Introduction

In the computer storage field, a Fibre Channel switch is a network switch compatible with the Fibre Channel (FC) protocol. It allows the creation of a Fibre Channel fabric, that is currently the core component of most storage area networks. The fabric is a network of Fibre Channel devices which allows many-to-many communication, device name lookup, security, and redundancy. FC switches implement zoning, a mechanism that disables unwanted traffic between certain fabric nodes.

A defective FC switch can wreak havoc in a SAN environment, as it may cause serious security glitches, severe communication lapses, or prolonged breaks in the availability of the SAN environment. By continuously monitoring the state and operations of the switch, you can ensure that you are promptly notified of performance issues with the switch, so as to avoid such outcomes. This is where the eG Enterprise helps big time.