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.

Figure 7. FIP Discovery and Login between an ENode and an FCF

FIP Snooping