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Chapter 11
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 .
About Interface Modes
Each physical Fibre Channel interface in a switch may operate in one of several port modes: E port, F
port, FL port, TL port, TE port, SD port, ST port, and B port (see
interface may be configured in auto or Fx port modes. These two modes determine the port type during
interface initialization.
Figure 11-1
NL port
Interfaces are created in VSAN 1 by default. See
Note
Each interface has an associated administrative configuration and an operational status:
•
•
A brief description of each interface mode follows.
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 and NL ports. E ports support class 2, class 3, and class
F service.
An E port connected to another switch may also be configured to form a PortChannel (see
"Configuring
OL-6973-03, Cisco MDS SAN-OS Release 2.x
Cisco MDS 9000 Family Switch Port Modes
N port
F port
E port
FL port
Public
loop
NL port
The administrative configuration does not change unless you modify it. This configuration has
various attributes that you can configure in administrative mode.
The operational status represents the current status of a specified attribute like the interface speed.
This status cannot be changed and is read-only. Some values may not be valid when the interface is
down (for example, the operational speed).
PortChannels").
Figure
NL port
p
ISL lin k
E port
Chapter 16, "Configuring and Managing VSANs."
Cisco MDS 9000 Family Configuration Guide
Fibre Channel Interfaces
11-1). Besides these modes, each
NL port
Public
loop
FL port
Chapter 13,
11-3
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