Brocade 16Gb SAN Switch for HP BladeSystem c-Class User Guide

Glossary
This glossary defines terms used in this guide or related to this product. It is not a
comprehensive glossary of computer terms.
A
AL_PA Arbitrated loop physical address. A unique 8-bit value assigned during loop initialization to a
port in an arbitrated loop. See also non-participating mode.
alias server A fabric software facility that supports multicast group management.
API Application programming interface. A defined protocol that allows applications to interface with
a set of services.
arbitrated loop A shared 100 Mbps FC transport structured as a loop. Supports up to 126 devices and one
fabric attachment. See also public device, public loop.
AW_TOV Arbitration wait time-out value. The minimum time an arbitrating L_Port waits for a response before
beginning loop initialization.
B
backup FCS switch Backup fabric configuration server switch. The switch or switches assigned as backup in case
the primary FCS switch fails.
bandwidth The total transmission capacity of a cable, link, or system. Usually measured in bits per second
(bps). May also refer to the range of transmission frequencies available to a link or system.
broadcast The transmission of data from a single source to all devices in the fabric, regardless of zoning.
buffer-to-buffer
flow control
Management of the frame transmission rate in either a point-to-point topology or an arbitrated
loop. See also arbitrated loop, point-to-point, topology.
C
CLI Command line interface. Interface that depends entirely on the use of commands, such as through
Telnet or SNMP, and does not involve a GUI.
compact flash Flash (temporary) memory that is used in a manner similar to hard disk storage. It is connected
to a bridging component that connects to the PCI bus of the processor. Not visible within the
processor's memory space.
configuration The way a system is set up. May refer to hardware or software:
• Hardware: The number, type, and arrangement of components that make up a system or
network.
• Software: The set of parameters that guide switch operation. May include general system
parameters, IP address information, domain ID, and other information. Modifiable by any
login with administrative privileges. May also refer to a set of zones.
CRC Cyclic redundancy check. A check for transmission errors that is included in every data frame.
D
data word A type of transmission word that occurs within frames. The frame header, data field, and CRC
all consist of data words.
defined zone
configuration
The set of all zone objects defined in the fabric. May include multiple zone configurations. See
also zone, zone configuration.
DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
directory service See SNS.
DLS Dynamic load sharing. Dynamic distribution of traffic over available paths. Allows for recomputing
of routes when an Fx_Port or E_Port changes status.
34 Glossary