SMI Tutorial > SMI-S 1.1.0 Functionality > SNIA Packages > Physical Package Package

Physical Package Package

The Physical Package Package is referenced by a SNIA Profile to allow a Client to retrieve information about the physical characteristics of the device managed by the Profile. Physically, the device might be a chassis, card or some other form factor. A vendor can even choose to expose the physical configuration as a combination of components (e.g., the chassis and the cards in the chassis). This package also allows the Client to retrieve asset inventory information.

For example, the Switch Profile references the Physical Package Package. Doing so allows a Client to retrieve physical information about the switch device chassis such as the Manufacturer and a model number. Optionally, a vendor can choose to expose additional physical information about the switch chassis such as the version or serial number. Additionally, a Client can retrieve product information about the switch device such as the vendor and an identification number (e.g., SKU).

The Physical Package Package is required by several Profiles and Subprofiles. They are

• Array Profile - allows a Client to manage external RAID arrays and disk storage systems
• NAS Head Profile - allows a Client to manage File Systems and File Shares on a NAS system that does not include local storage
• Self-Contained NAS System Profile - allows a Client to manage File Systems and File Shares on a NAS system that does include local storage
• Storage Library Profile - allows a Client to manage a storage library and its components
• Switch Profile - allows a Client to manage a Fibre Channel Switch device
• Fabric Profile (via the FDMI Subprofile) - allows a Client to manage Nodes and Ports on a Fibre Channel Fabric
• FDMI Subprofile - allows a Client to retrieve information about Fibre Channel Ports on a Host Based Adapter (HBA) using FDMI

When referenced, implementation of the elements defined in the Physical Package Package is mandatory because a Package is considered to be part of the referencing Profile.