In expansion port (E-port) mode, an interface functions as a fabric expansion port. This port may be connected to another E-port to create an Inter-Switch Link (ISL) between two switches. This video will guide you through the configuration.
Welcome to Dell Technologies Connectrix Cisco MDS How to Series. How to configure ISL or E-port using CLI and Device Manager. Reference Dell Knowledge Article number 201752. This video was created to: Demonstrate how to configure ISL or E-port using CLI and Device Manager.
This video presents the following: In expansion port, or E-port, mode an interface functions as a fabric expansion port. This port may be connected to another E-port to create an Inter-Switch Link between two switches. E-ports carry frames between switches for configuration and fabric management. They serve as a conduit between switches for frames destined to remote N ports and NL ports.
When to do this: When you want to set the administrative mode of Fibre Channel port to mode E. Before you begin: The interface mode configuration can be performed with the admin or root account. Prior to configuring the interface mode, make sure to validate that the port is connected to an E-port of another switch. The configuration is saved in non-volatile memory and is persistent across switch reboots or power cycle. Tools required: Putty. SSH or Telnet enabled.
DCNM or Device Manager. Let us configure "fc1/2" and "fc1/3" of Fabric A using CLI and "fc1/2" and "fc1/3" of Fabric B using Device Manager. Log in to "MDS 9100 A" and "MDS 9200 A" switches. Configure and enable ISL between ports "fc1/2" and "fc1/3" of both the switches. Allow only "vsan 101" on both ISLs. Run the same commands on "MDS 9200 A" switch. Verify the configuration of ports "fc1/2" and "fc1/3" on both the switches.
Now let us configure ISLs between "MDS 9100 B" and "MDS 9200 B" switches on interfaces "fc1/2" and "fc1/3" using Device Manager. Log in to "DCNM". Open the "Topology" section and double-click the "mds-9100-b" switch. Then click "Show more details". When the right-side pane extends, click the "Device Manager" tab. Log in using the "User Name" and "Password". Click "Open".
Choose "FC Enabled" from the "Interface" menu. Configure interfaces "fc1/2" and "fc1/3" as switch port mode "E". Choose the "Mode Admin" cell. For every interface, and from the drop-down list, choose "E". Apply the changes. Navigate to the "Trunk Config" tab and allow on both ISL links fc1/2 and "fc1/3" only "VSAN 201". We are using "VSAN 201" for Fabric B. And click "Apply". Click "Close".
Repeat the same steps on "mds-9200-b" switch. And then click "Close". Important notes: About Trunk-Allowed VSAN List: Each Fibre Channel interface has an associated trunk-allowed VSAN list. In TE-port mode, frames are transmitted and received in one or more VSANs specified in this list. By default, the VSAN range (1 through 4093) is included in the trunk-allowed list. The common set of VSANs that are configured and active in the switch are included in the trunk-allowed VSAN list for an interface, and they are called allowed-active VSANs.
The trunking protocol uses the list of allowed-active VSANs at the two ends of an ISL to determine the list of operational VSANs in which traffic is allowed. Please refer to the following for more information: Dell Technologies Knowledge Article number 201752. Cisco MDS 9000 Family CLI Configuration Guide. Chapter: Configuring Interface Modes.
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