view the firmware and configuration files, click Switch > Files.

The Switch Files page appears.

Figure 3-11: Switch Files page

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Emulex 355 manual Managing Firmware and Configuration Files, Diagnostics, Port Control, Bypass on Clock Delta

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.