Users Guide

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. 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 a functionality for discovering and logging in to 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 below illustration about FIP discovery, depicts the communication

that occurs between an ENode server and an FCoE switch (FCF).

FIP performs the following functions:

• FIP virtual local area network (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 perform fabric login (FLOGI) and fabric discovery (FDISC) to 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

link termination logout (LOGO) functions properly.

FIP Snooping