2.2.2
Transceivers
The SANbox 5000 Series switch supports SFP optical transceivers for the 1/2/4-Gbps ports and XPAK optical transceivers for the 10-Gbps 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 1/2/4-Gbps 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 and XPAK transceivers are hot pluggable. This means that you can remove or install a 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 Transceivers” on page 4-6for information about installing and removing SFP and XPAK optical transceivers.
2.2.3
Port Types
SANbox 5000 Series 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 1/2/4-Gbps ports configured as GL_Ports. The 10-Gbps ports come from the factory configured as G_Ports. Generic, fabric, and expansion ports function as follows:
A GL_Port self-configures as an FL_Port when connected to a loop device, as an F_Port when connected to a single 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 device, or as an E_Port when connected to another switch.
An FL_Port supports a loop of up to 126 devices. An FL_Port can also configure itself during the fabric login process as an F_Port when connected to a single device (N_Port).
An F_Port supports a single device.
E_Ports enable you to expand the fabric by connecting SANbox 5000 Series switches. SANbox 5000 Series switches self-discover all inter-switch connections. Refer to “Multiple Chassis Fabrics” on page 3-7for more information about multiple chassis fabrics.
