Introduction
1-9
Compaq Confidential – Need to Know Required
Writer: Hilary Stead Project: Compaq StorageWorks SAN Switch 8 Installation and Hardware Guide Comments:
Part Number: EK-BCP24-IA / 161355-001 File Name: B-CH1 INTRODUCTION.DOC Last Saved On: 9/30/99 10:18 AM
GBIC-LW Module
The GBIC-LW module with the subscriber connector (SC) color-coded blue is
based on long wavelength 1300nm lasers supporting 1.0625 GB/s link speeds.
The GBIC-LW module supports 9-micron single-mode fiber optic cables in
lengths up to 10 kilometers. The GBIC-LW module is shipped with a
protective plug that should remain in place when no fiber optic cable is
connected to the port.
Switching Function
The SAN Switch 8 switching function is based on a central memory bank and
its associated data path control. Each switch port stores received frames in the
central memory, while passing a buffer pointer to the forwarding port’s
transmitter. The switch uses cut-through routing to route frames from the
receiving port to the transmitting port, providing the transmitting port is free,
without waiting for the end of the frame to be received. This provides a
low-latency data path within the switch. If the transmitting port is busy, the
frame can be temporarily stored in the switch’s memory bank.
