Figure 1-2 Balanced system design: z15 versus its predecessors  For more information about the z15, see Chapter 2, “IBM z15 hardware overview” on  page 19. For information about IBM z15 functions and features, see  IBM z15 (8561) Technical  Guide,  SG24-8851. Storage connectivity is provided on the z15 by IBM Fibre Connection (FICON) and the  IBM zHyperLink Express features.  FICON Express features follow the established Fibre Channel (FC) standards to support data  storage and access requirements, along with the latest FC technology in storage and access  devices. FICON Express features support the following protocols: This enhanced protocol (over FC) provides for communication across channels,  channel-to-channel (CTC) connectivity, and with FICON devices, such as disks, tapes,  and printers. It is used in z/OS, IBM z/VM, IBM z/VSE, z/TPF, and Linux on IBM Z  environments. This standard protocol is used for communicating with disk and tape devices through FC  switches and directors. The FCP channel can connect to FCP SAN fabrics and access  FCP/SCSI devices. FCP is used by z/VM, KVM, z/VSE, and Linux on IBM Z environments. FICON Express16SA features are implemented by using PCIe cards, and offer better port  granularity and improved capabilities over the previous FICON Express features. FICON  Express16SA features support a link data rate of 16 Gbps (8 or 16 Gbps auto-negotiate), and  is the preferred technology for new systems. For more information about the available FICON Express features, see 3.2.2, “FICON  features” on page 37. FICON Express 1.2.2 Storage connectivity Chapter 1. Designed to take on today’s IT demands  11 GLYPH<SM590000> Native FICON GLYPH<SM590000> Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP)