Dell PowerVault 50F User Manual

Contents: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation
and Troubleshooting Guide

Preface
Installing the PowerVault™ 50F Switch
PowerVault™ 50F Topologies
Managing the PowerVault™ 50F Switch
Introducing PowerVault™ 50F Fibre Channel Switch Manager
PowerVault™ 50F Fibre Channel Switch Manager Operational Concepts
Using PowerVault™ 50F Fibre Channel Switch Manager
PowerVault™ 50F Commands
Troubleshooting
Repair and Replacement
Getting Help
Error Messages

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 1998 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and PowerVault™ are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Microsoft, and

Windows, Windows NT , and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; IBM is a registered trademark of
International Business Machines Corporation; UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of Novell, Inc.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either entities claiming the marks and names or their
products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Initial release: 05/25/99

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Preface: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Warranty and Return Policy Information

Back to Contents Page

Preface: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch
Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Overview • About This Guide • Warranty and Return Policy Information • Other Documents You May Need •
Notational Conventions

Overview
About This Guide

This guide is intended for anyone who is installing and managing a Dell PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre
Channel Switch. It is to be used by field technicians, hardware and software engineers, and system
administrators for monitoring and troubleshooting the switch. The chapters and appendixes are summarized
as follows:

Chapter 1, "Installing the PowerVault™ 50F," provides detailed information to users who are installing a
PowerVault™ 50F.
Chapter 2, "PowerVault™ 50F Topologies," discusses Fabric elements and provides sample
topologies.
Chapter 3, "Managing PowerVault™ 50F," contains information and examples on managing and
monitoring the switch.
Chapter 4, "Introducing PowerVault™ 50F Fibre Channel Switch Manager," provides general
information about managing and monitoring the switch using the PowerVault™ 50F Fibre Channel
Switch Manager, including everyday management, managing switches remotely, and administrative
funtions.
Chapter 5, "PowerVault™ 50F Fibre Channel Switch Manager Operational Concepts," discusses some
operational concepts and introduces users to the switch management pages.
Chapter 6, "Using PowerVault™ 50F Fibre Channel Switch Manager," provides more detail on the
switch management pages that are used to operate and monitor the PowerVault™ 50F.
Chapter 7, "PowerVault™ 50F Commands," contains general operation and diagnosis command
information.
Chapter 8, "Troubleshooting," discusses troubleshooting, diagnostic testing, and error messages.
Chapter 9, "Repair and Replacement," describes the installation of a GBIC module.
Chapter 10, "Getting Help," describes the help tools Dell provides to assist you should you have a
problem with the computer. It also explains how and when to call Dell for technical assistance. Chapter
10 also includes a Diagnostics Checklist that you can copy and fill out as you perform the
troubleshooting procedures. If you need to call Dell for technical assistance, use the completed
checklist to tell the Dell technical support representative what procedures you performed to better help
the representative give you assistance. If you must return a piece of hardware to Dell, include a filled­out checklist.
Appendix A, "Error Messages," explains the error message format, error message by firmware module,
and other possible errors.

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Preface: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Dell Computer Corporation ("Dell") manufactures its hardware products from parts and components that are
new or equivalent to new in accordance with industry-standard practices. For information about the Dell
warranty for your system, see the appendix "Warranty, Return Policy, and Year 2000 Statement of
Compliance" in the Dell PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch User's Guide.

Other Documents You May Need

Besides this Installation and Troubleshooting Guide, the following documentation is included with your
system:

The Dell PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch User's Guide introduces the user to the
PowerVault™ 50F and includes feature information and specifications.
Technical information files—sometimes called "readme" files—may be installed on software media that
might have been packaged with your PowerVault™ 50F to provide last-minute updates about technical
changes to your switch or advanced technical reference material intended for experienced users or
technicians.

Notational Conventions

The following subsections describe notational conventions used in this document.

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

Throughout this guide, blocks of text may be accompanied by an icon and printed in bold type or in italic
type. These blocks are notes, cautions, and warnings, and they are used as follows:

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer system.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid

the problem.

WARNING: A WARNING indicates the potential for bodily harm and tells you how to avoid the problem.

