Expansion Port

What Does Expansion Port Mean?

An Expansion port (E_port) is an inter-switch port used in fiber channel topology to connect two fiber switches. An E_port is connected to another E_port to create an inter-switch link (ISL). The E_port carries frames between switches, which are used for fabric management and configuration. It functions as a channel between switches for frames that are intended for Node ports (N_port), Node Loop ports (NL_port) or Nx_ports.

Advertisements

Techopedia Explains Expansion Port

A fiber channel is a high-speed network that connects a number of computer systems and provides a dependable and remote OS interface that requires high bandwidth. The E_port is the point where frames pass between fabric switches. A frame with a destination exits a local switch through an E_port, unless the frame is intended for the switch, N_Port or NL_Port. After a frame passes through the E_port, it is forwarded to a local or final destination.

Each E_port has a unique name within the fabric. An interactive system language (ISL) is used to transmit and receive frames within the fabric, N_port and NL_port. The E_port supports Class 2, Class 3 and Class F services.

Advertisements

Related Terms

Latest Data Management Terms

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…