Technical data

Web Tools Administrator’s Guide Glossary-5
Publication Number: 53-0000522-09
I
initiator A server or workstation on a Fibre Channel network that initiates communications with storage devices.
See also target.
Insistent
Domain ID
Mode
Sets the domain ID of a switch as insistent, so that it remains the same over reboots, power cycles,
failovers, and fabric reconfigurations. This mode is required to support FICON® traffic.
interswitch
link
See ISL.
IOD In-order delivery. A parameter that, when set, guarantees that frames are either delivered in order or
dropped.
IP Internet Protocol. The addressing part of TCP.
ISL Interswitch link. A Fibre Channel link from the E_Port of one switch to the E_Port of another. See also
E_Port.
L
L_Port Loop port. A node port (NL_Port) or fabric port (FL_Port) that has arbitrated-loop capabilities. An
L_Port can be in either Fabric Mode or Loop Mode.
LED Light-emitting diode. Used to indicate the status of elements on a switch.
loop
initialization
The logical procedure used by an L_Port to discover its environment. Can be used to assign AL_PA
addresses, detect loop failure, or reset a node.
LUN Logical unit number.
N
N_Port Node port. A port on a node that can connect to a Fibre Channel port or to another N_Port in a point-to-
point connection.
Name Server Simple Name Server (SNS). A switch service that stores names, addresses, and attributes for up to 15
minutes and provides them as required to other devices in the fabric. SNS is defined by Fibre Channel
standards and exists at a well-known address. Also referred to as “directory service.”
node A Fibre Channel device that contains an N_Port or NL_Port.
node name The unique identifier for a node, communicated during login and port discovery.
NS Name Server. The service provided by a fabric switch that stores names, addresses, and attributes
related to Fibre Channel objects. Can cache information for up to 15 minutes. Also known as “Simple
Name Server” or as a “directory service.” See also Simple Name Server (SNS).