The document discusses HP StorageWorks SAN switch 2/8V switches which offer 2Gb connectivity for entry-level storage area networks. The switches deliver eight high-performance auto-sensing 1Gb and 2Gb fiber channel ports and provide 16Gb switching performance. A switched fabric or switching fabric is a network topology that interconnects nodes via switches to yield higher throughput than broadcast networks. In a fiber channel switched fabric topology, devices are connected through one or more fiber channel switches, requiring costly hardware but providing the best scalability. Fibre Channel over IP allows fiber channel networks to connect over long distances using existing IP infrastructure.