Dell PowerVault 50F (Fibre Channel Switch) - Manual (Page 8)

Introduction: Dell PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch User's Guide
file:///C|/Users/sharon_anand/Desktop/PowerVault/50f_enug/INTROD.HTM[3/15/2013 11:27:27 AM]
Serviceability
The PowerVault™ 50F Switch has the following features, enhancing serviceability:
Simple enclosure
Loopback test modes for service
User-friendly diagnostics
No jumpers or switch settings
System Components
The switch architecture separates the switching function from the ports, resulting in three basic system board
modules: the system board, its microprocessor board, and plug-in interface cards.
Components are enclosed in an air-cooled chassis which may be either mounted in a standard rack or used
as a stand-alone unit. The chassis includes a serial port and an RJ45 Ethernet connection for switch set up
and management.
Switching Function
The switching function is based on a central memory bank associated with its data path control. Each switch
port stores received frames in this memory, passing a buffer pointer to the forwarding port's transmitter. The
switch uses cut-through routing to route frames from the receiving port to the transmitting port, providing the
transmit port is free, without waiting for the end of the frame to be received. This provides a low-latency data
path within the switch. The frame can be temporarily stored in the memory bank but only if the transmit port is
busy.
Embedded Port
The embedded port, which is a logical N_Port, is based on a microcontroller and is responsible for:
Fibre Channel link control
Switch management
Routing table management
Address assignment and management functions
Management of Class F services and the related protocols as defined in the Fibre Channel Standard
The embedded port also functions as a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) agent, a Fibre
Channel Name Server, and an Alias Server to manage multicast and broadcast functions.
System Firmware
Included with the switch is firmware that can be customized and tuned for each installation. Dell has provided
a standard set of commands and interfaces described in "PowerVault™ 50F Commands" of the Dell
PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide for switch monitoring,
control, and management.