FC-SW-2The 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 multi-switch fibre channel fabric.

Fibre Channel Transport

Fill Word

A protocol service that supports communication between fibre channel service providers. See also FSP.

An IDLE or ARB ordered set that is transmitted during breaks between data frames to keep the fibre channel link active.

Firmware FL_Port

The basic operating system provided with the hardware.

Fabric Loop Port; a port that is able to transmit under fabric protocol and also has arbitrated loop capabilities. Can be used to connect an NL_Port to a switch. See also F_Port, Fx_Port.

FLOGI

Frame

Fabric Login; the process by which an N_Port determines whether a fabric is present, and if so, exchanges service parameters with it. See also PLOGI.

The fibre channel structure used to transmit data between ports. Consists of a start-of-frame delimiter, header, any optional headers, the data payload, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC), and an end-of-frame delimiter. There are two types of frames: Link control frames (transmission acknowledgements, etc.) and data frames.

FRU

Field-replaceable Unit; a component that can be replaced on site.

FS

Fibre Channel Service; a service that is defined by fibre channel standards and

 

exists at a well-known address. For example, the Simple Name Server is a fibre

 

channel service. See also FSP.

FSP

FSPF Full-duplex

Fx_Port

G_Port

GBIC

Gbps

GBps Half-duplex

Fibre Channel Service Protocol; the common protocol for all fabric services, transparent to the fabric type or topology. See also FS.

Fabric Shortest Path First; Brocade’s routing protocol for fibre channel switches.

A mode of communication that allows the same port to simultaneously transmit and receive frames. See also Half-duplex.

Afabric port that can operate as either an F_Port or FL_Port. See also F_Port, FL_Port.

Generic Port; a port that can operate as either an E_Port or F_Port. A port is defined as a G_Port when it is not yet connected or has not yet assumed a specific function in the fabric.

Gigabit Interface Converter; a removable serial transceiver module that allows gigabaud physical-level transport for fibre channel and gigabit ethernet.

Gigabits per second (1,062,500,000 bits/second).

GigaBytes per second (1,062,500,000 bytes/second).

A mode of communication that allows a port to either transmit or receive frames at any time, but not simultaneously (with the exception of link control frames, which can be transmitted at any time). See also Full-duplex.

Hard Address The AL_PA that an NL_Port attempts to acquire during loop initialization.

HBAHost Bus Adapter; the interface card between a server or workstation bus and the fibre channel network.

Fabric Watch User’s Guide

Glossary-5

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Finisar Brocade Fabric Watch manual Flogi, Fru, Fsp, Gbic
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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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