Typographical Conventions

The following list defines (where appropriate) and illustrates typographical conventions used as visual cues
for specific elements of text throughout this document:

Keycaps, the labeling that appears on the keys on a keyboard, are enclosed in angle brackets.
Example: <Enter>
Key combinations are series of keys to be pressed simultaneously (unless otherwise indicated) to

perform a single function.
Example: <Ctrl><Alt><Enter>

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Preface: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Commands presented in lowercase bold are for reference purposes only and are not intended to be

typed when referenced.

Example: "Use the format command to . . . ."

In contrast, commands presented in the Courier New font are part of an instruction and intended to be
typed.

Example: "Type format a: to format the diskette in drive A."
Filenames and directory names are presented in lowercase bold.
Examples: autoexec.bat and c:\windows
Syntax lines consist of a command and all its

possible parameters. Commands are displayed in lowercase bold; variable parameters (those for which
you substitute a value) are displayed in lowercase italics; constant parameters are displayed in
lowercase bold. The brackets indicate items that are optional.

Example: del [drive:] [path] filename [/p]
Command lines consist of a command and may include one or more of the command's possible

parameters. Command lines are presented in the Courier New font.
Example: del c:\myfile.doc
Screen text is text that appears on the screen of your monitor or display. It can be a system message,

for example, or it can be text that you are instructed to type as part of a command (referred to as a
command line). Screen text is presented in the Courier New font.

Example: The following message appears on your screen:

No boot device available
Example: "Type md c:\programs and press <Enter>."

Variables are placeholders for which you substitute a value. They are presented in italics.
Example: DIMMx (where x represents the DIMM socket designation).

Back to Contents Page

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Installing the PowerVault™ 50F Switch: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

The combined air flow through the switch is 75 cubic feet per minute (cfpm), with a nominal bulk flow of

Back to Contents Page

Installing the PowerVault™ 50F Switch: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8­Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Overview • Unpacking the PowerVault™ 50F Switch • Cooling Requirements • Power Requirements • Site
Location • Installing a GBIC Module with Power On • Installing the PowerVault™ 50F in a Rack • Stand­alone Mounting • Fibre Channel Cable Connections • Fabric Connections (F_Port/FL_Port) • Expansion
Connections (E_Port) • Host and Target Connections (N_Port/NL_Port) • Ethernet Connection • Serial Port
Connection • Verifying Power-On Self-Test (POST)

Overview

The complete setup for the Dell PowerVault™ 50F Switch includes:

Unpacking the switch
Selecting a location and mounting method
Setting up connections
Changing default user names/passwords, if desired (see Table 3-2, "Default Username" for more
information)

Unpacking the PowerVault™ 50F Switch

NOTE: Some items may be shipped as part of an over- pack.

While unpacking the switch, check to make sure the following items are included:

PowerVault™ 50F switch unit
Power cord
3 FL, 1 G modules are installed
5 copper Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) modules or 4 optical and 1 copper GBIC modules are
installed, depending on the switch configuration
Straight-through serial cable
User's Guide and an Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Dell PowerVault™ Utilities Diskette
Installation kit, which includes rubber mounting feet

Save packing materials in case you need to return the switch.

Cooling Requirements

Cooling air is drawn into the chassis by the power supply fan and two additional fans, all internal to the
switch. Vents exhaust air through the front of the switch.

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15 cfpm.

NOTE: Do not block the front or rear air vents. The switch must have clear access to ambient air for cooling.

Power Requirements

Switch power connection is via a switched connector on the switch's front right side, as shown in Figure 1-1.
The PowerVault™ 50F Switch power requirements are as follows:

Properly wired, grounded outlet
Input voltage: 90-134 volts alternating current (VAC) or 180-257 VAC and
IEC 801-5 surge voltage
Total power: Up to 130 watts (depending on configuration; see (Error Messages), "Specifications" in
the Dell PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch User's Guide)
Input line frequency: 50 to 60 hertz (Hz)

The switch has an autoranging power supply that automatically accepts voltages within its ranges.

Figure 1-1. PowerVault™ 50F Switch Front View

NOTE: There is no provision for surge protection built into the switch's power supply. An installation should include normal

provisions to ensure uninterrupted power.

