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2 – General Description

Fibre Channel Ports

 

 

 

 

2.2.1

Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) Transceivers

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 swappable. 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 transceivers.

2.2.2

Port Modes

All ports are self-configuring generic ports: GL_Ports or G_Ports. A GL_Port self-discovers in the following ways:

FL_Port when connected to a loop of public devices (NL_Port)

F_Port when connected to a single public device (N_Port). 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.

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

AG_Port self-discovers as an F_Port when connected to a public device or an E_Port when connected to another switch. You can also configure a port as a translated loop port (TL_Port) to support private devices.

2.2.2.1

Fabric Ports

A fabric port supports either a single public device or a loop of up to 126 public devices. A fabric port configures itself during the fabric login process as an F_Port when connected to a single public device (N_Port), or an FL_Port when connected to a loop of public devices (NL_Port).

2.2.2.2

Expansion Port

E_Ports enable you to expand the fabric enabling you to connect SANbox2 switches with other FC-SW-2 compliant switches. SANbox2-8c switches self-discover all inter-switch connections. Refer to ”Multiple Chassis Fabrics” on page 3-2for more information about multiple chassis fabrics.

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Q-Logic SANBOX2-8C manual Small Form-Factor Pluggable SFP Transceivers, Port Modes, Fabric Ports, Expansion Port

SANBOX2-8C specifications

The Q-Logic SANBOX2-8C is a high-performance Fibre Channel switch designed for enterprise-level storage area networks (SANs). This product stands out due to its remarkable features and technologies that cater to the evolving demands of data center environments. The SANBOX2-8C is specifically engineered to optimize storage efficiency, enhance performance, and provide a robust infrastructure for various applications.

One of the key features of the SANBOX2-8C is its 8-Gbps Fibre Channel ports, which deliver exceptional bandwidth and reduced latency for critical data transactions. The switch supports a non-blocking architecture, ensuring that data can flow seamlessly across all connected devices without bottlenecks. This architecture is crucial for organizations that require high availability and reliability, such as those in the financial sector or healthcare industries.

Another significant characteristic of the SANBOX2-8C is its scalability. With support for multiple interconnectivity options, the switch can easily be expanded to accommodate growing storage needs. Users can integrate additional ports as demand increases without necessitating a complete infrastructure overhaul. This flexibility makes the SANBOX2-8C an attractive investment for organizations looking to future-proof their SAN.

Moreover, the SANBOX2-8C is equipped with advanced management tools that simplify network configuration and monitoring. Features such as automatic zoning and path management enhance the overall performance and security of the storage network. Integrated diagnostic tools help identify and troubleshoot issues swiftly, reducing downtime and optimizing operational efficiency.

The switch also incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities that prioritize critical data traffic. This ensures that mission-critical applications receive the bandwidth they need, regardless of overall network load. Additionally, with support for virtualized environments, the SANBOX2-8C is well-suited for organizations leveraging cloud technologies or virtualization solutions, enabling efficient resource allocation and management.

Overall, the Q-Logic SANBOX2-8C is a robust Fibre Channel switch that combines high performance, scalability, and advanced management features. Its ability to adapt to dynamic environments while ensuring high availability and data integrity makes it an ideal choice for businesses aiming to enhance their storage networks. With these technologies and characteristics, the SANBOX2-8C remains a leading solution in the SAN infrastructure market.