EMULEX MODEL 355 SAN STORAGE SWITCH

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 acceptable 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

Insertion

what 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 that 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 that a bad device is not allowed into the zone.

 

 

EMULEX CORPORATION

29

PART NUMBER 00041407-002 REV. B

Page 31 Page 33
Page 32
Image 32
Emulex 355 manual Port Information, Pre-Insertion Testing, Following settings are available
Page 31 Page 33

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.
Top Page Image Contents