HP 316095-B21 - StorageWorks Edge Switch 2/24 User manual

Glossary
hp StorageWorks
Directors and Edge Switches
Second Edition (July 2004)
Part Number: AA–RU5JB–TE/623–000005–001
This glossary defines terms used in manuals that support HP StorageWorks Directors and
Edge Switches.

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Printed in the U.S.A
Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
Second Edition (July 2004)
Part Number: AA–RU5JB–TE/623–000005–001

3Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
Glossary
Glossary
Glossary
This glossary defines terms used in manuals that support the following HP
StorageWorks storage area network (SAN) products:
■Director 2/64
■Director 2/140
■Edge Switch 2/12
■Edge Switch 2/16
■Edge Switch 2/24
■Edge Switch 2/32
The glossary includes terms that relate specifically to the supported products. It
does not include many terms that are generally well-known in the SAN industry.
10BaseT
An implementation of the IEEE Ethernet standard for 24-gauge unshielded twisted-pair wiring,
using a baseband transmission rate of ten Mbps.
100BaseT
An implementation of the IEEE Ethernet standard for 24-gauge unshielded twisted-pair wiring,
using a baseband transmission rate of 100 Mbps.
access control
Method of control (with associated permissions) by which a set of devices can access other
devices across a network. See also persistent binding and zoning.
active configuration
In S/390 mode, the director or switch configuration that is determined by the status of the
connectivity attributes.
active FBML
The active fabric binding membership list. When fabric binding is active, the list of fabric
members with which the product is allowed to communicate. See fabric binding and fabric
binding membership list.

Glossary
4 Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
active FRU
A redundant field-replaceable unit that is currently operating as the active and not the backup
FRU. See also backup FRU.
active port address matrix
In S/390 mode, an active port address matrix is the port address matrix that is currently active or
operational on an attached director or switch. See also connectivity capability.
active zone set
Single zone set that is active in a multiswitch fabric. It is created when you enable a specified
zone set. This zone set is compiled by checking for undefined zones or aliases.
address name
See port name.
agent
Software that processes queries on behalf of an application and returns replies.
alarm
Simple network management protocol (SNMP) message notifying an operator of a network or
device problem.
allowed connection
In S/390 mode in a director or switch, the attribute that, when set, establishes dynamic
connectivity capability. See also blocked connection, connectivity attribute, dynamic
connectivity.
alias server
Fabric software facility that supports multicast group management.
allowed port connection
In S/390 mode, this attribute establishes dynamic connectivity capability.
American National Standard Code for Information Interchange
ASCII. A standard character set consisting of 7-bit coded characters (8-bit including parity
check) used for information exchange between systems and equipment.
American National Standards Institute
ANSI. A national organization consisting of producers, consumers, and general interest groups
that establishes procedures by which accredited organizations create and maintain industry
standards in the United States
application program interface
API. A set of programming functions and routines that provides access between protocol layers,
such as between an application and network services.

Glossary
5Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
application-specific integrated circuit
ASIC. An asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) local area network/ wide area network
(LAN/WAN) circuit using cell relay transport technology. ASICs are designed for a specific
application or purpose, such as implementing the lower-layer Fibre Channel protocol (FC-0).
They are particularly suited to sending video and audio information, as well as text. ASICs
differ from general-purpose devices such as memory chips or microprocessors.
area
The second byte of the node port (N_Port) identifier.
arbitrated loop
One of the three connection topologies offered by Fibre Channel protocol. Up to 126 node ports
and one fabric port can communicate without the need for a separate switched fabric.
arbitrated loop physical address
(AL_PA) — A 1-byte value used in the arbitrated loop topology that identifies loop ports
(L_Ports). This value then becomes the last byte of the address identified for each public L_Port
on the loop.
arbitration
Process of choosing one device from a collection of devices that request service simultaneously.
attribute
In S/390 mode, the connection status of the address on a configuration matrix: allowed,
blocked, or prohibited.
audit log
Log summarizing actions (audit trail) made by the user.
authentication
Verification of identity for a person or process.
backbone
Cable on which two or more stations or networks may be attached, typically used to link
computer networks at one site with those at another. Smaller branch networks are sometimes
called ribs.
backplane
The backplane provides 48 VDC power distribution and connections for all logic cards.
backup FRU
When an active field-replaceable unit (FRU) fails, an identical backup FRU takes over
operation automatically (failover) to maintain director and Fibre Channel link operation. See
also active FRU.
bandwidth
(1) The difference (expressed in Hertz) between the highest and lowest frequencies in a range of
frequencies. (2) The data transfer rate of a network or electronic communication system.

