McDATA 4416 manual Transceivers, Port Types

Fibre Channel Ports

Transceivers

Switch modules support SFP optical transceivers for the Fibre Channel ports. A transceiver converts electrical signals to and from optical laser signals to transmit and receive data. Duplex fiber optic cables plug into the transceivers which then connect to the devices. A Fibre Channel port is capable of transmitting at 1-Gbps, 2-Gbps, or 4-Gbps; however, the transceiver must also be capable of delivering at these rates.

The SFP transceivers are hot pluggable. This means that you can remove or install a transceiver while the switch module is operating without harming the switch module or the transceiver. However, communication with the connected device will be interrupted. Refer to “Install SFP Transceivers” on page 3-2for information about installing and removing SFP optical transceivers.

Port Types

Switch modules support generic ports (G_Port, GL_Port), fabric ports

(F_Port, FL_Port), and expansion ports (E_Port). Switch modules come from the factory with internal ports configured as FL_Ports and external ports configured as GL_Ports. Generic, fabric, and expansion ports function as follows:

•A GL_Port self-configures as an FL_Port when connected to a public loop device, as an F_Port when connected to a single public device, or as an E_Port when connected to another switch. If the device is a single device on a loop, the GL_Port will attempt to configure first as an F_Port, then if that fails, as an FL_Port.

•A G_Port self-configures as an F_Port when connected to a single public device, or as an E_Port when connected to another switch.

•An FL_Port supports a loop of up to 126 public devices. An FL_Port can also configure itself during the fabric login process as an F_Port when connected to a single public device (N_Port).

•An F_Port supports a single public device.

E_Ports enable you to expand the fabric by connecting switch modules with other switches. Switch modules self-discover all inter-switch connections. Refer to “Multiple Chassis Fabrics” on page 2-6for more information about multiple chassis fabrics. Refer to the McDATA Switch Module Management Guide for information about defining port types.

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McDATA 4416 Fibre Channel Switch Module Installation Guide