Dell PowerEdge M420 Getting Started Manual page 13

7. Verify the correct operation of the converged network switch in the fabric by typing the fabricShow command
from the workstation.
8. Back up the switch module configuration to an FTP server by typing the configUpload command and following
the prompts.
These commands upload the converged network switch configuration to the server, making it available for
downloading to a replacement converged network switch if necessary. Additionally the CEE configuration should
be backed up on a regular basis to ensure that a complete configuration is available for downloading to a
replacement switch module. See
Fibre Channel SwitchMode (NPIV aggregator vs. full fabric)
The following points summarize the differences between a Fabric OS switch functioning in Native Operating mode
(full fabric mode) and a Fabric OS switch functioning in AG operating mode (NPIV aggregator):
•
The Fabric OS switch in Native mode is a part of the fabric; it requires two to four times as many physical
ports, consumes fabric resources, and can connect to a Fabric OS fabric only.
•
A switch in AG mode is outside of the fabric; it reduces the number of switches in the fabric and the number
of required physical ports. You can connect an AG switch to either a Fabric OS, M-EOS, or Cisco-based fabric.
Determine whether the Fibre Channel portion of the switch module is in NPIV or full fabric mode. This setting affects
the configuration process for the FOS portion of the switch module.
In NPIV aggregator mode, only a limited subset of the fabric operating system commands are available and all
fabric-related service requests are forwarded to the fabric switches.
When the switch mode is set to Access Gateway mode enabled, the F_Ports connect to the Enterprise fabric as
N_Ports rather than as E_Ports. Therefore at least one of the external FC ports must be connected to an external
FC switch fabric in order for the internal ports connected to Converged Network Adapter's (CNA's) to be able to
login to the FCoE ports on the switch module.
Using the converged network switch CLI, verify the desired switch operating mode (The switch module is shipped
with Access Gateway Mode enabled):
Log onto the switch module through an SSH or Telnet connection, using the admin account (default password:
password).
You can enter the ag ––modeShow command to ensure that the module is in NPIV mode.
ag --modeShow
The factory default response will say:
Access Gateway mode is enabled.
Changing from NPIV aggregator mode to full fabric mode
If your converged network switch is currently configured in NPIV mode (the factory default setting), you can enable
the module for full fabric mode by disabling Access Gateway mode. When you do this, the module automatically
reboots in full fabric mode.
NOTE
Disabling NPIV mode is disruptive because the switch is disabled and rebooted. Always back up the current
configuration before enabling or disabling NPIV mode. Enabling NPIV mode clears the security and zone databases.
Disabling NPIV mode clears the F_Port to N_Port mapping.
Dell M8428-k Getting Started Guide
MHWKY A01
"Backing up the configuration" on page 15 for complete details.
13 of 192