Glossary
6 Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
BB_Credit
See buffer-to-buffer credit.
beaconing
Use of light-emitting diodes on ports, port cards, field-replaceable units, and directors to aid in
the fault-isolation process. When enabled, active beaconing causes LEDs to flash for selected
components.
BER
See bit error rate.
bezel
A removable panel that covers empty drive bays and port cards.
bidirectional
In Fibre Channel, the capability to simultaneously communicate at maximum speeds
(100 Mbps) in both directions over a link.
bit error rate
(BER) — Ratio of received bits that contain errors to total of all bits transmitted.
blocked connection
In S/390 mode, in a director or switch, the attribute that, when set, removes the communication
capability of a specific port. A blocked address is disabled so that no other address can be
connected to it. A blocked attribute supersedes a dedicated or prohibited attribute on the same
address. See also allowed connection, connectivity attribute, dynamic connection, and dynamic
connectivity.
blocked port
Devices communicating with the port are prevented from logging into the director or
communicating with other devices attached to the director. A blocked port continuously
transmits the offline sequence.
B_Port
See bridge port.
bridge
Device that connects and passes packets between two network segments that use the same
communications protocol.
bridge port
(B_Port) — (1) In Fibre Channel protocol, a fabric inter-element port used to connect bridge
devices with E_Ports on a switch. B_Ports provide a subset of E_Port functionality. (2) A term
for a physical interface between the fabric (switch) and a bridge device. The interface is
identical to an expansion port (E_Port), but it does not participate in full expansion port
protocols. As such, it does not assign domain IDs or participate in routing protocol. See also
expansion port, fabric port, generic port, node port, and segmented E_Port.

Glossary
7Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
broadcast
Send a transmission to all node ports (N_Ports) on a fabric. See also broadcast frame and
multicast.
broadcast frame
Data packet, also known as a broadcast packet, whose destination address specifies all
computers on a network. See also broadcast and multicast.
buffer
Storage area for data in transit. Buffers compensate for differences in processing speeds
between devices. See also buffer-to-buffer credit
buffer-to-buffer credit
(BB_Credit) — The maximum number of frames a port can transmit without receiving a receive
ready signal from the receiving device.
bypassed port
If a port is bypassed, all serial channel signals route past the port. A device attached to the port
cannot communicate with other devices in the loop.
cascade
Linking two or more Fibre Channel switches to form a larger switch or fabric. The switched
link through fiber cables attached between one or more expansion ports (E_Ports). See also
expansion port.
call-home
Product feature that requires installation of HP Proactive Service software and enables the
HAFM server to automatically transmit system events (failure information) to aN HP customer
support center. The HP support center server accepts calls from the HAFM server, logs reported
events, and can notify one or more support center representatives.
cell
In S/390 mode, in a port address matrix, a cell is the intersection point between a horizontal port
address and a vertical port address. A selected cell is indicated by the cell cursor.
chained
Two directors or switches that are physically attached.
channel
Point-to-point link that transports data from one point to the other.
channel-attached
(1) Pertaining to direct attachment of devices by data I/O channels to a computer. (2) Pertaining
to devices attached to a control unit by cables, not telecommunication lines.
channel path
A single interface between a central processor and one or more control units along which
signals and data can be sent to perform I/O requests.

