Glossary

8b/10b

An encoding scheme that converts each 8-bit byte into 10 bits. Used to balance

Encoding

ones and zeros in high-speed transports.

Address

A 24-bit or 8-bit value used to identify the source or destination of a frame.

Identifier

 

AL_PA

Arbitrated Loop Physical Address; a unique 8-bit value assigned during loop

 

initialization to a port in an arbitrated loop.

Alias Address Identifier

Alias AL_PA

An address identifier recognized by a port in addition to its standard identifier. An alias address identifier may be shared by multiple ports.

An AL_PA value recognized by an L_Port in addition to the AL_PA assigned to the port. See also AL_PA.

Alias Server

ANSI

API

Arbitrated Loop

ASIC

ATM

AW_TOV

Bandwidth

BB_Credit

A fabric software facility that supports multicast group management.

American National Standards Institute; the governing body for fibre channel standards in the U.S.A.

Application Programming Interface; defined protocol that allows applications to interface with a set of services.

A shared 100 MBps fibre channel transport structured as a loop. Can support up to 126 devices and one fabric attachment. See also Topology.

Application Specific Integrated Circuit.

Asynchronous Transfer Mode; a transport used for transmitting data over LANs or WANs that transmit fixed-length units of data. Provides any-to-any connectivity, and allows nodes to transmit simultaneously.

Arbitration Wait Time-out Value; the minimum time an arbitrating L_Port waits for a response before beginning loop initialization.

The total transmission capacity of a cable, link, or system. Usually measured in bps (bits per second). May also refer to the range of transmission frequencies available to a network. See also Throughput.

Buffer-to-buffer credit; the number of frames that can be transmitted to a directly connected recipient or within an arbitrated loop. Determined by the number of receive buffers available. See also Buffer-to-buffer Flow Control, EE_Credit.

Beginning

The disparity at the transmitter or receiver when the special character associated

Running

with an ordered set is encoded or decoded. See also Disparity.

Disparity

 

BER

Bit Error Rate; the rate at which bits are expected to be received in error.

 

Expressed as the ratio of error bits to total bits transmitted. See also Error.

Block

As applies to fibre channel, upper-level application data that is transferred in a

 

single sequence.

Fabric Watch User’s Guide

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Finisar Brocade Fabric Watch manual Glossary, Alpa, Ansi API, Asic ATM Awtov, Ber
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Brocade Fabric Watch specifications

Finisar Brocade Fabric Watch is an advanced network management solution designed to simplify the monitoring and administration of storage networks. Its primary goal is to enhance the performance and reliability of data center operations by providing comprehensive visualization and management capabilities.

One of the standout features of Fabric Watch is its ability to deliver real-time monitoring of the health and performance of network devices. This is critical for organizations that require constant uptime and high availability for their storage systems. Fabric Watch continuously assesses the status of switches, routers, and other devices within the fabric, enabling administrators to quickly identify potential issues before they escalate into problems that could disrupt operations.

The technology behind Fabric Watch encompasses various innovative aspects that enhance its functionality. For instance, the solution uses advanced analytics to assess historical performance trends, allowing IT teams to predict potential bottlenecks and optimize resource allocation effectively. This predictive capability not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces the risk of downtime, ensuring that organizations can maintain consistent access to critical data.

Furthermore, Fabric Watch supports a range of protocols and standards, making it compatible with various environments and configurations. This flexibility is crucial for companies that have heterogeneous systems and diverse technology stacks. As a result, organizations can deploy Fabric Watch across different platforms, ensuring a unified approach to network management.

Another notable characteristic of Fabric Watch is its intuitive user interface, which makes it user-friendly for administrators of varying skill levels. The dashboard presents a centralized view of the entire storage network, complete with graphical representations of performance metrics, alerts, and health statuses. This visual approach facilitates rapid decision-making, allowing teams to address issues quickly and maintain optimal performance.

In addition, Fabric Watch integrates seamlessly with existing data center management tools and workflows, providing a holistic view of the infrastructure. This integration capability supports broader initiatives around automation and orchestration, enabling organizations to create more streamlined and efficient operational processes.

In summary, Finisar Brocade Fabric Watch stands out as a robust solution for managing and monitoring storage networks. Its real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, compatibility across platforms, and user-friendly interface make it an essential tool for IT teams seeking to enhance performance and reliability in today’s demanding data environments. By employing Fabric Watch, organizations can better navigate the complexities of their storage networks, ensuring they remain agile and responsive to business needs.
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