Port Types - Storage 11

Below are most common port types in storage.

1. N-Port (Node Port):- Port on the end host device like storage (target) or server (initiator). N-port cannot be configured on the switch side.

2. NL-Port (Node Loop port):- Host that are connected in Arbitrated loop has the NL port.

3. F-port (Fabric Port):- Switchport that are connected to N-port are configured as F-port.

4. FL-Port (Fabric Loop port):- Switchport connected to NL port are configured with FL port.

5. E-Port (Expansion Port):- Port between the switches is configured as E-port. Expansion ports are similar to trunk port in Ethernet. Also known as ISL (Inter switch-link).

6. TE-port (Trunk expansion port):-  It is known as extended ISL which is analogous to 802.1Q to allow multiple VSANs on the E-port. There is no configuration to make a TE port. It is automatically configured as soon as multiple VSANS are configured on a switch.

7. TN-Port (Trunk Node Port):- N-port of hosts that support multiple VSANS are known as TN port. Need of trunk F-port is required in case when host device supports multiple vsan at a time like ESX.

8. TF-Port (Trunk Fabric Port):- Switchport connected to TN port is configured as TF port.