10Gb FCoE compatibility with Brocade

[distorto_666]

Sigh... so I've run into an issue with connecting Brocade and HP 10Gb equipment.

Trying to connect some VMWare hosts using Brocade 10Gb server CNAs to our HP 8-port 10GbE SFP+ v2 zl Module (J9538A)

(I clearly hadn't done sufficient research ahead of time, not thinking there would be any interconnectivity issues.)

So I initially tried connecting them using a direct attach cable... but they don't talk, which I guess I understand cos the Brocade CNA wants to see a Brocade SFP+ connected (dumb, but ok - I get it).  

However, now I'm reading that I won't even be able to connect a Brocade SFP+ to the CNA, then an HP SFP+ to the switch module, and connect the two with a standard MM fibre cable because they still won't talk?

So I think, well I'm partially screwed - but I'll just get an HP CNA instead - but the HP CNAs don't even have this HP switch module in their supported list either?

WTF?   

I must be missing something - yes?

[Fredrik Lönnman]

Why wont it work with a standard MM fiber cable between them?

[distorto_666]

According to suggestions on Brocade's forum, Brocade CNAs can only be connected to certain switches (regardless of if a Brocade SFP is connected) ... those switches include Brocade, a couple Cisco, but no HP.  

I would have thought, as long as the SFP connected is supported, what would Brocade care what's on the other end...

I've been battling to just get a yes or no answer for a couple months now and neither IBM (who sold me the Brocade CNA) nor HP have been able to give me a definitive answer.  They all trail off mumbling ...  

If you think this should work I would be thrilled

[Richard Litchfield]

You may want to define your FCoE in more detail. The only switch in the ProCurve range that has any concept of FCoE is the 6120 blade interconnect (and that is really CEE only). The only switch in the Comware (H3C/A-Series) original lineup was the 5820-14XG+FCoE module. Some of the newest models also talk about FCoE/CEE/DCB/etc support with future firmware.

ProCurve switches only work with ProCurve DACs.

Comware switches will work with almost anything - but that may not specifically be supported.

So long as you are talking about ethernet 10Gb (not FC, not FCoE), matched 10Gb optics from the relevant vendors at each end will always work. But they are more expensive, which is why teh DACs are so popular!

HP has also just released a new range of DACs (the "c" variant) that will work with more NICs.

[distorto_666]

Sorry Richard - you're absolutely right - I'm talking ethernet 10Gb... not sure why I titled the thread FCoE - me no smart.

So, just so I'm clear, we should be good if we purchase:

• an HP SFP+ for the HP switch module
• a fibre cable certified for 10Gb
• a Brocade SFP+ for the CNA

...yes?

[Richard Litchfield]

That is correct. Not sure what HP switch you have - make sure you get the correct SFP+ optic (ie ProCurve for ProCurve, Comware/H3C for Comware).

If it is a Comware switch, any DAC should work too, but you might want to try and borrow one to test first.