Q-Logic FC HBA CLI manual Network Interface Controller

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SANsurfer FC HBA CLI User’s Guide Command Line Interface for QLogic Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters

N_Port ID Virtualization

The ability for a single physical FC end point (N_Port) to support multiple, uniquely addressable, logical end points. With NPIV, a host FC adapter is shared in such a way that each virtual adapter is assigned to a virtual server and is separately identifi- able within the fabric. Connectivity and access privileges within the fabric are controlled by identification of each virtual adapter and, hence, the virtual server using each virtual adapter.

NL_Port (Node Loop Port)

A port capable of arbitrated loop functions and protocols. An NL_Port connects through an arbitrated loop to other NL_Port and at most a single FL_Port. NL_Ports handle creation, detection, and flow of message units to and from the connected systems. NL_Ports are end ports in virtual point-to-point links through

afabric, for example NL_Port to F_Port to F_Port to N_Port using a single FC fabric switch. In the absence of a fabric switch FL_Port, NL_Ports can communicate with other NL_Ports in virtual point-to-point links through a FC_AL open loop circuit often through FC_AL (Arbitrated Loop) hub or loop switch devices. See: E_Port (Expansion Port), F_Port, FL_Port (Fabric Loop Port), G_Port (Generic Port), N_Port (Node Port).

NIC

Network Interface Controller.

NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory)

A type of memory that retains data even when power is removed. Holds configura- tion settings. You can configure NVRAM settings manually or restore them from a file. These settings are retained when

power is removed. NVRAM settings are called HBA Parameters in this guide.

network adapter

A chip that provides network capabilities. A computer may include a network adapter on its system board, or on an adapter card. Also a NIC (network interface card or controller).

ONC (Open Network Computing)

A remote procedure call developed by Sun Microsystems.

path

A path to a device is a combination of a HBA port instance and a target port as distinct from internal paths in the fabric network. A fabric network appears to the operating system as an opaque network between the HBA (initiator) and the target.

Since a path is a combination of an HBA and a target port, it is distinct from another path if it is accessed through a different HBA and/or it is accessing a different target port. Consequently, when switching from one path to another, the driver might be selecting a different HBA (initiator), a different target port, or both.

This is important to the driver when selecting the proper method of failover notification. It can make a difference to the target device, which might have to take different actions when receiving retries of the request from another initiator or on a different port.

point-to-point

Also FC-P2P. Two FC nodes directly connected (not in a loop).

port

Access points in a device where a link attaches. There are four types of ports, as follows:

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