Aggregating multiple fiber ports on MDS directors

shaiksamir · ‎08-03-2009

Hi All,

Going forward our new servers will have the capability of aggregating multiple fiber ports into fewer connections on the SAN switch. I am told that there is a particular setting that needs to be enable on the switch for this functionality to work, kindly let me know more details on this?

What we intend is to reduce the port usage on Cisco MDS9509 like in map in many hba's to few physical ports instead of one to one?

regards,

Samir

Roman Rodichev · ‎08-03-2009

Switch-Server port channeling feature was added in MDS NX-OS 4.1(3). Make sure your MDS at least runs that release.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/datacenter/mds9000/sw/4_1/configuration/guides/cli_4_1/pc.html#wp1291942

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/datacenter/mds9000/sw/4_1/configuration/guides/cli_4_1/pc.html#wp1209658

Regards,

Roman

user_4444 · ‎08-03-2009

I think you are talking about NPIV.

N-Port Identifier Virtualization (NPIV)

http://mds9000.blogspot.com/2008/04/npiv.html

Hope that helps, couldn't find much in the cookbooks about it.

Cheers.

shaiksamir · ‎08-03-2009

I too searched a lot...may be it got something to do with NPIV gateway or Core switch,,,do such devices exist in Ciso? ( I dont know much about this devices)

user_4444 · ‎08-03-2009

If it for devices then NPIV will be the option to choose. Problem is you can't see any options via the CLI until it's enabled. Try speaking to your server hardware supplier as it's an Industry standard, they should be able to help as well.

http://h20427.www2.hp.com/program/taw/ap/en/200803/4001.htm

NPV seams to be for multiply switches, in a Core and Edge layout.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/storage/san_switches/mds9000/sw/rel_3_x/configuration/guides/cli_3_4_x/npv.html