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Configuring Fibre Channel Interfaces
ST Port
In the SPAN Tunnel port (ST port) mode, an interface functions as an entry point port in the source
switch for the RSPAN Fibre Channel tunnel. The ST port mode and the remote SPAN (RSPAN) feature
are specific to switches in the Cisco MDS 9000 Family. When configured in ST port mode, the interface
cannot be attached to any device, and thus, cannot be used for normal Fibre Channel traffic.
Fx Port
Interfaces configured as Fx ports are allowed to operate in either F port or FL port mode. The Fx port
mode is determined during interface initialization depending on the attached N port or NL port. This
administrative configuration disallows interfaces to operate in any other mode--for example, preventing
an interface to connect to another switch.
B Port
While E ports typically interconnect Fibre Channel switches, some SAN extender devices, such as
Cisco's PA-FC-1G Fibre Channel port adapter, implement a bridge port (B port) model to connect
geographically dispersed fabrics. This model uses B ports as described in the T11 Standard FC-BB-2.
When an FCIP peer is a SAN extender device that only support Fibre Channel B ports, you need to enable
the B port mode for the FCIP link. When a B port is enabled, the E port functionality is also enabled and
they coexist. If the B port is disabled, the E port functionality remains enabled.
Auto Mode
Interfaces configured as auto are allowed to operate in one of the following modes: F port, FL port, E
port, or TE port. The port mode is determined during interface initialization. For example, if the interface
is connected to a node (host or disk), it operates in F port or FL port mode depending on the N port or
NL port mode. If the interface is attached to a third-party switch, it operates in E port mode. If the
interface is attached to another switch in the Cisco MDS 9000 Family, it may become operational in TE
port mode. TL ports and SD ports are not determined during initialization and are administratively
configured.
About Interface States
The interface state depends on the administrative configuration of the interface and the dynamic state of
the physical link.
Administrative States
The administrative state refers to the administrative configuration of the interface as described in the
Table
Cisco MDS 9000 Fabric Manager Switch Configuration Guide
12-4
12-1.
Chapter 12
Configuring Interfaces
OL-7753-01
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