HP StorageWorks 2/24 FW 07.00.00/HAFM SW 08.06.00 McDATA Products in a SAN Env - Page 105

Planning Considerations for Fibre Channel Topologies 3 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 N N F F D2 N F TM D1 N F S1 E ISL TM E ISLS E E E E E E E E N F TM E ISL E N N F F Di2 S2 F N F N F N D8 D9 D10 F F S3 N N D12 D11 Multiswitch Fabric D = Device ISL = Interswitch Link S = Fabric Switch (Director) Figure 3-11 Example Multiswitch Fabric A multiswitch fabric is typically complex and provides the facilities to maintain routing to all device N_Ports attached to the fabric, handle flow control, and satisfy the requirements of the classes of Fibre Channel service that are supported. Fabric Topology Limits Operation of multiple directors or switches in a fabric topology is subject to the following topology limits. Consider the impact of these limits when planning the fabric. • Fabric Elements - Each fabric element is defined by a unique domain identification (Domain_ID) that ranges between 1 and 31. A Domain_ID of 0 is invalid. Therefore, the theoretical limit of interconnected directors or switches supported in a single fabric is 31. For additional information, refer to General Fabric Design Considerations. Planning Considerations for Fibre Channel Topologies 3-19