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is the case with ESCON), but will also support multiple
device defi nitions. For example, ESCON channels that are
dedicated as CTC cannot communicate with any other
device, whereas native FICON (FC) channels are not dedi-
cated to CTC only. Native can support both device and
CTC mode defi nition concurrently, allowing for greater con-
nectivity fl exibility.
FICON Connectivity
FICON Support for Cascaded Directors
Native FICON (FC) channels support cascaded directors.
This support is for a single hop confi guration only. This
means that a Native FICON (FC) channel or a FICON CTC
can connect a server to a device or other server via two
(same vendor) FICON Directors in between. This type of
cascaded support is important for disaster recovery and
business continuity solutions because it can help provide
high availability, extended distance connectivity, and (par-
ticularly with the implementation of 2 Gbps Inter Switch
Links), has the potential for fi ber infrastructure cost sav-
ings by reducing the number of channels for interconnect-
ing the 2 sites.
FICON cascaded directors have the added value of high
integrity connectivity. New integrity features introduced
within the FICON Express channel and the FICON cas-
caded switch fabric to aid in the detection and reporting of
any miscabling actions occurring within the fabric during
and helps prevent data from being delivered to the wrong
end point.
FICON cascaded directors is offered in conjunction with
IBM, CNT, and McDATA Directors.
FCP Channels
zSeries supports FCP channels, switches and FCP/SCSI
devices with full fabric connectivity under Linux on zSeries
and z/VM Version 4 Release 3 and later. Support for FCP
devices means that zSeries servers will be capable of
attaching to select FCP/SCSI devices and may access
these devices from Linux on zSeries. This expanded
= LX ONLY
All FICON Channels =
100MB/s
= LX or SX
FICON
Bridge
FICON
Bridge
32, 64 or 140
PORT
64, 128 or 256
PORT
= LX ONLY
ESCON
CU
ESCON
CU
ESCON
CU
ESS
F10, F20, 800
Enterprise
Tape
Controller
3590 A60
ESS
F10, F20, 800
Enterprise
Tape
Controller
3590 A60
2042
2032
ESCD
9032
Model 5
Two site non-cascaded director
topology. Each CEC connects to
directors in both sites.
Two Site cascaded director
topology. Each CEC connects to
local directors only.
IBM
IBM
With Inter Switch Links (ISLs),
less fiber cabling may be needed
for cross-site connectivity