Site Location

The switch should be installed in a secure or limited access site to control unauthorized access to the
switch's cabling and power connections.

Installing a GBIC Module with Power On

Each interface card supports two G_Ports or FL_Ports, and their respective interchangeable GBIC modules.
The GBIC module uses standard SC or HSSDC connectors.

A GBIC module can be inserted while the switch is operational (power on).

CAUTION: The GBIC module is keyed so it can be inserted into the interface card in only one way. Do not force

the insertion if the GBIC module does not slide in easily.

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To install an IBM® GBIC module into an interface card, perform the following steps:

1. Ensure that the locking bar on the front of the IBM GBIC module is to the right side of the GBIC.

2. Insert the GBIC module until its connector is firmly seated into the appropriate port.

3. When firmly seated, lock the GBIC module in the slot by pushing the locking bar to the left side of the
GBIC. Do not force the locking bar; reseat if necessary.

To install a non-IBM GBIC module into an interface module, perform the following steps:

1. Insert the GBIC module into the appropriate port.

2. Press the GBIC module until its connector is firmly seated.

Installing the PowerVault™ 50F in a Rack

The switch has optional mounting hardware for installation in the Dell 19-inch rack. The mounting hardware
includes:

Two slide assemblies (each with an inner and outer race)
Two stationary brackets
Two adjustable brackets
Two L-brackets with captive screws
Ten 10-32 x 1/4-inch low-profile-head screws
Four 10-32 x 3/8-inch low-profile-head screws
Two 10-32 nuts with captive starwashers
Eight 10-32 x 1/2-inch screws
Eight tapered washers
One bezel with captive screws
One manifold

The following sections describe the tasks required to mount the PowerVault™ 50F Switch in a rack.

NOTE: If the switch has had its rubber mounting feet installed, they must be removed for a rack installation.

Rackmount Safety Guidelines

In a rackmount installation, follow these safety guidelines:

When installing a switch in a closed or multirack assembly, make certain the air temperature,
measured at the front panel, does not exceed 35°C during operation.
Ensure that the airflow available to the switch is at least 300 cfpm.
Verify that the switch installation, both with the slides closed and fully extended, does not unbalance
the rack or exceed the rack's mechanical limits.
Verify that the supply circuit, line fusing, and wire size are adequate. Refer to the switch's nameplate
for its power requirements.
Verify that all equipment installed in the rack has a reliable ground connection. Do not rely on
connection to a branch circuit, such as power strips.
Route and support the power cord to ensure that the switch moves freely on its slides without crimping
or damaging the power cord or interfering with other equipment and cabling installed in the rack.

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Installing the Inner Slides

To install the inner slide onto the switch, perform the following steps:

1. Disassemble the inner and outer slides of the slide assembly by fully extending the inner slide, pressing
the release, and pulling the slide assembly apart.

2. Align the holes of an inner bearing slide with the holes on the side of the manifold and the switch (see
Figure 1-2).

The end of the manifold that has the gasket should be toward the center of the inner bearing slide.
Make sure the rivets on the manifold a face up. The end of the inner bearing slide that has the two slots
should be at the end of the manifold without the gasket.

Align the switch to the inner bearing slide and orient the front of the switch (with the input/output ports)
toward the end of the bearing slide with the large hole. The back of the switch will compress the gasket
on the manifold.

Figure 1-2. Attaching the Inner Bearing Slides and L-Brackets

3. Use four 10-32 x 1/4-inch screws to mount the inner bearing slide to the switch and manifold.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to mount the second inner bearing slide to the other side of the switch and
manifold.

5. Using 10-32 x 1/4-inch screws, mount an L bracket, with the captive thumb screws, to each inner slide,
as shown in Figure 1-2.

Installing the Outer Slides

To install the outer slide in the rack, perform the following steps:

1. Use a 10-32 x 1/2-inch screw to mount a stationary bracket to an outer slide, as shown in Figure 1-3.

Figure 1-3. Attaching Stationary and Adjustable Brackets to an Outer Slide

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2. Use a 10-32 x 1/2 inch screw and a 10-32 nut with captive star washer to mount an adjustable bracket
to the other end of the outer slide, as shown in Figure 1-3. Do not completely tighten the screw.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to mount the remaining stationary and adjustable brackets to the second outer
slide.