Glossary
8 Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
channel path identifier
(CHPID) — In a channel subsystem, a value assigned to each installed channel path of the
system that uniquely identifies that path to the system.
channel-to-channel
CTC. A channel attached to another channel (channel-to-channel) and specifies the I/O mode of
operation for the channel path under the I/O configuration program (IOCP) channel path
identifier (CHPID) statement ‘Type’ parameter. See also channel path identifier.
channel wrap test
A diagnostic procedure that checks S/390 host-to-director connectivity by returning the output
of the host as input. The test is host-initiated, and transmits Fibre Channel frames to a director
port. A director port enabled for channel wrapping echoes the frame back to the host.
CHPID
See channel path identifier.
Class 2 Fibre Channel service
Provides a connectionless (not dedicated) service with notification of delivery or nondelivery
between two N_Ports. In-order delivery of frames is not guaranteed.
Class 3 Fibre Channel service
Provides a connectionless (not dedicated) service without notification of delivery or
nondelivery between two N_Ports. Also known as datagram.
Class F Fibre Channel service
Used by switches to communicate across interswitch links (ISLs) to configure, control, and
coordinate a multiswitch fabric.
class of Fibre Channel service
Defines the level of connection dedication, acknowledgment, and other characteristics of a
connection. Class 2, Class 3, and Class F services are supported.
client/server computing
Architectural model that functionally divides that execution of a unit of work between activities
initiated by an end user or program (client) and those maintaining data (servers). Originally
thought to make mainframes obsolete.
cluster
A group of processors interconnected by a high-speed network (typically dedicated) for
increased reliability and scalability. Clusters are groupings of multiple servers in which
information is shared among systems. When a server in a cluster fails, one of the other servers
in the cluster assumes the responsibility of the failed server, thereby ensuring server,
application, and data availability.

Glossary
9Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
community name (SNMP)
A name that represents a simple network management protocol (SNMP) community that the
agent software recognizes as a valid source for SNMP requests. A product recognizes a
management station as a valid recipient for trap information when the station’s community
names are configured.
community profile
Information that specifies which management objects are available to what management
domain or SNMP community name.
concurrent firmware upgrade
Firmware is upgraded without disrupting switch operation.
concurrent maintenance
Ability to perform maintenance tasks, such as removal or replacement of field-replaceable units
(FRUs), while normal operations continue without interruption. See also nondisruptive
maintenance.
configuration data
Configuration data includes identification data, port configuration data, operating parameters,
SNMP configuration, and zoning configuration. A configuration backup file is required to
restore configuration data if the control processor (CTP) card in a nonredundant director is
removed and replaced.
connectionless
Nondedicated link. Typically used to describe a link between nodes that allows the switch to
forward Class 2 or Class 3 frames as resources (ports) allow. Contrast this type of link to the
dedicated bandwidth that is required in a Class 1 Fibre Channel Service point-to-point link.
connectivity attribute
In S/390 mode, the characteristic that determines port address status for the director or switch.
See also allowed connection, blocked connection, connectivity capability, connectivity control,
dynamic connection, dynamic connectivity, and unblocked connection.
connectivity capability
(1) The capability that allows attachment of a device to a system without requiring physical
reconfiguration of either the device or the interconnections. (2) The director or switch capability
that allows logical manipulation of link connections to provide physical device attachment. See
also active port address matrix, connectivity attribute, and connectivity control.
connectivity control
In S/390 mode, in a director or switch, the method used to change port address connectivity
attributes and determine the communication capability of the link attached to the port. See also
active port address matrix, connectivity attribute, and connectivity control.

Glossary
10 Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
connector
See optical fiber connector.
control processor card
(CTP card) — Circuit card that contains the director microprocessor. The CTP card also
initializes hardware components of the system after power-on. A 10 Mbps RJ-45 twisted pair
connector is located on the CTP card to connect to an Ethernet LAN and communicate with the
HAFM server or a specific management station.
control unit
A device that controls the reading, writing, or displaying of data at one or more input/output
units.
control unit port
An internal director port on the CTP card that communicates with the attached IBM S/390 or
similar processor channels to report error conditions and link initialization.
CRC
See cyclic redundancy check.
CTP card
See control processor card.
CUP
See control unit port.
cyclic redundancy check
(CRC) — System of error checking performed at both the sending and receiving station using
the value of a particular character generated by a cyclic algorithm. When the values generated at
each station are identical, data integrity is confirmed.
DASD
Direct access storage device, such as a disk drive.
datagram
See Class 3 Fibre Channel service.
data directory
Directory that contains critical information for all managed products (including directors and
switches). Information stored here includes:
■All configuration data
■All log files
■Call-home settings
■Firmware library
■Zoning library

