1

Brocade®
Product Training

Fibre Channel Theory Fundamentals

Introduction

© 2003 Brocade Communications Systems,

Incorporated.
Revision0.1_FC101_2003

This FREE Web-based Fibre Channel Theory Fundamentals course was

designed to act as a level set for new SAN adopter's and serve as a
prerequisite for Brocade courseware. It is presented as a FREE service offering
for all.
Course Objectives 2

After completing this course, attendees should be able to:

Describe key reasons, benefits and components related to Fibre

Channel (FC) Storage Area Networks (SANs)

Identify FC protocol layers and key related tasks & components

List key FC topologies, terminology, and addresses

Describe FC services and expected behaviors

Summarize and state relevance of FC theory fundamentals learned and

know where to find additional FC information

© 2003 Brocade Communications Systems,

Incorporated.
Revision0.1_FC101_2003
Class Agenda 3

Introduction

Why Fibre Channel?

Fibre Channel layers and related components

Fibre Channel topologies, terminology and addresses

Expected Fibre Channel behaviors

Summary

© 2003 Brocade Communications Systems,

Incorporated.
Revision0.1_FC101_2003

Objectives summary:
•Introduction objectives include setting expectations, sharing best practices
and providing links to additional resources.
•Why Fibre Channel? objectives include reasons for existence of the FC
protocol; FC markets and components related to FC SANs.
•FC layers and related component objectives include discussions of the FC
layers and components/ knowledge related to each layer. For example, FC-0
includes feeds and speeds therefore distance, cable, GBIC/SFP information is
incorporated. FC-1 incorporates ordered sets and link control information and
FC-2 incorporates packaging: exchanges, sequences & frames; COS and flow
control.
•FC topologies, terminology and address objectives include a discussion of FC
topologies, terminology, and FC addressing: WWN’s; Fibre Channel addresses
called port identifiers (PIDs) and Well-Known addresses.
•Expected FC behavior objectives include FC communication methodology,
services and expected interactive behaviors.
•Summary objectives include a review of FC theory information presented
during this course.
Best Practices 4

See “Course Navigation Instructions” to learn how to move

around presentations – please also notice and implement “best
sound” recommendations
Download and print *.pdfs of PowerPoint presentations – use
these to take notes as you listen
Download and print course resources such as the FC
Recommended Reading List and SAN Glossary files
Optionally view, download and/or print additional
presentation resources as time and interest permit
Set your own start and stop times but be consistent until
course material is completed - please schedule regular breaks
while taking this online course ☺
Most lectures are recorded in small time blocks – you should
be able to complete each in less than one hour

© 2003 Brocade Communications Systems,

Incorporated.
Revision0.1_FC101_2003
Brocade Certifications 5

Brocade Certified Fabric Professional (BCFP)

This level of certification indicates you have mastered all of the basics of
the Brocade SilkWorm switch and are knowledgeable in Fibre Channel
theory.

Brocade Certified SAN Designer (BCSD)

This level of certification indicates that you have mastered the concepts
and intricacies of building a SAN from the basic components through
the integration of industry applications and state-of-the-art storage
components.

Brocade Certified SAN Manager (BCSM)

This level of certification indicates that you have a detailed
understanding of administering Brocade SilkWorm switches and
managing aspects of a SAN.

© 2003 Brocade Communications Systems,

Incorporated.
Revision0.1_FC101_2003

The BSCD exam can be passed with SAN experience and extensive knowledge
of Brocade sponsored books and white papers. Go to www.brocade.com and
follow education links to certification for more information.

Benefits
•A 10% discount off the listed price on all future Brocade training classes
delivered at a Brocade facility (excludes non-Brocade facilities). The 10%
discount applies to the listed price only and may not be used in conjunction
with other discounts at non-Brocade facilities
•Industry Recognition as a Brocade Certified Fabric Professional, or a Brocade
Certified SAN Manager
•A skill set that could translate into a better position in your organization
•An additional differentiator that can be used by potential employers
•Access to the certification logo and a set of usage guidelines
•A certificate of completion of the program and achievement award
Employer Benefits
•A direct return on the investment in your training
•A watermark for determining future training needs
•Improved customer support and satisfaction
•A greater credibility with the customer base
 6
Brocade Certification Roadmap
Baseline
BaselineKnowledge
Knowledgeincluding
includingFC
FC101
101

