The Fibre Channel Standard
4 SL500: Interface Reference Manual • July 2008 Revision: F • 96122
The Fibre Channel Standard
The Sun StorageTek implementation of Fibre Channel conforms to the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI), National Committee for Information
Technology Standards (NCITS) formerly X3.
Overview
■ Serial connection
■ Copper (electrical) or fiber (optical) transmissions
■ Multiple Initiator Support
■ Information transparent
■ 100 MB/s data transfer rates (and higher)
■ Scalable for media rates, distance, media, and protocols
Benefits
In 1994, the Fibre Channel Physical and Signaling Interface (FC-PH), or ANSI
X3.230-1994, was completed, differing from every other architecture at the time.
This specification married the strengths of channels, including high throughput
and low overhead, with the strengths of networks, including flexibility, long
distance capability, and high connectivity.
Implementation
Library:
■ Arbitrated loop
■ FCP (SCSI-3) command set for medium changer devices
■ Class 3 level of service
■ Private Loop operation
■ Public Loop operation
■ Direct fabric attach operation
■ Hard-assigned port addresses (AL-PA)
■ Basic and extended link services
■ Connections to an external hub (or switch)
■ Data transfer rates of 100 MB/s
■ Standard approved length shortwave fibre optic cables
■ Multimode laser operating at 780 nanometers (shortwave) non–OFC
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