4. Use four 10-32 x 1/2-inch screws and four tapered washers to mount each outer slide in the rack, as
shown in Figure 1-4.

5. The stationary brackets attach to the rear of the rack. The adjustable brackets attach to the front. The
screws are threaded through the rack and into the top and bottom holes of the brackets, leaving the
middle bracket holes open.

NOTE: The slides must be mounted within 1 Electronic Industry Association (EIA) unit. The switch takes up 2 EIA

units with the outer bearing slides mounted in the lower of the 2 EIA units.

Figure 1-4. Mounting the Outer Slides and Bezel on the Rack

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Installing the PowerVault™ 50F Switch: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

6. Tighten the screws holding the adjustable brackets to the outer slides.

Installing the Switch in the Rack

To install the switch in the rack, perform the following steps:

1. At the back of the rack, carefully align the switch's inner slides with the outer slides on the rack.
Slide the inner slides into the outer slides and push the switch all the way into the rack, as shown in

Figure 1-5. The two safety releases on the slides must be pressed for the switch to slide all the way in.

Figure 1-5. Installing the Switch in the Rack

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2. Tighten the thumbscrews on the L-brackets to secure the switch to the rack.

3. Install the bezel onto the front of the rack, as shown in Figure 1-5.
The captive thumbscrews of the bezel pass through the rail holes and into the middle hole of the

adjustable brackets. Adjust the bezel so the manifold slides part way into it.

Stand-alone Mounting

The switch is shipped in its stand-alone configuration. Adhesive rubber feet are supplied if the switch is
surface-mounted. Installation of the rubber feet is optional, and is not required for proper or safe switch
operation.

To install the adhesive rubber feet, perform the following steps:

1. Use the alcohol wipes provided to clean the four depressions at each corner of the chassis bottom.
Allow the alcohol to dry.

2. Remove the rubber feet from the backing sheet and place one in each depression.

3. Firmly press the rubber feet in place.

NOTE: If rubber feet have been installed, they must be removed before the unit can be installed in a 19 -inch rack.

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Installing the PowerVault™ 50F Switch: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Fibre Channel Cable Connections

All network cable connections are on the switch's front panel. All recommended cabling supports the switch's
1-Gbps transfer rate, as shown in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1. Cabling Connections

Cable
type

Fiber­optic

Copper

Cable Specification Maximum Run

Length

Duplex SC plug
connectors
Multimode fiber
50 or 62.5 micrometers ( μm) core diameter
125 μm cladding diameter duplex cable

Impedance controlled for 150-ohm differential
systems
Low skew, shielded -quad, 150 - ohm cable
Polarized interface
HSSD receptacle

500 meters
(1641 feet)

12 meters (38 feet)

GBIC Module

770-850 μ
without open fiber
control (non- OFC)

SCA2 printed circuit board (PCB)
interface
HSSDC
input/output (I/O)

Various lengths of copper and optical cables are available from Dell. These cables have been designed and
approved by Dell. Dell recommends the use of these cables to ensure the proper operation of the
PowerVault™ 50F.

Fiber cable connections are made to the switch's front panel using standard dual SC plug connectors as
shown in Figure 1-6.

Figure 1-6. Dual SC Fiber-Optic Plug Connector

The connectors are indexed and must be inserted into the GBIC module's connector in proper alignment. In
most cases, one of the two connector plugs is a different color to aid in proper connector alignment.

CAUTION: Remove the protective plug from the GBIC module. Do not force the fiber- optic plug into the GBIC

module as you may damage the connector, the GBIC module, or both. Make certain the fiber surface is free of
dust or debris before inserting the connector into the GBIC module.

Fabric Connections (F_Port/FL_Port)

Fabric connections are determined by the number of connected devices, the required bandwidth, and circuit
redundancy required to service each connection to and within the Fabric. The F_Port is the Fabric access

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Installing the PowerVault™ 50F Switch: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

port used to connect an N_Port (host connection). The FL_Port is the Fabric access port used to connect

NL_Ports to the switch in a loop configuration.
Refer to "Sample Fabric Topologies

" for some sample Fabric topologies.

