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McDATA 4416 Fibre Channel Switch Module Installation Guide
1-6
Fibre Channel Ports
Transceivers
Switch modules support SFP optical transceivers for the Fibre Channel ports.
A transceiver converts electrical signals to and from optical laser signals to
transmit and receive data. Duplex fiber optic cables plug into the transceivers
which then connect to the devices. A Fibre Channel port is capable of
transmitting at 1-Gbps, 2-Gbps, or 4-Gbps; however, the transceiver must also
be capable of delivering at these rates.
The SFP transceivers are hot pluggable. This means that you can remove or
install a transceiver while the switch module is operating without harming
the switch module or the transceiver. However, communication with the
connected device will be interrupted. Refer to “Install SFP Transceivers” on
page 3-2 for information about installing and removing SFP optical
transceivers.
Port Types
Switch modules support generic ports (G_Port, GL_Port), fabric ports
(F_Port, FL_Port), and expansion ports (E_Port). Switch modules come from
the factory with internal ports configured as FL_Ports and external ports
configured as GL_Ports. Generic, fabric, and expansion ports function as
follows:
• A GL_Port self-configures as an FL_Port when connected to a public loop
device, as an F_Port when connected to a single public device, or as an
E_Port when connected to another switch. If the device is a single device
on a loop, the GL_Port will attempt to configure first as an F_Port, then if
that fails, as an FL_Port.
• A G_Port self-configures as an F_Port when connected to a single public
device, or as an E_Port when connected to another switch.
• An FL_Port supports a loop of up to 126 public devices. An FL_Port can
also configure itself during the fabric login process as an F_Port when
connected to a single public device (N_Port).
• An F_Port supports a single public device.
E_Ports enable you to expand the fabric by connecting switch modules with
other switches. Switch modules self-discover all inter-switch connections.
Refer to “Multiple Chassis Fabrics” on page 2-6 for more information about
multiple chassis fabrics. Refer to the McDATA Switch Module Management
Guide for information about defining port types.