Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 12.1
Comparison between Fibre Channel and other networking technologies
Parameter
Fibre channel
Gigabit ethernet
ATM
Technology application
Storage, network, video,
clusters
Network
Network, video
Topologies
Point-to-point loop hub,
switched
Point-to-point hub,
switched
Switched
Baud rate
1.0
6
Gbps
1.2
5
Gbps
62
2
Mbps
Scalability
2.1
2
Gbps, 4.2
4
Gbps
Not defined
1.2
4
Gbps
Guaranteed delivery
Yes
No
No
Congestion data loss
None
Yes
Yes
Frame size
Variable, 0-2 KB
Variable, 0-1.5 KB
Fixed, 53 B
Flow control
Credit based
Rate based
Rate based
Physical media
Copper/fibre
Copper/fibre
Copper/fibre
Protocols supported
Network, SCSI, video
Network
Network, video
12.3 Fibre channel standards
The ANSI T11 committee developed the X.3230-1994-Fibre channel physical and signaling
standard (FC-PH). Its objectives where:
•
Performance from 266 Mbps to over 4 Gbps.
•
Support for distances up to 10 km.
•
Small connectors.
•
High-bandwidth utilisation with distance insensitivity.
•
Greater connectivity than existing multidrop channels.
•
Broad availability using standard components.
•
Support for many different system types, from small computers to mainframes.
•
Supports multiple existing interface command sets, such as internet protocol (IP), SCSI,
IPI, HIPPI-FP and audio/video.
Fibre channel is a channel/network standard which contains networking features to provide
for the required connectivity, distance and protocol multiplexing. It also supports traditional
channel features for simplicity, repeatable performance, and guaranteed delivery. Fibre chan-
nel also works as a generic transport mechanism.
