Fiber Channel – Node Types

Used in Point to Point or Switched Fabric topologies.
N_Ports are connected to each other through the fabric topology.
Found on HBAs and Storage Processors.

F_PORT (Fabric Ports)

Used in a Switch Fabric topology.
Found on a switch – enables HBA & Storage Processor to connect.

NL_PORT (Arbitrated Loop)

Supports Arbitrated Loop topology.
These ports are found on HBAs & Storage Processors.

FL_PORT (Fabric port with Arbitrated Loop capabilities)

Ports on a switch that support connecting to an Arbitrated Loop.

E_PORT (Extension Port)

Extension port for interconnecting switches in a multi switch fabric.
Ports on a switch that connect other switches to the fabric.

G_PORT (Generic Port)

It can be configured to either an E_Port or an F_Port.
These ports are found on a switch, not on a HBA or an SP.

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