Expansion Connections (E_Port)

Expansion (E_Port) connections are used to interconnect switches within a Fabric. Refer to "Sample Fabric

Topologies" for sample topologies using different E_Port connections to create different Fabric topologies.

Host and Target Connections (N_Port/NL_Port)

The connections to the Fabric are through Nx_Ports. Refer to "Sample Fabric Topologies" for examples of
various hosts and devices connected to Fabrics via their N_Port connections. The N_Port (host connection)
connects to the F_Port (Fabric connection). The NL_Port (arbitrated loop configuration) connects to the
FL_Port (Fabric connection).

Ethernet Connection

Connecting an existing Ethernet 10BaseT local area network (LAN) to the switch via the front panel RJ-45
connector gives access to the switch's internal Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) agent,
allowing remote Telnet and Web access for remote monitoring and testing.

NOTE: The connection is only for Telnet, SNMP agent, and the Web-based server access. No Fabric connection is

available via this connection.

Serial Port Connection

The PowerVault™ 50F Switch includes a serial port (see Figure 1-7) used to set the Internet Protocol (IP)
address. The serial port is used to set the IP address when setting up or reinitializing a switch. The serial port
settings are as follows:

8 bit
No parity
One stop bit
9600 baud
Hyperterminal
VT100
Flow control = Xon/Xoff

Figure 1-7. Connections for PowerVault™ 50F Switch

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NOTE: The serial port and Telnet connection are mutually exclusive and there can be only one serial port session active at

a time. Telnet takes priority, so the serial port is terminated when a Telnet connection is made. The serial connection is
restored after the Telnet session is completed, but you must log in again. A password is required to log in to the serial
port session. Password checking is skipped only at initial power on and remains off until log off is done.

System Configurations

In order to communicate with the RS-232 port, a computer system is required with the following:

Hyper terminal
An available COM port

Cables: A straight-through serial cable (DB9 female-to-female) connected between the DB9 serial
ports on the computer and switch. See Table 1-2 for pinout requirements. This cable is included in the
over-pack, shipped with your PowerVault™ 50F switch.

Serial Cabling and Emissions Requirements

The PowerVault™ 50F Switch uses a straight-through serial cable with a female 9-pin D-Subminiature
connector with the pinouts shown in Table 1-2. Only pins 2, 3, and 5 are required.

Table 1-2. Cabling Pinouts

Pin Signal Description

1 DCD Carrier Detect
2 TxData Transmit Data
3 RxData Receive Data
4 DTR Data Terminal Ready
5 GND Logic Ground
6 DSR Data Set Ready
7 RTS Request to Send
8 CTS Clear to Send
9 RI Ring Indicator

NOTE: For dust and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, the PowerVault™ 50F Switch includes a cover for the serial

port. When not in use, the serial port should be covered.

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Verifying Power-On Self-Test (POST)

When powering on a switch, the switch conducts a series of diagnostic tests including:

Memory Test
Port Register Test
Central Memory Test
RDRAM Test

As the POST successfully performs each of the tests, the message Passed is displayed via the local RS­232 serial port.

After the switch completes the POST, the GBIC module returns to a steady state from the flashing states
shown during the tests.

If an amber GBIC module light is displayed, there was a failure on that port during POST. See "Power-On

Diagnostics" for details.

If error conditions are encountered, they are displayed on the local RS-232 serial port after the switch
completes the POST. See "errShow" for details.

Setting IP Address Using the Serial Port

There is a label on the front panel of the PowerVault™ 50F Switch with IP address and space to include the
IP address when it is configured.

NOTE: This label facilitates identification of the physical switch in maintenance mode.

The serial port is initially logged on as Admin with no password required.
To set the IP address using the serial port, perform the following steps:

1. Connect the DB9 serial cable from the computer's COM port to the switch's
RS-232 port.

2. Start the Hyper Terminal by selecting Programs—> Accessories—> Hyper Terminal and then

hyperterm.exe

Supply a name in the Connection Description dialog box.
Enter Direct to Com <port#> in the Connect Using dialog box.
The COM <port#> Properties dialog box is displayed with the following settings:

8-bit
No parity
One stop bit
9600 baud
Hyperterminal
VT100
Flow control = Xon/Xoff

3. Turn on the switch and read the messages on the screen.

4. Run the ipAddrSet command.

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Resetting Factory Defaults

In the event that a user changes a password or IP address, or forgets it, or sets an invalid IP address, the IP
address can be reinitialized.

