This ISO/IEC standard for FC-SW specifies tools and algorithms for interconnection and initialization of Fibre Channel switches to create a multi-switch Fibre Channel Fabric. This Standard defines an E_Port (Expansion Port) that operates in a manner similar to an N_Port and F_Port, as defined in ISO/IEC 14165- 111, with additional functionality provided for interconnecting switches. This Standard also defines how ports that are capable of being an E_Port, F_Port, and/or FL_Port may discover and self-configure for their appropriate operating mode. Once a port establishes that it is connected to another switch and is operating as an E_Port, an address assignment algorithm is executed to allocate port addresses throughout the Fabric. This Standard does not define credit models and management between E_Ports for the various Classes of Service other than Class F. Broadcast and multicast services are not defined. E_Ports conforming to this Standard support Class F, and also Class 1, Class 2, and/or Class 3; support for other Classes of Service are not defined by this Standard. The method by which routing of frames is established and effected is not described.