Addendum

Installing the Optics
The following optical ports are supported on the FC Flex IO module using one of the supported breakout
cables:
• 4G or 8G Fibre Channel small form-factor pluggable plus (SFP+) optics module and LC connectors
over a distance of 150 meters.
• 4G or 8G Fibre Channel SFP+ optics module and LC connectors over a distance of 4 km.
CAUTION:
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage can occur if the components are mishandled. Always wear an
ESD-preventive wrist or heel ground strap when handling the FC Flex IO module and its
components.
WARNING: When working with optical fibres, follow all the warning labels and always wear eye
protection. Never look directly into the end of a terminated or unterminated fibre or connector
as it may cause eye damage.
1.
– Position the optic so it is in the correct position. The optic has a key that prevents it from being
inserted incorrectly.
– Insert the optic into the port until it gently snaps into place.
NOTE:
1. When you cable the ports, be sure not to interfere with the airflow from the small vent holes
above and below the ports.
Processing of Data Traffic
The Dell Networking OS determines the module type that is plugged into the slot. Based on the module
type, the software performs the appropriate tasks. The FC Flex IO module encapsulates and decapsulates
the FCoE frames. Any non-FCoE or non-FIP traffic is directly switched by the module, and only FCoE
frames are processed and transmitted out of the Ethernet network.
When the external device sends FCoE data frames to the switch that contains the FC Flex IO module, the
destination MAC address represents one of the Ethernet MAC addresses assigned to FC ports. Based on
the destination address, the FCoE header is removed from the incoming packet and the FC frame is
transmitted out of the FC port. The flow control mechanism is performed using per-priority flow control
to ensure that frame loss does not occur owing to congestion of frames.
Operation of the FIP Application
The NPIV proxy gateway terminates the FIP sessions and responses to FIP messages. The FIP packets are
intercepted by the FC Flex IO module and sent to the Dell Networking OS for further analysis. The FIP
application responds to the FIP VLAN discovery request from the host based on the configured FCoE
VLANs. For every ENode and VN_Port that is logged in, the FIP application responds to keepalive
messages for the virtual channel. If the FC link becomes inactive or a logging off of the switch occurs, the
FIP engine sends clear virtual link (CVL) messages to the host. The FIP application also responds to
solicited advertisements from the end-device. In addition, the FIP application periodically sends
advertisement packets to the end-devices for each FCF that is part of the NPIV proxy gateway.
Understanding and Working of the FC Flex IO Modules
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