To reset factory defaults, perform the following steps:

1. Connect the DB9 serial cable from the computer's COM port to the switch's
RS-232 port.

2. Start the Hyper Terminal by selecting Programs—> Accessories—> Hyper Terminal, and then
hyperterm.exe.

Supply a name in the Connection Description dialog box.
Enter Direct to Com <port#> in the Connect Using dialog box.
The COM <port#> Properties dialog box is displayed with the following settings:

8-bit
No parity
One stop bit
9600 baud
Hyperterminal
VT100
Flow control = Xon/Xoff

3. Turn on the switch and read the messages on the screen.

4. Run the flashDefault command.

Back to Contents Page

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PowerVault™ 50F Topologies: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Back to Contents Page

PowerVault™ 50F Topologies: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port
Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Overview • Fabric Elements • Sample Fabric Topologies

Overview

Figures 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 show the topologies supported by Dell. The PowerVault™ 50F Switch has the
capability of supporting other topologies, but they have not been validated and are currently not supported by
Dell.

These configurations require the use of Dell OpenManage™ Storage Consolidation software. See the
documentation that came with the Dell OpenManage™ Storage Consolidation software for installation and
operating instructions.

Figure 2-1. Topology Example 1

Figure 2-2. Topology Example 2

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PowerVault™ 50F Topologies: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Figure 2-3. Topology Example 3

Fabric performance depends on numerous factors. This chapter discusses some key factors, but is not a
complete catalogue of variables to consider when structuring a Fabric.

This chapter includes:

Fabric elements
Sample Fabric topologies

Fabric Elements

Each Fabric is unique, and the elements that determine the Fabric's structure include:

Class of frames in the Fabric
Type of host adapters connected to the Fabric
Bandwidth requirements supported by the Fabric
Topology of the switches in the Fabric
Requirements for redundancy and fault tolerance

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Regardless of the topology used, the switch's extremely low message latency minimizes Fabric message
handling time that results in a high-performance Fabric.

Routing Cost

All Inter Switch Links (ISLs) have a default cost of 1000. The cost of a path between any two switches in the
Fabric is the sum of the costs of all ISLs. The switches that comprise the Fabric always choose the lowest
cost path through the Fabric to forward frames from the source switch to the destination switch.

When constructing a multiswitch configuration, called a cascaded Fabric, a frame entering the Fabric may
pass through eight switches before exiting the Fabric. The switch does not enforce the eight-switch limit. It is
your responsibility to ensure that the seven-hop limit is not exceeded. The command uRouteShow provides
information regarding the cost of the shortest path to another switch from which you can derive the number
of hops. The cost should not exceed 7000 (7 x 1000).

A Fabric using Dell switches in cascaded topologies should be configured to deliver the required bandwidth
and fault tolerance with all connections made within the seven-hop maximum limit.

Configuring Switches

When configuring switches in a Fabric, optimize the Fabric performance based on the most significant
expected use.

NOTE: Except for unique identifiers such as the switch name, domain name, and IP address, all switches in a Fabric must

have the same firmware configuration. Switches that are configured differently are isolated from the Fabric.

Cascaded topologies using multiple switches give switching system designers a powerful, flexible set of
resources to create high-performance, robust storage area networks (SAN), or data center backbone.

Loop Support

The FL_Port interface card enables any Fabric-connected device to communicate with public or private fibre
channel disks or other device types.

NOTE: Loops may contain any combination of public or private loop devices.

Public Operation

In public operation, all loop devices are accessible to all other Fabric-connected devices and loop devices
within the Fabric. The loop devices behave the same as devices attached directly to the Fabric.

Private Operation

Dell's FL_Port translative mode allows private devices on a local loop to communicate with Fabric-attached
devices and vice versa. Fabric-attached devices can be either N_Ports attached to G_Ports or public
NL_Ports attached to other FL_Ports.

