Node Port

What Does Node Port Mean?

A node port (N_Port) is a port on a network node, such as a host or storage device, used in fiber channel (FC) point-to-point or FC switched fabric topologies. There are several types of node ports that are used to connect equipment to FC node fabric.

Techopedia Explains Node Port

In FC terminology, a port is any network entity that actively communicates on a network and does not have to be a hardware port. Most ports are located on devices like FC switches, host bus adapters or disk storage.

Other node port types include:

• Node Loop Port (NL_Port): Used with fiber channel (FC) arbitrated loop topology
• Fabric Port (F_Port): A port on a switch that connects to a node port and is not loop capable
• Fabric Loop Port (FL_Port): A port on a switch that connects to a NL_Port
• Expansion Port (E_Port): A connection between two FC switches
• EX_Port: The connection between a FC router and FC switch
• TE_Port: A FC addition by Cisco – now a standard