StorageWorks Fibre Channel Storage Switch User's Guide

This document is the StorageWorks Fibre Channel Storage Switch User's Guide, published by Compaq in April 1999. It provides comprehensive instructions and reference material for the installation, operation, management, and troubleshooting of Compaq's Fibre Channel Storage Switches (available in 8-port and 16-port models).

The guide covers the following key areas:

1. Introduction and Installation: Details the switch components, front panel features, and a step-by-step installation process. This includes unpacking, selecting an appropriate operating location (considering cooling and power requirements), various mounting methods (table-top or equipment racks like RETMA, Compaq, and Metric racks), installing Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) modules, connecting fiber-optic and Ethernet network cables, powering on the switch, and initial IP address configuration.
2. Switch Management Overview: Explains different methods for managing and monitoring the switch, including:
   • Front Panel Controls: Instructions for navigating menus (Configuration, Operation, Status, Test) to set IP addresses, operating modes, virtual channel parameters, and check system status, temperature, error logs, and licenses.
   • Telnet Interface: Provides detailed command-line interface (CLI) operations for general management, diagnostics, routing, and license management.
   • SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol): An overview of SNMP agent configuration, MIBs (Management Information Bases), and trap mechanisms for network monitoring.
   • Web-based Management (Switch Web Tools): Guides users on accessing a graphical user interface (GUI) through a web browser to view fabric topology, switch status, port details, performance statistics, and perform administrative functions like port enable/disable and firmware downloads.
   • StorageWorks Command Console (SWCC): Introduces Compaq's dedicated software console for managing the switch, Fibre Channel Fabric, and associated HSG80 Storage Subsystems.
3. Zoning: A dedicated chapter explaining this advanced Fibre Channel Fabric service. It covers the concepts of zones, zone members, aliases, and configurations, along with methods for zone management and enforcement. It also discusses considerations for multi-switch fabrics, including adding new switches or fabrics, and merging or splitting existing ones, with corresponding commands.
4. Appendices: Includes a Glossary of Fibre Channel and switch-related terminology, a comprehensive Telnet Commands reference with command descriptions and examples, and Agency Notices detailing regulatory compliance information (FCC, Canadian, European Union, Japanese, Taiwanese) and laser safety warnings.

The document is designed for IT professionals and system administrators responsible for the deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Compaq Fibre Channel Storage Area Networks.