Sun Microsystems StorEdge 3000 Series, Installation, Operation And Service Manual

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1-6 Sun StorEdge 3000 Family Installation, Operation, and Service Manual • March 2004
Note – For information about supported versions of these operating environments,
refer to the release notes for your array.
The array does not require any host-based software for configuration, management,
and monitoring, which are handled through the built-in firmware application. The
console window can be accessed via the DB-9 communications (COM) port using the
tip
command, or via the Ethernet port using the
telnet
command.
1.4 Fibre Channel Technology Overview
As a device protocol capable of high data transfer rates, Fibre Channel simplifies
data bus sharing and supports not only greater speed than SCSI, but also more
devices on the same bus. Fibre Channel can be used over both copper wire and
optical cable. It can be used for concurrent communications among multiple
workstations, servers, storage systems, and other peripherals using SCSI and IP
protocols. When a Fibre Channel hub or Fabric switch is employed, it provides
flexible topologies for interconnections.
1.4.1 FC Protocols
Two common protocols are used to connect Fibre Channel (FC) nodes together:
■
Point-to-point
■
Arbitrated loop
The point-to-point protocol is straightforward, doing little more than establishing a
permanent communication link between two ports.
The arbitrated loop protocol creates a simple network featuring distributed
(arbitrated) management between two or more ports using a circular (loop) data
path. Arbitrated loops can support more nodes than point-to-point connections.
The Sun StorEdge 3510 FC Array supports point-to-point and arbitrated loop
protocols. You select the protocol you prefer by setting the desired FC connection
option in the configuration parameters of the firmware application.