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2 – General Description

Fibre Channel Ports

 

 

 

 

G_Ports self-configure in the following ways:

F_Port when connected to a public device

E_Port when connected to another FC-SW-2 compliant switch

A TL_Port supports private loop devices and must be configured explicitly. Refer to the SANbox2-8c/16 Switch Management User’s Guide for more information about defining port modes.

2.2.3.1

Fabric Ports

An FL_Port can support 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).

2.2.3.2

Translated Loop Port

A TL_Port supports a loop of up to 125 private initiator devices or up to 124 private target devices with the ability to communicate with “off-loop” devices. This includes public fabric devices and private devices on other TL_Ports. TL_Ports connect to devices that conform to the Fibre Channel-Private Loop SCSI Direct Attach (FC-PLDA) standard. Devices connected to TL_Ports are registered with the Name Server.

A TL_Port acts as a proxy for the off-loop device translating private frames into and from public frames. Each TL_Port can proxy up to 63 off-loop initiator devices or up to 64 off-loop target and initiator devices. The set of off-loop devices are maintained in the TL_Port’s translation entries list.

For a TL_Port connected to private target devices, the switch firmware automatically creates an entry in the translation entries list for each off-loop initiator device that attempts to establish communication. Soft or VPF zoning can be used to limit the number of potential initiators to 63. Zone membership must be done by worldwide name, or domain ID and port ID.

For a TL_Port connected to private initiator devices, the switch firmware automatically creates an entry in the translation entries list for up to 64 target and initiator devices that are members of the same soft or VPF zone. Zone membership must be done by worldwide name, or domain ID and port ID.

2.2.3.3

Expansion Port

E_Ports enable you to expand the fabric by connecting SANbox2-16 switches with other FC-SW-2 compliant switches. SANbox2-16 switches self-discover all inter-switch connections. Refer to ”Multiple Chassis Fabrics” on page 3-2for more information about multiple chassis fabrics.

59021-05 A

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Q-Logic 59021-05 manual Fabric Ports, Translated Loop Port, Expansion Port

59021-05 specifications

The Q-Logic 59021-05 is a sophisticated Fibre Channel adapter designed to provide high-performance connectivity in storage area networks (SANs). This model is part of Q-Logic’s family of advanced host bus adapters (HBAs), which are engineered to deliver exceptional speed and reliability for data-intensive applications.

One of the standout features of the Q-Logic 59021-05 is its support for Fibre Channel standards up to 8 Gbps. This capability ensures that the adapter can handle large volumes of data transfer with ease, making it ideal for enterprise environments where performance is critical. The high bandwidth provided by the 8 Gbps interface significantly enhances data throughput, reducing latency and improving overall system responsiveness.

The Q-Logic 59021-05 is equipped with advanced error handling and data recovery technologies, which help maintain data integrity during transmission. Its robust architecture ensures that data is protected against potential corruption, providing peace of mind for organizations that rely on the accuracy and reliability of their data.

In terms of compatibility, the Q-Logic 59021-05 is designed to work seamlessly with various operating systems and virtualization platforms. This versatility allows it to integrate effortlessly within diverse IT environments, providing flexibility for data center managers. The adapter supports both Windows and Linux operating systems, as well as various hypervisors, enabling organizations to leverage existing infrastructure without needing extensive reconfigurations.

Moreover, the Q-Logic 59021-05 features advanced power management technologies that help optimize energy consumption. This is particularly beneficial for organizations looking to enhance their sustainability practices while reducing operational costs related to power usage.

The card also supports multiple protocols, including FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet), which extends the capabilities of traditional Fibre Channel networks. This feature enables organisations to create converged networks, ultimately simplifying their infrastructure and reducing costs associated with maintaining separate networks for storage and data traffic.

User-friendly management tools are another highlight of the Q-Logic 59021-05. These tools facilitate the monitoring and management of the adapter, ensuring that network administrators can promptly address any issues that may arise. With an easy-to-use interface and detailed diagnostics capabilities, the management software significantly enhances the overall user experience.

In summary, the Q-Logic 59021-05 presents a powerful solution for enterprises striving to improve their storage connectivity. Its key features, including high data transfer speeds, robust error handling, compatibility with multiple environments, and advanced management tools, position it as a leader in the Fibre Channel adapter market. Organizations seeking to optimize their data storage and connectivity solutions will find in the Q-Logic 59021-05 a reliable and efficient choice.