Connecting Network Devices; Connecting To Workstations, Servers, Or Routers; Connecting A Network Device To A Fiber Port; Testing Connectivity - Brocade Communications Systems VDX6720 Hardware Reference Manual

3

Creating Brocade inter-switch link trunks

NOTE
The 802.3ab standard (automatic MDI or MDIX detection) calls for automatic negotiation of the
connection between two 1000Base-T ports. Therefore, a crossover cable may not be required; a
straight-through cable may work as well.

Connecting to workstations, servers, or routers

Straight-through UTP cabling is required for direct UTP attachment to workstations, servers, or
routers using network interface cards (NICs).
Fiber cabling is required for direct attachment to Gigabit NICs or switches and routers through fiber
ports. See for more information.

Connecting a network device to a fiber port

For direct attachment from the Brocade device to a Gigabit NIC, switch, or router, fiber cabling with
an LC connector is required. See
about installing SFPs and cables.

Testing connectivity

After you install the network cables, you can test network connectivity to other devices by observing
the LEDs related to network connection and perform trace routes. See
description of the port states.

Creating Brocade inter-switch link trunks

In VCS mode, unless specifically disabled, inter-switch link (ISL) trunking between adjacent
switches is automatic. All ports must be in the same port group and must be configured at the
same speed. There is a limit of eight ports per trunk group. No separate licensing is required. For
more information about Brocade trunks, see the Network OS Administrator's Guide.
18
"Installing an SFP or SFP+ transceiver"
Brocade VDX 6720/6730 Hardware Reference Manual
on page 25 for details
Table 2 on page 22 for a
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