Glossary
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SAN Switch 2/16 Version 3.1.x Installation Guide
Bandwidth
The total transmission capacity of a cable, link, or system. Usually measured in bps (bits
per second). May also refer to the range of transmission frequencies available to a network.
See also Throughput.
BB_Credit
Buffer-to-buffer credit; the number of frames that can be transmitted to a directly connected
recipient or within an arbitrated loop. Determined by the number of receive buffers
available.
BER
Bit Error Rate; the rate at which bits are expected to be received in error. Expressed as the
ratio of error bits to total bits transmitted. See also Error.
Block
As applies to Fibre Channel, upper-level application data that is transferred in a single
sequence.
Bridge
Hardware that connects incompatible networks by providing translation for both hardware
and software. For example, an ATM gateway can connect a Fibre Channel link to an ATM
connection.
Broadcast
The transmission of data from a single source to all devices in the fabric, regardless of
zoning.
Buffer
-
to
-
buffer Flow Control
Management of the frame transmission rate in either a point-to-point topology or in an
arbitrated loop. See also BB_Credit.
Cascade
Two or more interconnected Fibre Channel switches. The recommended number of
interswitch links is seven. See also Fabric, ISL.
Chassis
The metal frame in which the switch and switch components are mounted.
Circuit
An established communication path between two ports. Consists of two virtual circuits
capable of transmitting in opposite directions. See also Link.
Command Line
Interface that depends entirely on the use of commands, such as through telnet or SNMP,
and does not involve a GUI.
