.Fibre Channel provides a protocol independent data transfer medium, supporting channel and network protocols such as Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Gigabit Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Intelligent Peripheral Interface (IPI), Internet Protocol (IP) and High Performance Parallel Interface (HIPPI). Data transfer rates are currently specified at 1.0625 Gbits/second, with provisions to increase to 2.125 Gbits/second and 4.0 Gbit/second in the future. Fibre Channel copper cables can extend to 25 metres (self-equalising) and beyond 25 metres with equalisation.The Fibre Channel standards allow for up to 127 devices in an Arbitrated Loop, and when used with FC switches and hubs, the number of devices is virtually unlimited.