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Configuring Fibre Channel Interfaces
E Port
In expansion port (E port) mode, an interface functions as a fabric expansion port. This port may be connected
to another E port to create an Inter-Switch Link (ISL) between two switches. E ports carry frames between
switches for configuration and fabric management. They serve as a conduit between switches for frames
destined to remote N ports. E ports support class 3 and class F service.
An E port connected to another switch may also be configured to form a SAN port channel.
Related Topics
Configuring SAN Port Channels, on page 93
F Port
In fabric port (F port) mode, an interface functions as a fabric port. This port may be connected to a peripheral
device (host or disk) operating as a node port (N port). An F port can be attached to only one N port. F ports
support class 3 service.
NP Port
When the switch is operating in NPV mode, the interfaces that connect the switch to the core network switch
are configured as NP ports. NP ports operate like N ports that function as proxies for multiple physical N
ports.
Related Topics
Configuring N Port Virtualization, on page 51
TE Port
In trunking E port (TE port) mode, an interface functions as a trunking expansion port. It may be connected
to another TE port to create an extended ISL (EISL) between two switches. TE ports connect to another Cisco
Nexus device or a Cisco MDS 9000 Family switch. They expand the functionality of E ports to support the
following:
• VSAN trunking
• Fibre Channel trace (fctrace) feature
In TE port mode, all frames are transmitted in EISL frame format, which contains VSAN information.
Interconnected switches use the VSAN ID to multiplex traffic from one or more VSANs across the same
physical link. This feature is referred to as VSAN trunking in the Cisco Nexus device. TE ports support class
3 and class F service.
Related Topics
Configuring VSAN Trunking, on page 83
OL-30895-01
Cisco Nexus 5500 Series NX-OS SAN Switching Configuration Guide, Release 7.x
Information About Fibre Channel Interfaces
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