Connect Nexus 5596UP and Brocade 5100 with FC-SW mode?

[UM ICTO-IUS-IS]

Hi,

We currently have one Brocade 5100 switches in one fabric.

Is it possible to add a new Cisco Nexus 5596UP switch into an existing Brocade fabric with the following phyical diagram?

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks!

- Chris

[Vincent Jamart · Accepted solution]

Hi Chris,

That particular combination hasn't been tested  so we don't support it, even if it should work in interop mode 3 since  you don't use NPV on Nexus.

You can always check what has been tested and qualified on our storage matrix:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/datacenter/mds9000/interoperability/matrix/Matrix.pdf

PS: ensure you disable VC flow control in FOS for ISL with NX-OS.

[UM ICTO-IUS-IS]

Hi, Vincent,

Thanks for your clear explanation.

The above combination is required in my migration phase. The existing Brocade act as the principal role in the fabric and cannot do any change. Your suggestion (VSAN in interop mode 3) will test in next week and hope it in successful.

But, for your remind, would you kindly give me some hints/example on how to check VC flows is disable or not? Thanks in advance.  

Actually, I despair in Cisco do not certify Nexus 5596UP can interconnect with Brocade in FC-SW mode while do certify with MDS9000……..

[Vincent Jamart]

Hi,

I think this article explains VC flow issue and changes required between NX-OS and FOS quite in details:

http://www.feeny.org/cisco-mds-and-brocade-interop-issues-with-per-vc-flow-control/

Best Regards,

Vincent

[Jeremy Waldrop]

One option would be to place the Brocade switches in AG (Access Gateway) mode. AG mode is like NPV mode on the NX-OS side.

Enabling AG mode is disruptive an d requires a reboot, after it is enabled you will need to perform all zoning from the Nexus side.

[Vincent Jamart]

We indeed recommend NPIV on N5k and BAG on Brocade for this scenario.

[UM ICTO-IUS-IS]

Hi, Jeremy,

After the migration, I will phase out the Brocade 5100B and make the Cisco 5596UP act as principal and provide FC zoneing in the fabric.

However, since the HP C7000 blade server still have a embedded Brocade SAN switch and I need connect it to the Nexus 5596UP.

I am still thinking on how to make the Cisco Nexus 5596UP as the principal SAN switch and extend the FC connection in the embedded Brocade SAN switch.

You response is valuable. Thank you.