Abstract: The ever increasing speeds in data computation and communication have created a need for channel and interconnecting architectures with performance well beyond current capabilities. The services required for fast and efficient data transfer among high performance computing and peripheral devices are provided by the fiber channel compliant interconnection scheme, termed `fabric.' In addition to these services, this paper describes the services offered by the fabric to provide `concurrent data availability,' to the interconnected devices, required by some applications. The structure of the `distributed' fabric to provide services based on an inexpensive interconnection scheme is also reviewed. !6
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