IBM SAN32M1, Installation And Service Manual

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© Copyright IBM Corp. 2005
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Chapter 1: General information
The IBM TotalStorage SAN32M1 switch (referred to in this
information unit as the SAN32M1) provides dynamically switched
connections between Fibre Channel servers and devices in a storage
area network (SAN) environment. SANs introduce the concept of
server-to-device networking and multiswitch fabrics, eliminate
requirements for dedicated connections, and enable the enterprise to
become data-centric.
A SAN provides speed, high capacity, and flexibility for the
enterprise, and is primarily based upon Fibre Channel architecture.
The SAN32M1 switch implements Fibre Channel technology that
provides a bandwidth of 2.125 gigabits per second ), redundant
switched data paths, a scalable number of active ports, and long
transmission distances (up to 20 kilometers).
This chapter describes the switch and switch management through
the attached Enterprise Fabric Connectivity (EFC) Server. The chapter
specifically discusses:
• Switch management, error-detection and reporting features,
serviceability features, zoning, multiswitch fabrics, and
specifications.
• The management server and minimum hardware specifications.
• Remote workstation configurations and hardware specifications.
• Maintenance approach.
• Field-replaceable units (FRUs).
• Connectors and indicators.
• Software diagnostic features.
• Tools and test equipment.
Switch description
The SAN32M1 switch provides Fibre Channel connectivity through
32 ports. Switch ports operate at 2.125 () gigabits per second (Gbps),
and can be configured as:
• Fabric ports (F_Ports) to provide direct connectivity for up to 24
switched fabric devices.