Reference Guide

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 functionality for discovering and logging into 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 following illustration shows the communication that occurs
between an ENode server and an FCoE switch (FCF).
The following table lists the FIP functions.
Table 21. FIP Functions
FIP Function Description
FIP 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 learn ENodes from the FLOGI and
FDISC to allow immediate login and 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 LOGO
functions properly.
NOTE: On an S5000 switch, FIP may flood unicast VLAN notifications and discovery advertisements
to downstream server CNAs.
NOTE: When you reboot the S5000 switch, links to downstream server CNAs may flap and the
connections may drop.
NOTE: When you deploy multiple FCFs, a downstream Intel Ethernet CNA X520 may transmit FIP
and FCoE traffic only on the last VLAN ID that it received through FIP VLAN discovery.
FCoE Transit
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