Learning about the FC switching mode

Similar to LAN connectivity, UCS Fabric Interconnects support two types of switching modes: FC EHM and the FC switching mode. The default switching mode is an end-host mode where UCS appears as a number of hosts attached to the upstream switch. This is also known as N-Port Virtualization (NPV) and requires an NPIV-capable fabric switch for providing the fiber login services.

The other option available is the native FC switching mode where UCS Fabric Interconnect appears as a native FC fabric switch. Switching between FC modes is a disruptive process and hence should be arranged in a scheduled maintenance window.

In order to configure or verify the end-host mode for the Fabric Interconnects, perform the following steps:

1. Log into UCS Manager.
2. Click on the Equipment tab in the navigation pane.
3. In the Equipment tab, click on Fabric Interconnect A (as shown in the following screenshot).
4. The Status area in the work pane shows the current FC Mode configuration, which...