Addendum

If FC Flex IO modules are installed, the I/O Aggregator does not perform FIP snooping because the FIP
frames are terminated on the switch for NPIV operations. However, on MXL Switches, you can configure
the switch to operate in FIP Snooping or NPIV mode.
If the MXL 10/40GbE Switch functions in the NPIV mode and you attempt to set the uplink port to be a
FCF or a bridge port, a warning message displays and the setting is not saved. On the Aggregator, if the
FC module is present, the uplink ports are not automatically set up as FCF or bridge ports. The FC Flex
module cannot function as both an NPIV proxy gateway and a FIP snooping bridge at the same time.
Operation of the NPIV Proxy Gateway
The NPIV application on the FC Flex IO module manages the FC functionalities configured in Dell
Networking OS. After the FC link comes up, the gateway sends the initial FLOGI request to the connected
switch using the switch and port WWN methods. After a successful login, the NPIV gateway sends a
notification to inform the CNA that the FCF available to log in. The source address of the FIP
advertisement and FIP discovery advertisement response contain the MAC address of the FC Flex IO
module port. Depending on the number of login sessions on a particular FCF, the NPIV gateway can
load-balance the login sessions from ENodes.
The NPIV application performs the FLOGI to FDISC conversion and sends the new FC frame on the
associated FC ports. After the external switch responds to the FLOGI request, the NPIV gateway
establishes the NPIV session and send the frame to the FIP application. The FIP application establishes
virtual links to convert FCoE FLOGI accept messages into FIP FLOGI accept messages. The corresponding
ACL for the accept message is then applied. If a FIP timeout from ENode or VN_PORT occurs, the NPIV
application performs the FC fabric logout to the external FC switch. The NPIV application manages the
sessions between the FCoE and the FC domain.
Installing and Configuring the Switch
After you unpack the MXL 10/40GbE Switch, refer to the flow chart in the following figure for an overview
of the steps you must follow to install the blade and perform the initial configuration.
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Understanding and Working of the FC Flex IO Modules