Switch Description - HP storageworks 2/32 Installation Manual

Introduction

Switch Description

The HP StorageWorks Edge Switch 2/32 provides dynamic 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 switch implements Fibre
Channel technology that provides a bandwidth of 2.125 Gbps, redundant switched
data paths, a scalable number of active ports, and long transmission distances
(up to 35 km).
The switch can be installed on a table or desk top, or mounted in an equipment
cabinet or in any standard equipment rack.
Multiple switches and the HAFM server communicate on a local area network
(LAN) through one or more 10Base-T Ethernet hubs.
The switch provides dynamic switched connections for servers and devices,
supports mainframe and open-systems interconnection (OSI) computing
environments, and provides data transmission and flow control between device
node ports (N_Ports) as dictated by the Fibre Channel Physical and Signaling
Interface (FC-PH 4.3). Through interswitch links (ISLs), the switch can connect
additional switches to form a Fibre Channel multiswitch fabric.
The switch provides connectivity for devices manufactured by multiple original
equipment manufacturers (OEMs). To determine if an OEM product can
communicate through connections provided by the switch, or if communication
restrictions apply, refer to the supporting publications for the product or contact
your HP marketing representative.
20 Edge Switch 2/32 Installation Guide