Technical data

Brocade SilkWorm 4100 Hardware Reference Manual Glossary-13

Publication Number: 53-0000563-02

frame The Fibre Channel structure used to transmit data between ports. Consists of a start-of-frame delimiter,

header, optional headers, data payload, cyclic redundancy check (CRC), and end-of-frame delimiter.

There are two types of frames: link control frames (transmission acknowledgements and so forth) and

data frames.

frame relay A protocol that uses logical channels, as used in X.25. Provides very little error-checking ability.

Discards frames that arrive with errors. Allows a certain level of bandwidth between two locations

(known as a "committed information rate": CIR) to be guaranteed by service provider. If CIR is

exceeded for short periods (known as "bursts"), the network accommodates the extra data, if spare

capacity is available. Frame relay is therefore known as "bandwidth on demand."

FRU Field-replaceable unit. A component that can be replaced onsite.

FS Fibre Channel service. A service that is defined by Fibre Channel standards and exists at a well-known

address. For example, the Simple Name Server is a Fibre Channel service. See also FSP.

FSP Fibre Channel Service Protocol. The common protocol for all fabric services, transparent to the fabric

type or topology. See also FS.

FSPF Fabric shortest path first. The Brocade routing protocol for Fibre Channel switches.

FSS Fabric OS state synchronization. The FSS service is related to high availability (HA). The primary

function of FSS is to deliver state update messages from active components to their peer standby

components. FSS determines if fabric elements are synchronized (and thus FSS "compliant").

FTP File Transfer Protocol.

FTS Fiber Transport Services.

full fabric The Brocade software license that allows multiple E_Ports on a switch, making it possible to create

multiple ISL links.

full fabric

citizenship

A loop device that has an entry in the Simple Name Server.

full duplex A mode of communication that allows the same port to simultaneously transmit and receive frames. See

also half duplex.

Fx_Port A fabric port that can operate as either an F_Port or FL_Port. See also F_Port, FL_Port.

G_Port Generic port. A port that can operate as either an E_Port or an F_Port. A port is defined as a G_Port

when it is not yet connected or has not yet assumed a specific function in the fabric.

gateway Hardware that connects incompatible networks by providing translation for both hardware and

software. For example, an ATM gateway can be used to connect a Fibre Channel link to an ATM

connection.

GBIC Gigabit interface converter. A removable serial transceiver module that allows gigabaud physical-level

transport for Fibre Channel and gigabit Ethernet.