Glossary
11Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
default
Pertaining to an attribute, value, or option that is assumed when none is explicitly specified.
default zone
Contains all attached devices that are not members of a separate zone.
destination identifier
Address identifier that indicates the targeted destination of a data frame.
device
Product (server or storage), connected to a managed director, that is not controlled directly by
the Element Manager application. See also node.
diagnostics
Procedures used by computer users and service personnel to diagnose hardware or software
error conditions.
dialog box
Dialog box is a window containing informational messages or data fields to be modified or
filled in with desired options.
D_ID
See destination identifier.
director
An intelligent Fibre Channel switching device providing any-to-any port connectivity between
nodes (end devices) on a switched fabric. The director sends data transmissions (data frames)
between nodes in accordance with the address information present in the frame headers of those
transmissions.
direct access storage device
DASD. (1) Generic classification for a storage peripheral that can respond directly to random
requests for information. Usually refers to a disk drive. (2) A storage device that provides direct
access to data, and in which access time is independent of data location.
direct current director
An intelligent, highly-available, Fibre Channel switch providing any-to-any port connectivity
between nodes (end devices) on a switched fabric. The director sends data transmissions (data
frames) between nodes in accordance with the address information present in the frame headers
of those transmissions.
DNS name
Domain name system (or domain name service). Host or node name for a device or managed
product that is translated to an internet protocol (IP) address through a domain name server.
DNS server
For Internet and TCP/IP applications, a DNS server supplies name-to-address translation by
mapping domain names to Internet addresses.

Glossary
12 Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
domain
A Fibre Channel term describing the most significant byte in the node port (N_Port) identifier
for the Fibre Channel device. It is not used in the Fibre Channel small computer system
interface (FC-SCSI) hardware path ID. It is required to be the same for all SCSI targets
logically connected to a Fibre Channel adapter.
domain ID
Number (1 through 31) that uniquely identifies a switch in a multiswitch fabric. A distinct
domain ID is automatically allocated to each switch in the fabric by the principal switch.
domain name service
See DNS name.
dynamic connection
A connection between two ports, established or removed by the directors and, when active,
displays as one continuous link. See also connectivity attribute, blocked connection,
connectivity capability, dynamic connection, dynamic connectivity, and unblocked connection.
dynamic connectivity
The capability that allows connections to be established and removed at any time.
dynamic random access memory
DRAM. Random access memory that resides in a cell comprised of a capacitor and transistor.
DRAM data deteriorates (that is, is dynamic) unless the capacitor is periodically recharged by
the controlling microprocessor. DRAM is slow, but relatively inexpensive. Contrast with static
random access memory.
E_D_TOV
See error-detect time-out value.
electronic data interchange
EDI. The electronic transfer of preformatted business documents, such as purchase orders and
bills of lading, between trading partners.
Electronic Industries Association
EIA. The governing body that publishes recommended standards for physical devices and
associated interfaces. For example, RS-232 is the EIA standard that defines computer serial port
connectivity.
Embedded Web Server
(EWS) — Web-based interface that allows administrators or operators with a browser-capable
PC and Internet connection to monitor and manage a director. The interface provides a GUI
similar to the Element Manager application and supports director configuration, statistics
monitoring, and basic operation.

Glossary
13Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
enhanced availability feature
EAF. A backup field-replaceable unit (backup FRU) that is ordered and installed to provide
redundancy and reduce disruption in case of failure.
Enterprise Systems Architecture
ESA™. A computer architecture introduced by IBM in 1988 as ESA/370. The architecture
added access registers to improve virtual memory management and increase storage from 2
gigabyte to 6 terabytes. The architecture was enhanced with the introduction of ESA/390 in
1990.
Enterprise Systems Connection
ESCON™. An IBM architecture, technology, and set of products and services introduced in
1990 that provides a dynamically connected environment using fiber-optic cables as the data
transmission medium.
Enterprise Systems Connection Director
ESCON™ Director. A device that provides connectivity capability and control for attaching
any two links to each other through the ESCON channel. Specifically, any of the hardware
devices provided for interconnecting IBM-compatible mainframe equipment through the
proprietary ESCON channel connection. IBM’s model numbers for ESCON directors include
the 9031 and 9033.
E_Port
See expansion port.
error-detect time-out value
(E_D_TOV) — User-specified value that defines the time a director or switch waits for an
expected response before declaring an error condition.
error message
Software message that indicates an error was detected. See also information message and
warning message.
Ethernet
A widely implemented local area network (LAN) protocol that uses a bus or star topology and
serves as the basis for the IEEE 802.3 standard, which specifies the physical and software
layers. Baseband LAN allows multiple station access to the transmission medium at will
without prior coordination and which avoids or resolves contention.
Ethernet hub
A customer-supplied device used to LAN-connect the HAFM server and the directors it
manages.

