Overview
ISO/IEC 14165-241:2005 - Fibre Channel Part 241 (FC-BB-2) defines how Fibre Channel frames are mapped and transported over backbone networks. The standard specifies complete mappings for ATM and SONET, and describes how Fibre Channel is carried over TCP/IP in conjunction with IETF FC-over-TCP/IP (FCIP) specifications. FC-BB-2 enables Fibre Channel switches to attach and interoperate using the services of underlying backbone infrastructures while preserving Fibre Channel semantics for Upper Level Protocols (SCSI, IP, HIPPI, etc.).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Backbone mappings and reference models: Functional models for FC-BB-2 over ATM, SONET and IP, including B_Port and VE_Port interfaces and virtual ISL exchanges.
- Message formats and headers: LLC/SNAP, BBW_Header and payload formats for Simple Flow Control (SFC) and Selective Reject (SR) services.
- Encapsulation methods: Mapping BBW messages to AAL5 for ATM and to HDLC-like framing for SONET/SDH.
- SR and SFC protocols: Procedures for reliable transfer, data link setup/disconnection, multi-selective reject, timers and system parameters.
- Service considerations: Requirements and guidance on latency, timeout values, QoS, bandwidth allocation, in-order delivery, loss and flow control for each backbone type.
- Mapping and forwarding behavior: Call handling, frame handling, forwarding rules and encapsulation constraints to maintain payload transparency and Fibre Channel class support.
- Management and control elements: Control and Service Module (CSM), Platform Management Module (PMM) concepts for IP mappings.
Applications and practical value
- Connects and extends Storage Area Networks (SANs) across backbone infrastructures (metro and WAN) while preserving Fibre Channel semantics.
- Enables data center interconnect, disaster recovery, remote replication and backup by transporting Fibre Channel frames over ATM, SONET or IP backbones.
- Provides blueprint for Fibre Channel switch vendors, SAN integrators and systems architects to implement interoperable backbone attachments and virtual ISL exchanges.
- Useful for designing QoS, latency and flow-control policies to meet storage workload SLAs.
Who uses this standard
- SAN architects and network engineers designing Fibre Channel backbones
- Fibre Channel switch and storage array vendors implementing FC-BB-2 mappings
- System integrators, test labs and interoperability/standards compliance teams
- Network planners responsible for WAN/metro storage extension (FCIP-based solutions)
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 14165 (Fibre Channel family) and IETF FCIP specifications (for TCP/IP transport). Keywords: ISO/IEC 14165-241:2005, FC-BB-2, Fibre Channel backbone, ATM, SONET, TCP/IP, AAL5, HDLC, FCIP, SAN, QoS, flow control.