Figure 52 Loop initialization protocol
Switched topology
The switched topology provides any-to-any connectivity between all nodes connected to a switch. Switches are easy to install and use, because the Fibre Channel protocol provides self-configuration and self-management. Switches automatically detect what is connected (nodes, FC-AL Hubs or other FC switches), and configure themselves accordingly. Switches provide scaled bandwidth to connected nodes. The switched topology provides real hot-plug of nodes.
NOTE:
Hot-plug refers to protocol capabilities such as reset, re-establish communication, and so on. Take into account that ongoing data transfers are interrupted during hot-plug and that some devices, such as tape devices, cannot handle this behavior. Connecting nodes to or disconnecting nodes from a loop is likely to interrupt your backup or restore process and cause the operation to fail. Connect or disconnect nodes from loops only when there are no running backups or restores using the related hardware.
174 | Media management and devices |