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.
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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
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