FCoE Cookbook for HP Virtual Connect Version 4.20 Firmware Enhancements May 2014
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Figure 20: Cisco Nexus 5xxx switches operating as FC Forwarder (FCF)
VE_Ports
N_Port
VF_Ports
VN_Port
Virtual Connect
(FIP Snooping mode)
Native FC
Lossless Ethernet
network
FC
Storage
Array A
F_Port
N_Port
Server 2
(ENode)
FC
Storage
Array B
VE_Ports
F_Port
Native FC
Multi-Hop FCoE
Nexus 5xxx
Series
(FCF Mode)
Port Channel
Port Channel
VSAN A
VSAN B
VN_Port
Server 1
(ENode)
FCoE
VLAN A
FCoE
VLAN B
Cisco
MDS
FCoE
storage
FC
storage
Converged Ethernet/FCoE
FC
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.
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
Cisco MDS 9000 10-Gbps 8-Port FCoE Module support information
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 can directly connect to FC/FCoE-based Storage devices as they are running in FCF mode. Refer to the
Cisco Nexus or Storage vendor interoperability Matrix.
The NPV mode can also be used in this scenario. When NPV mode is enabled, FC/FCoE-based Storage devices cannot
be directly connected to the Nexus.