"fan out ratio" definition?

[Kypamop]

Hi, guys!

"....When used for edge switch applications in a large enterprise SAN, large numbers of lower performance devices, maybe concentrated, four-to-one onto MDS 9000 family ports. Unlike traditional switches, 9100 switches can provide switch fan-out without the use of ISLs which can reduce the number of usable ports and increase management complexity....."

In that product description were used term "fan out". What it means?

Thx, in advance!

[rtappend_2]

This white paper may help to answer your question:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/netsol/ns340/ns394/ns259/ns261/networking_solutions_white_paper0900aecd800f592f.shtml

Fan-Out Ratio

The fabric fan-out ratio typically refers to the number of server HBAs connected either directly to a storage subsystem or to a SAN, relative to the number of storage subsystem connections to the SAN. This ratio can vary from 1:1 for DAS to well over 10:1. Storage vendors typically determine this ratio, based on the server platform and performance requirement.