Glossary
14 Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
event code
A three-digit numeric code that displays in the event log and identifies a specific event that
occurred. This code provides information on system failures, such as hardware failures; failure
locations; or general information on normal system events.
event log
Record of significant events that have occurred at the director or switch or through the HAFM
Management Services application, such as FRU failures, degraded operation, and port
problems.
EWS
(EWS) — Web-based interface that allows administrators or operators with a browser-capable
PC and Internet connection to monitor and manage a director. The interface provides a GUI
similar to the Element Manager application and supports director configuration, statistics
monitoring, and basic operation.
EWS interface timeout
If the embedded web server interface is running but no user activity occurs, (such as viewing
different pages, refreshing, or reconfiguring information), the application times out after 30
minutes. The user must log in again. A login dialog box displays if the user attempts to access
any pages after the timeout has occurred.
EWS interface window
The window for the embedded web server interface. The window is divided into two separate
panels: the navigation panel on the left, and the main panel on the right.
exchange
A term that refers to one of the Fibre Channel protocol “building blocks,” composed of one or
more nonconcurrent sequences.
expansion port
(E_Port) — Physical interface on a Fibre Channel switch within a fabric that attaches to an
expansion port (E_Port) on another Fibre Channel switch to form a multiswitch fabric. See also
segmented E_Port.
explicit fabric login
Data field size, supported by an F_Port, that is agreed upon during fabric login.
extended distance feature
XDF. A means to extend the propagation distance of a fiber-optic signal.
fabric
Fibre Channel entity that interconnects node ports (N_Ports) and is capable of routing
(switching) Fibre Channel frames using the destination ID information in the Fibre Channel
frame header accompanying the frames.

Glossary
15Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
fabric address notification
(FAN) — A message that informs all NL_Ports of the address of the FL_Port. Allows LIP
processing to not be disruptive to FC traffic on devices that support FAN. See also loop
initialization primitive.
fabric binding
A feature that enables a switch or director to communicate only with fabrics that are included in
the fabric binding membership list (FBML). Fabric Binding is available only if the SANtegrity
Binding feature is installed.
fabric binding membership list
A list of fabric members used in fabric binding. See active FBML.
fabric element
An active switch, director, or node in a Fibre Channel switched fabric.
fabric login
The process by which node ports (N_Ports) establish their operating parameters. During fabric
login, the presence or absence of a fabric is determined and paths to other N_Ports are mapped.
Specific operating characteristics for each port, such as buffer-to-buffer credit (BB_Credit) and
data frame size, are also established.
fabric loop port
FL_Port. A fabric port (F_Port) that contains arbitrated loop (AL) functions associated with the
Fibre Channel arbitrated loop (FC-AL) topology. The access point of the fabric for physically
connecting an arbitrated loop of node loop ports (NL_Ports). See also bridge port; expansion
port; fabric port; generic port; hub port; node loop port; node port; segmented E_Port.
fabric port
(F_Port) — Physical interface within the fabric that connects to an N_Port through a
point-to-point full duplex connection.
fabric services
The services that implement the various Fibre Channel protocol services, which are described in
the standards. These services include the fabric controller (login server), name server, and
management server.
fabric switch
A highly-available Fibre Channel switch with a low port count that provides any-to-any port
connectivity between devices (nodes) connected to a switched fabric. A fabric switch transmits
data frames between nodes in accordance with the address information provided in the
associated frame headers. Fabric switches are well suited for use in workgroup or departmental
computing environments. Contrast with director.

