Q-Logic SANBOX2-8C Switch User Manual


 
3 Planning
Multiple Chassis Fabrics
3-2 59042-02 A
3.2
Multiple Chassis Fabrics
By connecting switches together you can expand the number of available ports for
devices. Each switch in the fabric is identified by a unique domain ID, and the
fabric will automatically resolve domain ID conflicts. Because the ports are
self-configuring, you can connect SANbox2-8c and other FC-SW-2 compliant
switches together in a wide variety of topologies.
3.2.1
Domain ID, Principal Priority, and Domain ID Lock
The following switch configuration settings affect multiple chassis fabrics:
Domain ID
Principal priority
Domain ID lock
The domain ID is a unique number from 1239 that identifies each switch in a
fabric. The principal priority is a number (1255) that determines the principal
switch which manages domain ID assignments for the fabric. The switch with the
highest principal priority (1 is high, 255 is low) becomes the principal switch. If the
principal priority is the same for all switches in a fabric, the switch with the lowest
WWN becomes the principal switch.
The domain ID lock allows (FALSE) or prevents (TRUE) the reassignment of the
domain ID on that switch. Switches come from the factory with the domain ID set
to 1, the domain ID lock set to FALSE, and the principal priority set to 254. Refer
to the SANbox2-8c/16 Switch Management Users Guide for information about
changing the domain ID using SANbox Manager. Refer to the Set Config
Command on page B-25 for information about changing the default domain ID,
domain ID lock, and principal priority settings.
An unresolved domain ID conflict means that the switch with the higher WWN will
isolate as a separate fabric, and the Logged-In LEDs on both switches will flash to
show the affected ports. If you connect a new switch, with its domain ID unlocked,
to an existing fabric, and a domain ID conflict occurs, the new switch will isolate as
a separate fabric. However, you can remedy this by resetting the new switch or
taking it offline then back online. The principal switch will reassign the domain ID
and the switch will join the fabric.
Note: Domain ID reassignment is not reflected in zoning that is defined by
domain ID/port number pair or Fibre Channel address. You must
reconfigure zones that are affected by domain ID reassignment. To
prevent zoning definitions from becoming invalid, use the Set Config
Switch command to lock the domain IDs. Refer to the Set Config
Command on page B-25.