SCSI switch

SCSI switch definition - computer

A device that cross connects computers to SCSI devices and overcomes certain SCSI limitations. The regular SCSI interface is a shared bus architecture, but a SCSI switch provides the full bandwidth between any two devices, greatly increasing overall throughput. This is the same concept as shared Ethernet versus an Ethernet switch.

SCSI switches also double the cable distance between devices and minimize access contention, because the devices are not subject to a priority by their ID numbers. In addition, the 7-device or 15-device limit gives way to any number of devices, because the switches can be cascaded.


SCSISWTC.GIF


Shared Vs. Switched

Switched SCSI eliminates many limitations, including bandwidth, cable distance and number of devices. The switch has a backplane capable of handling the full SCSI bandwidth at each of its ports.




_JIGSAW.GIF


Extending the Limitations

GigaLabs pioneered the SCSI switch, but later went out of business. This JigSaw 8-slot model provided 16 non-blocking ports between SCSI devices. (Image courtesy of GigaLabs, Inc.)






Computer Desktop Encyclopedia THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Copyright © 1981-2009 by Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.