Administrator Guide

FIP provides functionality for discovering and logging into an FCF. After discovering and logging in, FIP allows FCoE traffic to be sent and
received between FCoE end-devices (ENodes) and the FCF. FIP uses its own EtherType and frame format. The following illustration
shows the communication that occurs between an ENode server and an FCoE switch (FCF).
The following table lists the FIP functions.
Table 29. FIP Functions
FIP Function Description
FIP VLAN discovery FCoE devices (ENodes) discover the FCoE VLANs on which to
transmit and receive FIP and FCoE traffic.
FIP discovery FCoE end-devices and FCFs are automatically discovered.
Initialization FCoE devices learn ENodes from the FLOGI and FDISC to allow
immediate login and create a virtual link with an FCoE switch.
Maintenance A valid virtual link between an FCoE device and an FCoE switch is
maintained and the LOGO functions properly.
Logout On receiving a FLOGO packet, FSB deletes all existing sessions
from the ENode to the FCF.
Figure 37. FIP Discovery and Login Between an ENode and an FCF
FIP Snooping on Ethernet Bridges
In a converged Ethernet network, intermediate Ethernet bridges can snoop on FIP packets during the login process on an FCF. Then,
using ACLs, a transit bridge can permit only authorized FCoE traffic to be transmitted between an FCoE end-device and an FCF. An
Ethernet bridge that provides these functions is called a FIP snooping bridge (FSB).
On a FIP snooping bridge, ACLs are created dynamically as FIP login frames are processed. The ACLs are installed on switch ports
configured for ENode mode for server-facing ports and FCF mode for a trusted port directly connected to an FCF.
FCoE Transit
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