FC-0: Physical Interface

FC-0 defines the physical transmission medium (cable, plug) and specifies which physical signals are used to transmit the bits 0 and 1. In contrast to the SCSI bus, in which each bit has its own data line plus additional control lines, Fibre Channel transmits the bits sequentially via a single line. Fibre Channel can use either optical fiber (for distance) or copper cable links (for short distance at low cost). Fiber-optic cables have a major advantage in noise immunity. Overall, optical fibers provide a high-performance transmission medium, which was refined and proven over many years.

Mixing fiber-optical and copper components in the same environment is supported, although not all products provide that flexibility. ...

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