2 – General Description

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Fibre Channel Ports

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.2.2

Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) Transceivers

An SFP transceiver, like the one shown in Figure 2-6, converts electrical signals to and from optical laser signals to transmit and receive. SFP transceivers plug into the ports; duplex fiber optic cables plug into the transceivers which then connect to the devices. A port is capable of transmitting at 1-Gbps or 2-Gbps; however, the transceiver must be capable of 2-Gbps for the port to deliver at that rate.

The SFP transceivers are hot pluggable. This means that you can remove or install an SFP transceiver while the switch is operating without harming the switch or the transceiver. However, communication with the connected device will be interrupted. Refer to ”Install SFP Transceivers” on page 4-4for information about installing and removing SFP optical transceivers.

Figure 2-6. SFP Transceiver

2.2.3

Port Types

SANbox2-8c switches support generic ports (G_Port, GL_Port), fabric ports

(F_Port, FL_Port), and expansion ports (E_Port). Switches come from the factory with all 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 FC-SW-2 compliant switch.

„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 FC-SW-2 compliant 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. 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.

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Q-Logic 2-8C manual Small Form-Factor Pluggable SFP Transceivers, Port Types

2-8C specifications

The Q-Logic 2-8C is a cutting-edge connectivity solution designed for enterprise environments that require robust performance and scalability in storage networking. This versatile product serves as a bridge between various storage devices and servers, ensuring seamless data transfer and high availability across complex IT infrastructures.

One of the standout features of the Q-Logic 2-8C is its advanced Fibre Channel technology. Supporting speeds of up to 32 Gbps, this adapter significantly enhances data transfer rates, allowing businesses to efficiently handle large volumes of information. The high bandwidth capability is particularly beneficial for data-intensive applications, including databases and virtualization environments, where speed and reliability are paramount.

The architecture of the Q-Logic 2-8C is built around a dual-port design, which promotes redundancy and load balancing. This means that even if one port encounters issues, the other can seamlessly take over, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. Furthermore, the dual-port architecture provides the flexibility to connect to multiple storage arrays, maximizing resource utilization and minimizing downtime.

Another notable feature is the support for advanced management protocols and interoperability standards. The Q-Logic 2-8C is compatible with a wide array of operating systems and virtualization platforms, making it an ideal choice for heterogeneous environments. This broad compatibility ensures that organizations can integrate the adapter with their existing infrastructure without significant modifications, thus preserving their overall investment.

The Q-Logic 2-8C also incorporates sophisticated security features, such as end-to-end data encryption and access control mechanisms. These features are essential in today’s data-sensitive landscape, where organizations face increasing threats from cyberattacks. The added layer of security ensures that data remains protected during transit, giving businesses peace of mind.

In terms of energy efficiency, the Q-Logic 2-8C adheres to modern standards, consuming less power compared to its predecessors. This not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with sustainability initiatives that many organizations are pursuing.

With its powerful combination of speed, reliability, security, and energy efficiency, the Q-Logic 2-8C represents a robust solution for organizations looking to enhance their storage connectivity. Its advanced features cater to the demands of modern data centers, making it a strategic asset for businesses aiming to maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving digital landscape.