How to configure F-ports using CLI and Device Manager? Connectrix Cisco MDS

By default, all ports of the Cisco MDS switch have auto mode enabled. If an interface is connected to a node (host or disk), it operates in F-port or FL-port mode, depending on the N-port and NL-port mode. This video shows how to configure the F-port.

Welcome to Dell Technologies Connectrix Cisco MDS How to Series: How to configure F-ports using CLI and Device Manager? Reference Dell Knowledge Article number 201748. This video was created to demonstrate: How to configure F-ports using CLI and Device Manager. This video presents the following: By default, all ports of the Cisco MDS switch have auto mode enabled.

Interfaces configured in auto mode can operate in one of the following modes: F port, "FL port", "E-port", "TE port", or "TF port". The port mode is determined during interface initialization. If an interface is connected to a node (host or disk), it operates in F port or FL port mode depending on the N port and NL port mode. When to do this: When you want to set the administrative mode of Fibre Channel port to mode F.

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 a peripheral device (host or disk) operating as an N port. An F port can be attached to only one N port. 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 the port "fc1/1" of "MDS-9100-A" and "9100-B" that are connected to the end host as F ports. Log in to "MDS-9100-A" switch. Verify the current administrative and operation modes of interfaces. By default, all the ports have "auto mode" enabled. Ensure that you have the default port configuration on switch at this point.

Ports should be enabled and properly licensed. Configure the interface "fc1/1" as a Fabric port or F port and verify the results. You can notice that admin mode for "fc1/1" is changed to "F". Log in to "DCNM". Open the "Topology" section and double-click the "mds-9100-a" 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". Validate the configurations made from CLI. Verify that interface "fc1/1" of "mds-9100-a" to the end host is configured as "F port" and enabled. Double-click the "fc1/1" interface under the "Device" tab. Verify that "Admin mode" is set to "F" port mode. Click "Close".

Now let us configure "fc1/1" of "MDS-9100-B" switch using "Device Manager". Follow the same steps and open "Device Manager" for "mds-9100-b". Double-click the "fc1/1" interface under the "Device" tab. Select "F" port mode and click "Apply". Validate the changes and click "Close". Important notes: If you have a large number of interfaces that should be configured as F port, you can change the default port mode from auto to F mode using the system default switchport mode F command.

The system default switchport mode F command sets the administrative mode of all Fibre Channel ports to mode F, while avoiding traffic disruption caused by the formation of unwanted inter-switch links. This command is part of the setup utility that runs during bootup after a "write erase" or "reload". It can also be executed from the command line in configuration mode.

This command changes the configuration of the following ports to administrative mode F: All ports that are down and that are not out of service. All F ports that are up, whose operational mode is F, and whose administrative mode is not F. This command does not affect the configuration of the following ports: All user-configured ports, even if they are down.

All non-F ports that are up; however, if non-F ports are down, this command changes the administrative mode of those ports. Refer to the following for more information: Dell EMC Knowledge Base 201748. Refer Cisco MDS 9000 Family CLI Configuration Guide. Chapter: Configuring Interface Modes.

Thank you for watching.