Preliminar
y
Configure the Ports
SANbox-16HA Fibre Channel Switch
2-18
Installation
59005-03 Rev. A
Installer’s/User’s Manual
Configure the Ports
Use Switch Management for all port configuration.
Fabric Ports
The default mode of each Switch port is FL. That is, each port can automatically
discover that it must operate as an F_Port if it is connected to an N_Port device
adapter or operate as an FL_Port if it is connected to an NL_Port device adapter.
Some device adapters are N_Port only, other device adapters are NL_Port only, and
the F_Port has no problem discovering its proper mode.
You must help the configuration process when you connect a device adapter that
can operate in either N_Port (non-loop) or NL_Port (loop) mode. Switch manage-
ment allows you to force any FL_Port to operate in F_Port mode when you connect
it to a device that can act in either mode.
For example, one of these devices is a server that can be placed on a loop (port
operating in loop mode) or connected directly to the Switch (port operating non
loop mode). You may decide to connect it directly to the Switch and force the port
to operate in F_Port (non loop mode). It would not be efficient for the Switch port
to function as though it was connected to a device on a loop. So, use Switch
Management to force the Switch port to function as an F_Port.
Another example is connecting a RAID to the Switch. The RAID is also a device
that is capable of operating on a loop or connected directly to the Switch. If this
device is connected directly to the Switch it may be more efficient to force the
Switch port to function as an F_Port.
If the attached devices really are arranged in a loop (a Hub or JBOD for example)
with no controller, allow the Switch port to function as an FL_Port.
SL_Ports
Use SANsurfer Zoning to place up to 33 segments (SL_Ports) together in the same
segmented loop zone (even across multiple chassis in the same fabric) to form a
Segmented Private Loop. The aggregate total number of devices on the SL_Ports
in the same segmented loop zone must not exceed 126 devices and all AL_PAs
within the linked segments must be unique.
All SL_Ports in the same segmented loop zone must also be in the same Hard
Zone. Name Server Zones and Broadcast Zones do not apply to SL_Ports.