Glossary
16 Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
failover
Automatic and nondisruptive transition of functions from an active FRU that has failed to a
backup FRU.
FAN
See fabric address notification.
FC-0
The Fibre Channel layer that describes the physical link between two ports, including the
transmission media, transmitter and receiver circuitry, and interfaces. This consists of a pair of
either optical fiber or electrical cables (link media) along with transceiver circuitry which work
together to convert a stream of bits at one end of the link to a stream of bits at the other end.
FC-1
Middle layer of the Fibre Channel physical and signaling interface (FC-PH) standard, defining
the 8B/10B encoding/decoding and transmission protocol.
FC-2
The Fibre Channel layer that specifies the signaling protocol, rules, and mechanisms required to
transfer data blocks. The FC-2 layer is very complex and provides different classes of service,
packetization, sequencing, error detection, segmentation, and reassembly of transmitted data.
FC-3
The Fibre Channel layer that provides a set of services common across multiple node ports
(N_Ports) of a Fibre Channel node. The services are not commonly used and are essentially
reserved for Fibre Channel architecture expansion.
FC-4
The Fibre Channel layer that provides mapping of Fibre Channel capabilities to upper level
protocols (ULP), including Internet protocol (IP) and small computer system interface (SCSI).
FC-AL
Acronym for Fibre Channel arbitrated loop. Synonymous with arbitrated loop.
FCC-IOC
See Fibre Channel input/output controller.
FC-PH
See Fibre Channel physical and signaling interface.
feature enablement key
After purchasing a an additional product feature, HP provides a unique feature enablement key
to the customer. A feature key is a case-sensitive alphanumeric string consisting of dashes,
uppercase characters, and lowercase characters.

Glossary
17Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
feature key
A unique key that allows additional product features to be enabled. This key is entered into the
Configure Feature Key dialog box in the Element Manager application to activate optional
hardware and software features. Upon purchasing a new feature, customers will receive the
associated feature key.
fiber
Physical media types supported by the Fibre Channel specification, such as optical fiber, copper
twisted pair, and coaxial cable.
Fibre Channel
Integrated set of standards recognized by the American national Standards Institute (ANSI),
which defines specific protocols for flexible information transfer. Logically, a point-to-point
serial data channel, structured for high performance.
Fibre Channel address
A 3-byte node port (N_Port) identifier which is unique within the address domain of a fabric.
Each port may choose its own identifier, or the identifier may be assigned automatically during
fabric login.
Fibre Channel arbitrated loop
FC-AL. A high-speed (100 Mbps) connection which is a true loop technology where ports use
arbitration to establish a point-to-point circuit. Data can be transferred in both directions
simultaneously, achieving a nominal transfer rate between two devices of 200 Mbps.
Fibre Channel Association
FCA. The FCA is a non-profit corporation consisting of over 150 members throughout the
world. Its mission is to nurture and help develop the broadest market for Fibre Channel products
through market development, education, standards monitoring, and fostering interoperability
among members’ products.
Fibre Channel fabric element
Any device linked to a fabric. Information about these devices is recorded in a management
information base (MIB), which can be accessed by fabric management software.
Fibre Channel fabric element management information base
FCFE-MIB. A table of variables available to network management stations and resident on a
switch or director. Through the simple network management protocol (SNMP) these pointers
can be manipulates to monitor, control, and configure the switch or director.
Fibre Channel Industry Association
FCIA. A corporation consisting of over 100 computer industry-related companies. Its goal is to
provide marketing support, exhibits, and tradeshows for its member companies. The FCIA
complements activities of the various standards committees.

