HP StorageWorks Fabric Interoperability: Merging Fabrics Based on M-series and B-series Fibre Channel Switches Application Notes (AA-RUQQL-TE, November 2009)

McDATA Fabric mode configuration restrictions
The following restrictions apply:
• Maximum of 2,048 devices.
• Extended edge PID format cannot be used (FOS 6.2x or earlier).
• Maximum 31 switch (domain ID).
• Domain IDs must be in the range of 1–31 (or domain ID offset value range for FOS 6.3.0 and
later) on B-series switches for successful connection to M-series switches. The firmware automatically
assigns a valid domain ID, if necessary.
• DCC policy or port-based security is not supported in McDATA Fabric mode.
• Because M-series switches do not recognize B-series proprietary frames used to exchange platform
information, the msplMgmtDeactivate command must be run before connecting the B-series
switch to an M-series switch to deactivate any platform management functions.
• In the default domain ID mode, the domain IDs of all switches in the fabric must be in the range
of 97–127 or 33–63.
McDATA Open Fabric mode configuration restrictions
The following restrictions apply:
• Maximum of 2,048 devices.
• Maximum 31 switch (domain ID).
• Domain IDs must be in the range of 97–127 on B-series switches for successful connection to M-
series switches. The firmware automatically assigns a valid domain ID, if necessary. M-series
switches must be set with the default domain offset 96. From a device perspective, the domain
appears in the range of 97–127, and from an M-series perspective, it appears in the range of
1–31.
• Does not support domain, port zoning, or default zoning.
• FOS 6.2x and earlier does not support the M-series SANtegrity feature.
• FICON fabrics with FOS 6.3.0 and later do not support the M-series SANtegrity feature.
• Does not support zone activations or zoning management through B-series switches.
• Does not support B-series proprietary features.
• Because M-series switches do not recognize B-series proprietary frames used to exchange platform
information, the msplMgmtDeactivate command must be run before connecting the B-series
switch to an M-series switch to deactivate any platform management functions.
• Zone activations and zoning management are not supported except when using DCFM 10.3.x If
you are using DCFM 10.3.x, a zone can be activated and deactivated if there is an M-series
switch in the fabric.
• Because zone sets cannot be managed from B-series switches in McDATA Open Fabric mode,
the Defined Database is not supported.
• 239 Domain_ID mode is not supported.
Upgrade and downgrade restrictions
B-series firmware supports one-version upgrades and downgrades only. For example, if you have
Fabric OS 5.3.0 installed, you must upgrade to Fabric OS 6.0.x before upgrading to Fabric OS
6.1.0a.
HP StorageWorks Fabric Interoperability: Merging Fabrics Based on M-series and B-series Fibre
Channel Switches Application Notes 15