Cisco SAN Switch compatibility

[GabDerilo08]

Hi HPE Community, 

Would like to ask if anyone has already tried connecting HPE Alletra 5k with 32GB FC to a Cisco MDS Switch with 8GB speed?

The reason for asking is according to HPE support, they mentioned that "HPE does not test compatibility for 3^rd-party SAN Switches". 

Would to confirm if this solution/setup will work or not. 

Thank you in advance!

[Satish04 · Accepted solution]

Hi GabDerilo08,

It is technically possible to connect an HPE Alletra 5k storage array with 32GB FC ports to a Cisco MDS switch with 8GB speed, but it is important to consider the performance and compatibility implications.
In your scenario, HPE Alletra 5k with 32GB FC ports would likely negotiate down to the maximum speed offered by the slower component in the connection, which in your case is 8GB for a Cisco MDS switch. This will result in an 8GB connection.
Make sure that the FC ports on both the HPE Alletra 5k and Cisco MDS switches are configured correctly.
Zoning and other configuration settings should also be reviewed and configured correctly.

Note: HPE may not test or guarantee compatibility with third-party SAN switches, but that doesn't mean it won't work.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Satish