Glossary
18 Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
Fibre Channel input/output controller
(FCC-IOC) — A device that controls the embedded Fibre Channel port and configures the
port’s ASICs.
Fibre Channel IP address
FC IP. The default FC IP on a new switch is a temporary number divided by the switch’s World
Wide Name (WWN). The system administrator needs to enter a valid IP address.
Fibre Channel management framework integration
FCMGMT. A standard defined by the Fibre Alliance to provide easy management for Fibre
Channel-based devices such as switches, hubs, and host-bus adapters.
Fibre Channel physical and signaling interface
FC-PH. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) document that specifies the FC-0
(physical signaling), FC-1 (data encoding), and FC-2 (frame construct) layers of the Fibre
Channel protocol.
Fibre Channel standard
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard that provides a common, efficient data
transport system that supports multiple protocols. The architecture integrates both channel and
network technologies, and provides active, intelligent interconnection among devices. All data
transmission is isolated from the control protocol, allowing use of point-to-point, arbitrated
loop, or switched fabric topologies to meet the needs of an application.
Fibre Connection
FICON. An IBM set of products and services introduced in 1999 that is based on the Fibre
Channel Standard. FICON technology uses fiber-optic cables as the data transmission medium,
and significantly improves I/O performance (including one Gbps bi-directional data transfer).
FICON is designed to coexist with ESCON™ channels, and FICON-to-ESCON control unit
connections are supported.
fiber optics
Branch of optical technology concerned with the transmission of light pulses through fibers
made of transparent materials such as glass, fused silica, and plastic.
fiber port module card
A 1 gigabit per second module that contains four generic ports (G_Ports). Each fiber module
card provides connections through duplex small form factor pluggable (SFP) fiber optic
transceivers.
FICON
An IBM set of products and services introduced in 1999 that is based on the Fibre Channel
Standard. FICON technology uses fiber optic cables as the data transmission medium and
significantly improves I/O performance (including 1 Gbps bidirectional data transfer).

Glossary
19Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
FICON Management Server
An optional feature that can be enabled on the director or switch through the Element Manager
application. When enabled, host control and management of the director or switch is provided
through an S/390 Parallel Enterprise or zSeries server attached to a director or switch port.
FICON management style
The management style that is most useful when attaching to IBM S/390 Enterprise Servers. See
also open systems management style; management style.
field-replaceable unit
(FRU) — Assembly removed and replaced in its entirety when any one of its components fails.
See also active FRU.
firmware
Embedded program code that resides and executes on directors, switches, and hubs.
FLASH memory
Reusable nonvolatile memory that is organized as segments for writing, and as bytes or words
for reading. FLASH memory is faster than read-only memory, but slower than random access
memory.
Flexport Technology
A Flexport technology switch is delivered at a discount without all the ports enabled. When
additional port capacity is required, the remaining ports are enabled (in eight-port increments)
through purchase of this feature.
FL_Port
See fabric loop port.
FPM card
See fiber port module card.
F_Port
See fabric port.
frame
A variable-length packet of data that is transmitted in frame relay technology.
FRU
See field-replaceable unit.
full-duplex
The capability to simultaneously communicate in both directions over a single connection, with
flow control. Synonymous with bidirectional, contrast with half-duplex.
FX_Port
A port configuration allowing a port to transition operationally to either an F_Port or an
FL_Port. Only the Edge Switch 2/24 supports the configuration of this port type.

Glossary
20 Directors and Edge Switches Glossary
gateway
A multi-homed host used to route network traffic from one network to another, and to pass
network traffic from one protocol to another.
gateway address
A unique string of numbers (in the format xxx.xx.xxx.xxx) that identifies a gateway on the
network.
generic port
(G_Port) — Physical interface on a director that can function either as a fabric port (F_Port) or
an expansion port (E_Port) depending on the port type to which it connects.
generic port module card
GPM card. A port card that implements four generic ports (G_Ports) and provides the physical
connection point for links to Fibre Channel devices.
gigabit interface converter
GbIC. A removable module that converts an electrical serial data stream to an optical or
amplified electrical serial data stream. Contains connector for attaching fiber-optic cable.
GSM card
A generic port (G_Port) module card containing shortwave laser ports for multimode fiber-optic
cables.
G_Port
See generic port.
Gx_Port
A port configuration allowing a port to transition operationally to an FL_Port as well as to the
port operational states described for a G_Port. Only the Edge Switch 2/24 supports the
configuration of this port type.
HAFM application
See High Availability Fabric Manager application.
HAFM server
See High Availability Fabric Manager server.
half-duplex
The capability to communicate in both directions over a single connection, but not
simultaneously (except for link control frames). Contrast with half-duplex.
hardware log
Record of FRU insertions and removals for a director or switch.
hardware management console
The console runs the Hardware Management Console application (HWMCA), and is the
operations and management PC platform for S/390 and zSeries servers.