Abstract: A method for performing a fibre channel arbitrated loop integrity test using a fibre channel switch element is provided. The method includes, sending a fibre channel frame through the arbitrated loop; receiving the fibre channel frame after it has traversed through the arbitrated loop; performing a data compare between the fibre channel frame that was sent and the fibre channel frame that is received; detecting internal errors, if any, in the traversed fibre channel loop; and isolating a module that may have generated the error. The switch element includes, a cascade port that is used to couple one fibre channel switch element to another in a loop; and a port that sends a fibre channel frame through the loop and detects internal errors based on the comparison and a isolates a module that may have generated the internal error.

Abstract: A fibre channel switch element with an acceleration device that connects plural fibre channel devices in an arbitrated loop and monitors frames sent during a loop initialization process is provided. The acceleration device creates an AL_PA table selected by each fibre channel device, wherein the AL_PA table is used for port selection; and during an arbitration process sends a benign primitive to non-arbitrating devices. The acceleration device includes, a global arbitration module, a state machine module, and a matrix for connecting plural fibre channel devices.

Abstract: A method and fibre channel switch element is provided for isolating a defective device that is coupled to a fibre channel arbitrated loop. The method includes, isolating a port if a loop initialization primitive (“LIP”) is detected from a device coupled to the arbitrated loop; configuring the device and acquiring an AL_PA; determining if the device is sending LIPs; and isolating the device if the device continues to send LIPs. The switch element includes, a port having an isolation state machine that allows the switch element to isolate a device whose behavior may result in disruption of other devices in the network. The state machine may also configure a device after detecting disruptive parameters from the device and perform diagnostic operations on the device.