Autosensing; Enabling N Port Identifier Virtualization; About Interface Descriptions; Configuring The Interface Description - HP Cisco MDS 9020 - Fabric Switch Configuration Manual

Chapter 12 Configuring Interfaces
S e n d d o c u m e n t a t i o n c o m m e n t s t o m d s f e e d b a c k - d o c @ c i s c o . c o m

Autosensing

Autosensing speed is enabled on all 4-Gbps switching module interfaces by default. This configuration
enables the interfaces to operate at speeds of 1 Gbps, 2 Gbps, or 4 Gbps on the 4-Gbps switching
modules. When autosensing is enabled for an interface operating in dedicated rate mode, 4-Gbps of
bandwidth is reserved, even if the port negotiates at an operating speed of 1-Gbps or 2-Gbps.
To avoid wasting unused bandwidth on 48-port and 24-port 4-Gbps Fibre Channel switching modules,
you can specify that only 2 Gbps of required bandwidth be reserved, not the default of 4 Gbps. This
feature shares the unused bandwidth within the port group provided that it does not exceed the rate limit
configuration for the port. You can also use this feature for shared rate ports that are configured for
autosensing.
When migrating a host that supports up to 2-Gbps traffic (that is, not 4-Gbps with autosensing
Tip
capabilities) to the 4-Gbps switching modules, use autosensing with a maximum bandwidth of 2-Gbps.

Enabling N Port Identifier Virtualization

You must globally enable NPIV for all VSANs on the MDS switch to allow the NPIV-enabled
applications to use multiple N port identifiers.
All of the N port identifiers are allocated in the same VSAN.
Note
To enable or disable NPIV on the switch, follow these steps:
Command
Step 1
switch# config t
Step 2
switch(config)# npiv enable
Step 3
switch(config)# no npiv enable

About Interface Descriptions

Interface descriptions should help you identify the traffic or use for that interface. The interface
description can be any alphanumeric string.

Configuring the Interface Description

To configure a description for an interface, follow these steps:
Command
Step 1
switch# config t
Step 2
switch(config)# interface fc1/1
switch(config-if)#
OL-16184-01, Cisco MDS SAN-OS Release 3.x
Purpose
Enters configuration mode.
Enables NPIV for all VSANs on the switch.
Disables (default) NPIV on the switch.
Purpose
Enters configuration mode.
Selects a Fibre Channel interface and
enters interface configuration submode.
Cisco MDS 9000 Family CLI Configuration Guide
Fibre Channel Interfaces
12-15