HP Network Storage Router m2402 - Manual (Page 51)

Configuration Overview
57 Network Storage Router M2402 User Guide
Fibre Channel Port Configuration
By default, the configuration of the FC ports is set to N_Port, which minimizes
conflicts when both the router and another FC device, such as a switch, are using
Auto Sensing for FC ports. Alternatively, the configuration of the FC ports can be
set to Auto Sensing, which allows the router to detect whether it is connected to an
Arbitrated Loop or a Switched Fabric.
Note: By default, the Fibre Channel port speed is set to 1 Gb/s. Changes to the Fibre
Channel port speed must be manually set, such as for 2 Gb/s. If set incorrectly and the
router is plugged into a Loop or Fabric, the unit may receive framing errors because of
the incorrect Fibre Channel link speed.
Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop Configuration
On a Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop, each device appears as an Arbitrated Loop
Physical Address (AL_PA). To obtain an AL_PA, two methods can be used:
■ Soft addressing
■ Hard addressing
Soft addressing is the default setting.
Soft Addressing
During soft addressing, the router automatically acquires the first available loop
address, starting from 01 and moving up to EF. The router may participate on the
FC loop, as long as there is at least one address available on the loop connected to
the router. FC supports up to 126 devices on an Arbitrated Loop.
Hard Addressing
During hard addressing, the router attempts to acquire the AL_PA value specified
in the configuration settings. If the desired address is not available at loop
initialization time, the router negotiates the next available soft address. This
allows both the loop and the router to continue to operate.