Reference Guide

NPIV Proxy Gateway | 633
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NPIV Proxy Gateway
The N-port identifier virtualization (NPIV) proxy gateway (NPG) provides FCoE-FC bridging capability
on the S5000 switch.
This chapter describes how to configure and use an NPIV proxy gateway on an S5000 switch in a storage
area network (SAN), including:
• Benefits of an NPIV Proxy Gateway
• NPIV Proxy Gateway Operation
• Configuring an NPIV Proxy Gateway
• Displaying NPIV Proxy Gateway Information
Benefits of an NPIV Proxy Gateway
The S5000 functions as a top-of-rack edge switch that supports Converged Enhanced Ethernet (CEE)
traffic — FCoE for storage, Inter-process Communication (IPC) for servers, and Ethernet LAN (IP cloud)
for data — as well as Fibre Channel (FC) links to one or more SAN fabrics.
Using an NPIV proxy gateway (NPG) helps resolve the following problems in a storage area network:
• Fibre Channel storage networks typically consist of servers connected to edge switches, which are
connected to SAN core switches. As the SAN grows, it is necessary to add more ports and SAN
switches. This results in an increase in the required domain IDs, which may surpass the upper limit of
239 domain IDs supported in the SAN network. An NPG avoids the need for additional domain IDs
because it is deployed outside the SAN and uses the domain IDs of core switches in its FCoE links.
• With the introduction of 10GbE links, FCoE is being implemented for server connections to optimize
performance. However, a SAN traditionally uses Fibre Channel to transmit storage traffic. FCoE
servers require an efficient and scalable bridging feature in order to access FC storage arrays, which an
NPG provides.
NPIV Proxy Gateway Operation
Figure 34-1 shows an example of NPG operation. An S5000 configured as an NPG does not join a SAN
fabric, but functions as an FCoE-FC bridge that forwards storage traffic between servers and core SAN
switches. The core switches forward SAN traffic to and from FC storage arrays.