1. SCSI Reference
  2. Overview
  3. Fibre Channel Standard

Fibre Channel Standard

Oracle's implementation of Fibre Channel conforms to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), National Committee for Information Technology Standards (NCITS) formerly X3.

Overview

  • Serial connection

  • Copper (electrical) or fiber (optical) transmissions

  • Multiple protocols (such as SCSI, IP, HIPPI, IPI-3)

  • Information transparent

  • 100 MB/s data transfer rates (and higher)

  • Scalable for media rates, distance, media, and protocols

Benefits

In 1994, the Fibre Channel Physical and Signaling Interface (FC-PH), or ANSI X3.230-1994, was completed, differing from every other architecture at the time. This specification married the strengths of channels, including high throughput and low overhead, with the strengths of networks, including flexibility, long distance capability, and high connectivity.

Implementation

Library:

  • Arbitrated loop

  • FCP (SCSI-3) command set for medium changer devices

  • Class 3 level of service

  • Private Loop operation

  • Public Loop operation

  • Direct fabric attach operation

  • Hard-assigned port addresses (AL-PA)

  • Basic and extended link services

  • Connections to an external hub (or switch)

  • Data transfer rates of 100 MB/s

  • Standard approved length shortwave fibre optic cables

  • Multimode laser operating at 780 nanometers (shortwave) non–OFC

Hub:

  • Multiple ports

  • Standard approved length fibre optic and copper cables

  • Multimode laser operating at 780 nanometers (shortwave) non–OFC

  • Single mode laser operating at 1300 nanometers (longwave)

  • Cascading hub attachments

  • Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) connections in the hub

Switch:

  • Attachment to FL_Ports is supported.