gigabyte system network (GSN)

GigabyteSystem Network (GSN) is a further development of HIPPI, which enables error-free data transfer at speeds of up to 6.4 Gbit/s. This data transfer rate results from the signal rate of 10 Gbit/s on the physical layer, reduced by error control (1.6 Gbit/s) and coding (2 Gbit/s).

The current GSN standard, which is based on a development by Silicon Graphics, enables data transmissions on 50- pin STP cables over a distance of 40 meters. Two data bus types are available: an 8-bit bus with a clock rate of 2 ns and the 16-bit bus with a clock rate of 4 ns. An extension of the distance to 1 km is possible by means of optical fiber.

For transmission, GSN uses the well-known IP protocols or the Scheduled Transfer Protocol, (STP).

The GSN network offers the possibility of optimizing the network traffic. This means, for example, that IP traffic is not blocked by the transmission of large files, since the transmission of IP traffic or control messages can take place on separately established virtual channels. This also means that traffic congestion cannot occur, since sufficient space has been provided on the storage devices prior to transmission.

In addition, GSN offers interoperability with Fibre Channel, ATM and High Performance Parallel Interface (HIPPI) as well as all available Ethernet and TCP/IP technologies. Network management is identical to that for Ethernet and supports Simple Network Management Protocol( SNMP).