Path Selection The selection of a transmission path through the fabric. Brocade switches use the FSPF protocol.

Phantom

An AL_PA value that is assigned to an device that is not physically in the loop.

Address

Also known as phantom AL_PA.

Phantom

A device that is not physically in an arbitrated loop but is logically included

Device

through the use of a phantom address.

PLOGI

Port Login; the port-to-port login process by which initiators establish sessions

 

with targets. See also FLOGI.

Point-to-point

A fibre channel topology that employs direct links between each pair of

 

communicating entities. See also Topology.

Port_Name

The unique identifier assigned to a fibre channel port. Communicated during

 

login and port discovery.

POST

Private

NL_Port

Private Device

Private Loop Protocol

Public

NL_Port

Public Device

Power On Self-Test; a series of tests run by a switch after it is turned on.

An NL_Port that communicates only with other private NL_Ports in the same loop and does not log into the fabric.

A device that supports arbitrated loop protocol and can interpret 8-bit addresses, but cannot log into the fabric.

An arbitrated loop that does not include a participating FL_Port.

A defined method and a set of standards for communication.

An NL_Port that logs into the fabric, can function within either a public or a private loop, and can communicate with either private or public NL_Ports.

A device that supports arbitrated loop protocol, can interpret 8-bit addresses, and can log into the fabric.

Public Loop An arbitrated loop that includes a participating FL_Port, and may contain both public and private NL_Ports.

R_A_TOV

RAID

Resource Allocation Time-out Value; the maximum time a frame can be delayed in the fabric and still be delivered. See also E_D_TOV, RR_TOV.

Redundant Array of Independent Disks; a collection of disk drives that appear as a single volume to the server and are fault tolerant through mirroring or parity checking. See also JBOD.

Request Rate The rate at which requests arrive at a servicing entity. See also Service Rate.

RouteAs applies to a fabric, the communication path between two switches. May also apply to the specific path taken by an individual frame, from source to destination. See also FSPF.

Routing

RR_TOV

The assignment of frames to specific switch ports, according to frame destination.

Resource Recovery Time-out Value; the minimum time a target device in a loop waits after a LIP before logging out a SCSI initiator. See also E_D_TOV, R_A_TOV.

RSCN

SAN

Registered State Change Notification; a switch function that allows notification of fabric changes to be sent from the switch to specified nodes.

Storage Area Network; a network of systems and storage devices that communicate using fibre channel protocols. See also Fabric.

Glossary-8

Fabric Watch User’s Guide

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Finisar Brocade Fabric Watch manual Plogi, Post, Ratov RAID, Rrtov, Rscn SAN
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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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