Dell PowerSwitch S4820T Configuration Guide for the S4820T System 9.112.0P1 - Page 310

FIP enables FCoE devices to discover one another, initialize and maintain virtual links over an Ethernet network, and access storage devices in a storage area network (SAN). FIP satisfies the Fibre Channel requirement for point-to-point connections by creating a unique virtual link for each connection between an FCoE end-device and an FCF via a transit switch. FIP provides functionality for discovering and logging into an FCF. After discovering and logging in, FIP allows FCoE traffic to be sent and received between FCoE end-devices (ENodes) and the FCF. FIP uses its own EtherType and frame format. The following illustration shows the communication that occurs between an ENode server and an FCoE switch (FCF). The following table lists the FIP functions. Table 24. FIP Functions FIP Function FIP VLAN discovery FIP discovery Initialization Maintenance Logout Description FCoE devices (ENodes) discover the FCoE VLANs on which to transmit and receive FIP and FCoE traffic. FCoE end-devices and FCFs are automatically discovered. FCoE devices learn ENodes from the FLOGI and FDISC to allow immediate login and create a virtual link with an FCoE switch. A valid virtual link between an FCoE device and an FCoE switch is maintained and the LOGO functions properly. On receiving a FLOGI packet, FSB deletes all existing sessions from the ENode to the FCF. 310 FIP Snooping