Glossary - Cisco MDS 8/12c User Manual

Glossary

This glossary defines terms used in this guide or related to this product. It is not a comprehensive glossary
of computer terms.
AL_PA Arbitrated loop physical address. A unique 8-bit value assigned during loop
initialization to a port in an arbitrated loop. See also
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 Mb/s Fibre Channel transport structured as a loop. Can support up to
126 devices and one fabric attachment. See also
AW_TOV Arbitration wait time-out value. The minimum time an arbitrating L_Port waits for a
response before beginning loop initialization.
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 (b/s). 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 Management of the frame transmission rate in either a point-to-point topology or an
arbitrated loop. See also
flow control
CLI Command line interface. 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 memory space of the processor.
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.
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 The set of all zone objects defined in the fabric. May include multiple zone
configuration configurations. See also zone,
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.
domain ID Unique identifier used in routing frames for all switches in a fabric. Usually assigned
by the principal switch, but can be assigned manually. The domain ID for an HP
switch can be any integer between 1 and 239. The default domain ID is usually 1.
E_D_TOV Error-detect time-out value. The minimum time a target waits for a sequence to
complete before initiating recovery. Can also be defined as the maximum time
allowed for a round-trip transmission before an error condition is declared.
public
arbitrated loop, point-to-point, topology.
zone configuration.
Cisco MDS 8Gb Fabric Switch for HP BladeSystem c-Class User Guide
non-participating mode.
device, public loop.
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