Choose the BCFP path if you are
part of Post-Sales Support, Repair,
or Maintenance Services
OR
Choose the BCSM path if you are
part of Post-Sales Support,
Maintenance, or a SAN Manager
BCFP is considered a prerequisite
OR

SAN320 AFS160
SAN320 AFS160(Web)
(Web)
AFS200
AFS200

CFP260 CSM260
CFP260 CSM260
AFS212 AFS156
AFS156(Web)
(Web)
AFS212
AFS300
AFS300

SFO200 SFO101 (Web)

SFO200 SFO101 (Web)

© 2003 Brocade Communications Systems,

Incorporated.
Revision0.1_FC101_2003

In the slide above, “Baseline Knowledge” refers to previous experience with SANs and/or
equivalent work experience associated with SCSI storage and Local Area Networks (LAN).
It also includes this free WBT FC Theory fundamentals course. Additional information,
including white papers helpful to pass BCSD exam, can be found at
www.brocade.com Brocade Connect tab - Brocade Connect registration requires a
Brocade switch serial number
Brief course descriptions:
AFS 200 provides the student with a thorough understanding of the Brocade SilkWorm
family of Fibre Channel switches.
AFS 300 focuses on techniques needed by the second level and higher support engineer
and lead Storage Area Network (SAN) administrator to troubleshoot Brocade SANs.
CFP 260 is an accelerated class that combines both AFS 200 and AFS 300 certification
specific information.
SAN 320 provides students with knowledge and experience about various ways to manage
Brocade SANs including Brocade Fabric Manager, Brocade Fabric Watch and SNMP.
AFS 212 provides students with knowledge and experience with the Brocade SilkWorm
12000
SFO 200 provides students with the technical skills required to plan and implement
security in a Brocade 1gb and/or 2gb Fabrics.
AFS 160 is an ONLINE course designed to enable students to identify and understand the
following Brocade SilkWorm 12000 switch information: the key hardware and software
components; basic deployment tasks; a solid understanding of the Brocade Advanced
Fabric Services software that are part of the Fabric OS that runs on the SilkWorm 12000.
AFS 156 is an ONLINE course that enables familiarity with Brocade Advanced Performance
Monitor.
SFO 101 is an ONLINE web course that provides students with an overview of Brocade
Secure Fabric OS.
CSM 260 is an accelerated class designed to help students pass the BSCM exam. It
combines both SAN 320 and SFO 200 information needed to pass BSCM certification test.
Additional course information can be found at www.brocade.com education.
Registering For Brocade Certification Exams 7

Virtual University Enterprises (VUE) is our chosen test vendor. They

operate over 2800 testing centers worldwide. To register for an exam or
locate a testing center nearest to you:
Visit http://www.vue.com/brocade
Call 866-361-5817 toll free in North America
Visit http://www.vue.com/contact/brocade_numbers.html for
other contact numbers worldwide (some locations may not have toll free
numbers)

© 2003 Brocade Communications Systems,

Incorporated.
Revision0.1_FC101_2003

The exam cost is $150 US for each attempt. No student may take the exam
more than 2 times in a two week period. VUE accepts many of the major world
currencies.

All examinees are required to accept a non-disclosure agreement. This

agreement means the examinee will not discuss or disclose any of the
questions or exam contents. Failure to comply with agreement may result in
forfeiture of certification status and benefits.
Additional Information 8

General course resources for all presentation can be found under syllabus in
“Fibre Channel Theory Fundamentals Resource & Reference Material”
section – general course resources include:
Fibre Channel Recommended Reading & Resource List
SAN Glossary
Most presentations in this course will have an “Additional Information”
slide at the end with a list of related resources
Additional www.brocade.com resources for this introductory module
include:
Course Catalog follow education link to Course Catalog for course
descriptions and schedules
Certification follow education link to Certification for additional
certification and test information
Brocade Connect Additional information, including white papers
helpful to pass BCSD exam, can be found from Brocade Connect tab -
Brocade Connect registration requires a Brocade switch serial number

© 2003 Brocade Communications Systems,

Incorporated.
Revision0.1_FC101_2003

Brocade Connect will ask you to provide a Brocade switch serial number when
registering.