FCoE Cookbook for HP Virtual Connect Version 4.20 Firmware Enhancements May 2014
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Figure 17: Cisco Nexus 5xxx switches operating as FC Forwarder (FCF)
TE_Ports
N_Port
VF_Ports
VN_Port
Virtual Connect
(FIP Snooping mode)
FCF
Native FC
Lossless Ethernet
network
FC
Storage
Array A
F_Port
N_Port
Cisco
MDS
FC
Storage
Array B
TE_Ports
F_Port
Native FC
Dual-Hop FCoE
Nexus 5xxx
Series
(FCF Mode)
SAN
Port Channel
and Trunking
Port Channel
VSAN A
VSAN B
VN_Port
FCoE
VLAN A
FCoE
VLAN B
EISL
Server 2
(ENode)
Server 1
(ENode)
Converged Ethernet/FCoE
FC
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.
Requirements
Refer to SPOCK C-Series FCoE Switch Connectivity stream at
http://h20272.www2.hp.com/Pages/spock2Html.aspx?htmlFile=hw_switches.html for information on:
Minimum NX-OS version
Minimum Virtual Connect firmware version
HP FlexFabric Adapter Firmware and driver
Note: FCoE requires the Nexus Storage Protocols Services license (FC_FEATURES_PKG). This license is an option which
is activated when the Nexus switch is shipped from Cisco.
Guidelines
Nexus switches must either bridge to native FC infrastructure or directly connect to FC/FCoE-based Storage devices.
Refer to the Cisco Nexus or Storage vendor interoperability Matrix.
When bridged to a native FC infrastructure, it is mandatory to use Cisco MDS directors or fabric switches in order to
provide interoperability between fabrics.