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Interoperability mode behavior summary by switch type
16 Fabric Interoperability: Merging Fabrics Based on C-Series and B-Series Fibre Channel Switches Application Notes
Interoperability mode behavior summary by switch type
The following is a summary of interoperability mode behavior on C-Series switches.
C-Series
The MDS series of switches are limited in the following areas when interoperating with other
non-MDS switches:
■ “Interop Mode” only affects the specified vsan. The MDS-9000 can still operate with full
functionality in other non-interop mode vsans. All switches that partake in the
interoperable vsan, should have that vsan set to “interop mode,” even if they do not have
any end devices.
■ Domain IDs are restricted to the range 97-127. This is to accommodate nominal
restriction to this same range by some vendors. They can either be setup statically (the
MDS will only accept one domain ID, if it doesn’t get that domain ID it isolates itself from
the fabric), or preferred (if it doesn’t get its requested domain ID, it’ll take any other
domain ID.)
■ TE ports and Port-Channels cannot be used to connect MDS to non-MDS switches. Only
E-Ports can be used to connect to non-MDS switches. However, TE ports and
Port-Channels can still be used to connect an MDS to other MDS switches even when in
“interop mode.”
■ Only the active zoneset is distributed to other switches.
■ The “default zone” behavior changes with the enabling of “interop mode.” The default
zone policy becomes “deny.”
■ Modifying timers require all vsans across the switch to be put into the “suspended” state.
Table 1: C-Series interoperability mode summary
Minimum Firmware Level 1.2.1(a)
Supported Switches B-Series, see Table 2
VSANs Only VSANs explicitly set for “interop mode” are
affected. All others maintain their independence.
High Availability Fully redundant dual supervisor modules maintain
full functionality.
Domains Domain IDs restricted to 97-127.
Port-Channels and TE ports. Can still be used to directly connect two MDS-9000
switches together, even while in interoperability
mode. However, they cannot be used to directly
connect to a non-MDS switch. Standard E ports are
required to connect to non-MDS switches.
Zones and Zonesets Only the active zoneset is propagated. Up to 2000
zones can be supported by the MDS-9000.
The “default zone” policy changes to “deny.”