Fabric Interconnect I/O Modules

Fabric Interconnects have different models of I/O Modules that provide connectivity to network and storage resources.

• For network connectivity, Gigabit Ethernet modules are supported in either 1 Gigabit per second or 10 Gigabit per second bandwidths. Gigabit I/O Modules offer different numbers of ports for various connectivity options:

  • 10 GE Module, which has one 10 Gbps Ethernet port. The 10 GE Module supports full duplex 10 Gbps Ethernet traffic. The 10 GE module supports copper and fiber cables. This module is hot swappable and supports robust network software features.

  • 10-Port GE Module, which has 10 individual ports. Each port supports full duplex 1 Gbps Ethernet traffic. the 1-Port GE module is shipped with port cages that accept SFP+ transceivers, and each port can support active or fiber cables. This module is hot-swappable and supports robust network software features.

  • 4-Port 10 GE Module, which has 4 independent ports. Each port supports full duplex 10 Gbps Ethernet traffic. The 4-Port 10 GE module is shipped with port cages that accept SFP+ transceivers, and each port can support passive or active fibre or copper cables. For information about supported cables, see “Cables and Connectors for 4-Port 10 GE Module” on page 300. The 4-Port 10 GE Module is hot swappable and supports robust network software features. If you are upgrading from a 10 GE module or 10-Port GE module to the 4-Port 10 GE module, follow the procedure documented in “Upgrading to a 4-Port 10 GE Module” on page 272.

• For storage connectivity, the following module is available:

  • The 2x8 Line-Rate FC Module provides 2 ports. This Fibre Channel module has aggregate line rate of 16 Gbps full duplex, so the ports can be configured at 2 Gbps, 4 Gbps, or 8 Gbps. The ports will auto negotiate to the maximum allowed speed when connected to the Fibre Channel switch port. For example, if the port on the FC Module is connected to a 16Gbps FC switch port, then the port pair will auto negotiate to the maximum allowed—8 Gbps. If the port on the FC module is connected to a 4 Gbps FC switch port, then the port pair will auto negotiate to the maximum allowed—4 Gbps. The line-rate Fibre Channel module is supported by all models of the Fabric Interconnect.

Fabric Interconnect F1-15 I/O Modules and Indicators shows I/O modules in a Fabric Interconnect F1-15. I/O Modules are installed vertically in the rear of the Fabric Interconnect.

Figure 36  Fabric Interconnect F1-15 I/O Modules and Indicators

Fabric Interconnect F1-4 I/O Modules and Indicators shows I/O modules in a Fabric Interconnect F1-4. I/O Modules are installed horizontally in the rear of the Fabric Interconnect.

Figure 37  Fabric Interconnect F1-4 I/O Modules and Indicators