Users Guide

• Allow transit Ethernet bridges to efficiently monitor FIP frames passing between FCoE end-devices and an FCF. To
dynamically configure ACLs on the bridge to only permit traffic authorized by the FCF, use the FIP snooping data.
FIP enables FCoE devices to discover one another, initialize and maintain virtual links over an Ethernet network, and access
storage devices in a storage area network (SAN). FIP satisfies the Fibre Channel requirement for point-to-point connections by
creating a unique virtual link for each connection between an FCoE end-device and an FCF via a transit switch.
FIP provides functionality for discovering and logging into an FCF. After discovering and logging in, FIP allows FCoE traffic to be
sent and received between FCoE end-devices (ENodes) and the FCF. FIP uses its own EtherType and frame format. The
following illustration shows the communication that occurs between an ENode server and an FCoE switch (FCF).
The following table lists the FIP functions.
Table 27. FIP Functions
FIP Function Description
FIP VLAN discovery FCoE devices (ENodes) discover the FCoE VLANs on which to
transmit and receive FIP and FCoE traffic.
FIP discovery FCoE end-devices and FCFs are automatically discovered.
Initialization FCoE devices learn ENodes from the FLOGI and FDISC to
allow immediate login and create a virtual link with an FCoE
switch.
Maintenance A valid virtual link between an FCoE device and an FCoE
switch is maintained and the LOGO functions properly.
FCoE Transit 354