HP B6960-96035 - Manual (Page 174)

Figure 52 Loop initialization protocol
Switched topology
The switched topology provides any-to-any connectivity between all nodes connected
to a switch. Switches are easy to install and use, because the Fibre Channel protocol
provides self-configuration and self-management. Switches automatically detect what
is connected (nodes, FC-AL Hubs or other FC switches), and configure themselves
accordingly. Switches provide scaled bandwidth to connected nodes. The switched
topology provides real hot-plug of nodes.
NOTE:
Hot-plug refers to protocol capabilities such as reset, re-establish communication, and
so on. Take into account that ongoing data transfers are interrupted during hot-plug and
that some devices, such as tape devices, cannot handle this behavior. Connecting nodes
to or disconnecting nodes from a loop is likely to interrupt your backup or restore process
and cause the operation to fail. Connect or disconnect nodes from loops only when there
are no running backups or restores using the related hardware.
Media management and devices 174