C Series 9509 SAN Switch - NPIV Compliance and Virtual Connect-FC Connectivity

[chuckk281]

Rajesh had a question regarding NPIV and Cisco 9509 SAN switch:

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Need your help on VC-FC connectivity with HP C Series 9509 SAN switch. Following is the situation:

1. As per our SPOCK Matrix, VC-FC is compatible with C Series 9509 SAN switch. Though they have also mentioned that pls. refer SAN design guide about the support of NPV in Switch Firmware release notes.

2. As per our SAN Design guide, It doesn't mention any support of NPV on 9509 SAN Switch.

Concerns:

1. Can VC-FC will work with C-Series 9509 SAN switch if Switch is non NPV compliant. As per my understanding, VC-FC provides F ports for Internal server connectivity and NP port for NPV connectivity to outside switches so if NPV is not being used can NP port work as just N port?

2. Can VC-FC work just like a pass through if external SAN switch is not NPV compliant.

3. When CISCO is going to support C 9509 SAN switch as NPV Compliance.

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Lip had the answer:

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To configures NPIV on Cisco SANswitch , you need mininum SAN OS release 3.0(1).

Attached is a doc how to configure Cisco SANswitch with NPIV.

switch(config)# npiv enable

switch(config)# interface fc2/1

switch(config-if)# switchport mode F

switch(config-if)# no shutdown

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This should help. Any other comments or questions?

[chuckk281]

Terri had some info as well:

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1. You don't need NPV in order to connect a SAN switch to the VCFC module. The SAN switch must have NPIV enabled, which is not the same as NPV.

2. With director switches such as a MDS 9509, you cannot put them in NPV mode. Putting a switch in NPV mode removes a lot of the switch functionality, which would be a contradiction on a director-level SAN switch so don't expect this to change.

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