Q-Logic 5000 manual Planning, Devices

Section 3

Planning

Consider the following when planning a fabric:

„Devices

„Device Access

„Performance

„Feature Licensing

„Multiple Chassis Fabrics

„Switch Services

„Fabric Security

„Fabric Management

3.1

Devices

NOTE: This document refers to ports 0–15 as 1/2/4-Gbps ports for convenience though SANbox 5200 Series switches do not support 4-Gbps transmission.

When planning a fabric, consider the number of devices and the anticipated demand. This will determine the number of ports that are needed and in turn the number of switches. Consider how many and what types of switches are needed.

The switch uses SFP transceivers in the 1/2/4-Gbps ports, but the device host bus adapters you are using may not. Consider whether the device adapters use SFP or Gigabit Interface Converters (GBIC) transceivers, and choose fiber optic cables accordingly. Use LC-type cable connectors for SFP transceivers and SC-type cable connectors for GBIC transceivers. Also consider the transmission speed compatibility of your devices, HBAs, switches, and SFPs.

Consider the distribution of targets and initiators. An F_Port supports a single device. An FL_Port can support up to 126 devices in an arbitrated loop.

59096-04 A 3-1