Brocade Fabric OS v6.4.3f Release Notes v1.0

Fabric OS v6.4.3f Release Notes v1.0 Page 147 of 149
Appendix: Additional Considerations for FICON Environments
This appendix includes supplemental information for users deploying FOS-based platforms in FICON
environments.
 The DCX-4S is only supported for FICON in Brocade Native Mode (interopmode 0) and therefore is not
supported for interoperability with M-EOS platforms.
 Multiple 10 Gb/sec ISLs and FCIP links can load-share between cascaded FICON directors/switches
but do not load balance in a FICON configuration.
10-bit addressing mode is not supported in a FICON environment.
Area
Comments
FCIP
VEX ports are not supported on the 7800 and FX8-24 blade in a FICON environment
FCIP
When performing multiple cabling changes to the SAN fabric in a FICON Emulating
FCIP Tunnel configuration with the Brocade 7800 or FX8-24 blade, either disable all
of the FCIP Tunnels or issue the switch disable command on all FCIP interconnected
switches to avoid IFCCs in a mainframe environment. Issuing either a switch disable
or an FCIP Tunnel disable command will allow the FCIP FICON Emulation processing
state-machine to execute an orderly cleanup process and allow normal activation of
the new configuration. When all cabling and Traffic Isolation Zone manipulations
have been completed, enable the switches or the FCIP Tunnels.
Firmware
Downloads
Non-disruptive Hot Code Load is only supported on director class switches (48000,
DCX, and DCX-4S). Comprehensive non-disruptive Hot Code Load is not supported on
the 7500 or 7800 or a DCX, DCX-4S or 48000 with an FR4-18i or FX8-24 blades
since the FCIP tunnels will go down for 10-15 seconds and all traffic in the tunnels
will be disrupted.. IFCCs may result if traffic is not stopped while downloading
firmware.
Firmware
Downloads
Replacement of a CP card in the Brocade 48000 may cause disruption of I/O traffic.
Brocade recommends that the CP be replaced during a scheduled downtime to
prevent disruption in FICON environments.
Firmware
Downloads
The CUP device must be varied offline to all MVS partitions before starting a code
load. The CUP device can be varied back online after the code load completes.
Failure to vary off the CUP devices may result in missing interrupt.
Firmware
Downloads
Brocade recommends rebooting the Standby CP prior to upgrading from 6.4.0a to
6.4.2a. This recommendation is limited to upgrades from 6.4.0a and is not
recommended when upgrading from 6.4.0c. The Standby CP can be rebooted by
sliding the power switch down on the physical CP card or by using the reboot
command via the CLI connected to the standy CP.
Interoperability
When connecting an 8G capable port in a Brocade switch to an IBM Virtualization
Engine TS7700, the port must be configured to a minimum of 16 buffers to avoid
IFCCs at the channel and loss of FICON paths to the control unit. This requires the
Extended Fabric license on the Brocade switch.
Manageability
In a mixed fabric environment, an M-EOS switch must be principal switch if the fabric
is in Interopmode 2 (McDATA Fabric Mode).