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| Fibre Channel | |
|---|---|
| Layer 4. Protocol mapping | |
| LUN masking | |
| Layer 3. Common services | |
| Layer 2. Network | |
| Fibre Channel fabric Fibre Channel zoning Registered state change notification | |
| Layer 1. Data link | |
| Fibre Channel 8b/10b encoding | |
| Layer 0. Physical |
FICON (Fibre Connection) is the IBM proprietary name for the ANSI FC-SB-3 Single-Byte Command Code Sets-3 Mapping Protocol for Fibre Channel (FC) protocol. It is a FC layer 4 protocol used to map both IBM's antecedent (either ESCON or parallel Bus and Tag) channel-to-control-unit cabling infrastructure and protocol onto standard FC services and infrastructure. The topology is fabric utilizing FC switches or directors. Valid rates include 1, 2, 4, 8, 16,[1] and 32 Gigabit per second data rates at distances up to 100 km.
FICON was introduced in 1998 as part of System/390 G5 IBM mainframe.[2] In July 2013, FICON replaced ESCON in new zEnterprise BC12/EC12, and later models,[3] [4] because of FICON's technical superiority (especially its higher performance) and lower cost.
- ^ "Faster data access with FICON Express8 for System z10".
- ^ New IBM S/390 Parallel Enterprise Servers -- Generation 5 Models, Announcement Letter: 198-115. IBM. May 7, 1998.
- ^ IBM zEnterprise BC12 (zBC12) extends modern mainframe capabilities for enterprises of all sizes to help cut costs, improve service, and fuel innovation for business growth. IBM US Announcement Letter 113-121. July 23, 2013.
- ^ IBM zEnterprise 114 - Freedom by design. IBM US Announcement Letter 111-136. IBM. July 12, 2011.