Dell PowerVault 50F (Fibre Channel Switch) - Manual (Page 9)

Introduction: Dell PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch User's Guide
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Interface Cards
The switch is manufactured in a fixed configuration with one dual G_Port and three dual FL_Port interface
cards. Ports 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are FL_Ports and ports 6 and 7 are G_Ports.
All interfaces have status lights visible from the switch panel giving a quick, visual check of the interface
card's status and activity.
The Fibre Channel standards-compliant G_Ports and FL_Ports operate in both half- and full-duplex mode.
Table 1-2 explains the interface card terminology.
Table 1-2. Interface Card Terminology
Term Definitions
G_Port Generic switch port that operates in either E_Port or F_Port modes.
E_Port An E_Port is an interswitch expansion port used to connect to an E_Port of another switch to build a larger Fabric.
F_Port The F_Port is the Fabric access port used to connect an N_Port.
Fx_Port An Fx_Port is either a N_Port or a FL_Port.
FL_Port The FL_Port is the Fabric access port used to connect NL_Ports to the switch in a loop configuration.
N_Port The N_Port is an equipment port connected to the Fabric via an F_Port.
NL_Port The NL_Port is an equipment port connected to the Fabric in a loop configuration via an FL_Port.
A switch is scalable and future releases will allow interconnecting multiple switches in flexible topologies
building medium to large Fibre Channel switching Fabrics. Topologies are automatically changed as new
switches or links are added and as the Fabric grows. Additionally, the switches in the Fabric automatically
reconfigure the Fabric as switches or links fail or are removed.
Dual Channel G_Port Interface Card
Each dual-channel G_Port interface card supports two G_Ports when two interchangeable GBIC modules
are installed. Currently, the GBIC modules supported are the Short Wave Length (SWL) fiber-optic and
copper versions.
CRC checking in both the receiving and transmitting sections of the G_Port assures the data integrity of the
path within the switch.
If your installation requires installing a single GBIC module, the unused port position is protected by a metal,
spring-loaded door.
Dual Channel FL_Port Interface Card
Each dual-channel FL_Port interface card supports two FL_Ports when two interchangeable GBIC modules
are installed for connecting to Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loops. Currently, the GBIC modules supported are
the SWL fiber-optic and copper versions.