Dell PowerEdge M520 Brocade M5424 Blade Server SAN I/O Module Hardware Referen - Page 11

Chapter Introducing the SAN I/O Module 1 The M5424 Fibre Channel SAN I/O Module is a 24-port Fibre Channel module with 8 external ports and 16 internal ports that installs in a Dell PowerEdge M1000e Blade Server Enclosure. Although the product may ship with a specific number of ports enabled, it can upgraded to 24 ports through Ports on Demand (POD) licensing. These ports support link speeds up to 8 Gbps. NOTE You can also install 4 Gbps SFPs in the SAN I/O Module. All SFPs must be Brocade-branded. Fabric OS Native and Access Gateway modes The SAN I/O Module can function in either Fabric OS Native mode or Brocade Access Gateway mode. • The SAN I/O Module is shipped in Fabric OS Native mode by default. • Access Gateway simplifies SAN deployment by using NPIV. NPIV provides Fibre Channel switch functions that improve SAN I/O Module scalability, manageability, and interoperability. For more information on Access Gateway, refer to the following: - For a list of SAN I/O Module F_Ports mapped to N_Ports in the SAN I/O Module as shipped from the factory, refer to "Access Gateway Mode default port mapping" on page 25. - For general information and details on using Access Gateway, refer to the Brocade Access Gateway Administrator's Guide. - Since Access Gateway relies on NPIV technology for its connection to the edge fabric you may have to prepare the edge fabric before connecting it to Access Gateway. Please refer to the SAN TECH NOTE - Preparing to Install the Brocade Access Gateway for specific instructions. NOTE Access Gateway cannot be connected directly into an array; it requires a fabric to support NPIV. Features available on the SAN I/O Module depend on whether the module is configured in Access Gateway or Fabric OS Native mode. Fabric OS Native mode The SAN I/O Module has the following features when operating in Fabric OS Native mode: • Up to 8 external autosensing (2, 4 and 8 Gbps) Fibre Channel ports. These universal and self-configuring ports are capable of becoming one of the following port types: - F_Port (fabric enabled) - FL_Port (fabric loop enabled) - E_Port (expansion port) M5424 SAN I/O Module Hardware Reference Manual 1 53-1001082-01