The storage options use either copper or optical cable of various lengths, as summarized in Table 3-1.
Table 3-1. Cables for Fibre Channel Storage Options
Material | Length | Marketing Code | Part Number | Included/Optional | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Copper | 10 m (32.8 feet) | X-F-COP-10M | 018-0570-001 | Included in option; | Option board to enclosure |
Copper | 25 m (82 feet) | X-F-COP-25M | 018-0571-001 | Optional | Option board to enclosure |
Optical | 25 m (82 feet) | X-F-OPT-25M | 018-0656-201 | Optional | Option board to enclosure |
Optical | 100 m (328 feet) | X-F-OPT-100M | 018-0656-301 | Optional | Option board to enclosure |
Optical | 300 m (984 feet) | X-F-OPT-300M | 018-0656-401 | Optional | Option board to enclosure |
In the Silicon Graphics fibre storage implementation, copper cable is standard and optical is optional. Two 10-meter copper cables are shipped with the Fibre Channel XIO option board; one is shipped with the Fibre channel PCI option board.
 | Note: Copper cables longer than 10 meters must be equalized. |
This chapter describes cables for the Fibre Channel XIO and PCI option board, both optional and those included in the shipment:
Table 3-2 summarizes characteristics for the copper twinax and fiber optic cables.
Table 3-2. Cable Characteristics
Characteristic | Copper Twinax | Fibre Optic |
|---|---|---|
Variant | 100-TW-EL-S full-duplex (quad conductor) | 100-M5-SL/N-I |
Range | 25 meters maximum; | 300 meters maximum |
Transmitter | PECL | Optical laser |
Medium | 150 ohm | 62.5 micron |
Range | 25 meters | 300 meters |
Connector | Male DB9 | SC duplex connector |
Maximum length | Enclosure to server: 25 m | Enclosure to server: 300 m |
 | Caution: To maintain acceptable quality and signal integrity, use only Silicon Graphics-supplied copper and optical cables with your fibre enclosures. |
This section discusses each type of FC cable in more detail, including allowable distances.
For information on cabling Silicon Graphics fibre channel storage options to the Fibre Channel XIO or PCI board, see the Origin FibreVault and Fibre Channel RAID Owner's Guide. In the case of Origin2000 and Onyx2 systems, only qualified Silicon Graphics support personnel install the boards and cable the options.
| Caution: If a host system and a fibre channel enclosure are on separate building grounds, grounding problems may arise when this cabling is connected with a copper cable utilizing a DC ground shield on both ends. In this case, use the optional fibre optical cabling to link host and enclosure. |
The copper twinax cable is a fully shielded, full-duplex, balanced cable capable of supporting distances of 25 meters at the 1.0625 Gbaud transfer rate. The connectors for both ends of the twinax cable are male DB9 connectors that plug in at the host and enclosure. The shield on each end of the cable connects directly to the connector shield, providing a DC ground on both ends.
| Note: Copper cables longer than 10 meters must be equalized. |