Quickloop Implementation; Terminology - HP StorageWorks 2/16 - SAN Switch User Manual

Using Quick Loop

QuickLoop Implementation

QuickLoop is implemented by a combination of hardware and software
components and requires no actions on the part of the user once it is installed and
configured. The hardware components are responsible for the transport of frames
among looplets and across switches, and the software components are responsible
for QuickLoop initialization and error handling.

Terminology

The terms and concepts introduced in this section are fundamental to
understanding the use of QuickLoop mode with switches. Refer to the Glossary
for aditional terms.
Note:
N_port
(Node port) An equipment port that is not loop capable. Used to connect the
equipment to the fabric.
NL_port
An equipment port that is loop capable. Used to connect an equipment port to the
fabric in a loop configuration through the FL_Port on a switch.
There are 8, 16 or 32 physical ports on varying models of a Compaq
StorageWorks Fibre Channel SAN Switch; certain models constrain the type of
port the switch can support. Each port can be independently configured as one of
the following types.
22
Multiple devices communicate simultaneously between at least 4 separate
switch ports, at full bandwidth within multiple looplets located in the same
QuickLoop. These simultaneous conversations cannot involve overlapping
looplets.
If a looplet error is detected, QuickLoop automatically takes that looplet out
of service. If the error condition is cleared, the looplet is automatically
reinstated.
The following two port types are on host or storage devices, not on switches.
Quickloop Fabric Assist User Guide