FCoE Cookbook for HP Virtual Connect Version 4.20 Firmware Enhancements May 2014

Considerations

In this scenario, the Nexus switches must operate as Fiber Channel Forwarders (FCF). This is the default Cisco Nexus 5xxx

Series switches mode, it’s also called the fabric mode. In this mode, the switch provides standard Fibre Channel

switching capability and features.

Figure 11: Cisco Nexus 5xxx switches operating as FC Forwarder (FCF)

VF_Ports

VN_Port

VF_Port

VN_Port

Virtual Connect

(FIP Snooping mode)

FCF

Lossless Ethernet

network

FCoE

Storage

Array

FCoE

Dual-Hop FCoE

Nexus 5xxx

Series

(FCF Mode)

VN_Port

Native FC

Storage

Array

N_Port

F_Port

Server 2

(ENode)

Server 1

(ENode)

Converged Ethernet/FCoE

FCoE

This cookbook provides only basic Cisco guidelines and configuration steps, for a more complete and detailed list of

Nexus FCoE configuration guidelines, refer to the Fibre Channel over Ethernet Configuration Guides available at

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/switches/nexus-5000-series-switches/products-installation-and-

configuration-guides-list.html

For information on Nexus FCoE supported configuration and design with Virtual Port Channel (vPC), refer to:

 Data Center Design with Cisco Nexus Switches and Virtual PortChannel

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps9670/products_implementation_design_guides_list.html

Configuring Storage Array for FC/FCoE is beyond the scope of this document, consult your Storage Array

documentations.