Logically, private and Fabric-attached devices that communicate to a loop appear to be devices on the same
loop as the private devices. Each Fabric-attached device uses an unassigned AL_PA from the local loop.
When private devices on a local loop and Fabric-attached devices communicate, the FL_Port automatically

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translates between private and public addresses.

The FL_Port translative mode supports up to 32 Fabric-attached devices (one is reserved for the Fabric)
appearing on each local loop of private devices, subject to the limit of 126 devices on a loop (the total of
private and Fabric-attached devices).

Private devices are registered to the Simple Name Server (SNS), so the Fabric-attached devices can query
SNS for their addresses and initiate communication.

NOTE: The translative mode is automatically enabled with the FL_Port card and no user intervention is necessary to

configure the translative mode.

Sample Fabric Topologies

The following Fabric topology samples show several different conceptual topology models. Each installation
has a unique topology that is determined by the characteristics of the connected devices and your
performance objectives.

In the following samples, only the single switch Fabric solution shows connections to the Fabric. The switch
numbering scheme is:

Interface cards 1 2 3 4
Ports 0 2 4 6

1 3 5 7

Single-Switch Fabric

The simplest Fabric consists of a single-switch topology as shown in Figure 2-4.

Figure 2-4. Single-Switch Topology Sample

Figure 2-4 shows the switch's F_Ports and FL_Ports and the corresponding N_Port and NL_Port
connections on the device side. The switch connections are shown as they would be in a physical

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installation. Functionally, the switch becomes a Fabric with every device connected to every other device by

the Fabric.
Each connection is full duplex with transmissions up to 1 Gbps bandwidth simultaneously, in both directions,

between the Fabric and Fabric-connected devices.

Two-Switch Sample Topology

The two-switch topology increases the number of connectivities and aggregate Fabric bandwidth, as shown
schematically in Figure 2-5. The switches are shown physically connected although the connections are
transparent in the Fabric. Functionally, the devices appear to be connected together directly.

Figure 2-5. Fabric Topology Sample With Three Connections Between Two Switches

When a Fabric is initiated, or when a new switch is added to the Fabric, the switches determine a least-cost
path for each destination switch. This is done dynamically each time the Fabric configuration changes and
the results are stored in the switch's internal routing tables.

NOTE: After a path has been determined, it is not rerouted, even though traffic volume may change over time, for each

path to maintain in-order delivery. If the link fails, the path is rerouted.

Increasing Local Bandwidth within the Fabric

In Figure 2-5, three connections are shown between Switch A and Switch B. This gives an aggregate
bandwidth of six Gbps - three 1-Gbps, full-duplex connections. Increasing bandwidth between switches is
done by adding additional connections between the switches.

In addition to the bandwidth, redundant connections between the switches in Figure 2-5 provide a high­bandwidth, fault-tolerant Fabric.

Four-Switch Sample Topology

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Figure 2-6 shows a four-switch topology that adds additional paths to the Fabric topology, increasing the
Fabric's reliability, bandwidth, fault tolerance, and connections.

Figure 2-6. Four-Switch Fabric Topology Sample

For example, the shortest path between switch A and switch D would be the direct path AD. If this path were
to fail, the connection would then be automatically routed through either switch B or C with a path of ABD or
ACD.

In Figure 2-6, ports 6 and 7 on the interface module in position 4 of switch A are used for connection to
switch B and switch D. If the interface module failed, traffic to switch B, C, and D would all have to be
rerouted between the interface modules in the third position on switches A and C.

A more robust solution is to have all connections distributed across available interface cards in each switch,
giving an alternate configuration as shown in Figure 2-7.

Figure 2-7. Four-Switch Fabric Topology Sample

If bandwidth or fault tolerance is a concern, each of the paths shown in Figure 2-7 could have a parallel
connection.

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Back to Contents Page

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Managing the PowerVault™ 50F Switch: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Figure 3-1 shows the various methods and communication paths for accessing switch management

Back to Contents Page

Managing the PowerVault™ 50F Switch: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F
8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting
Guide

Overview • Comparing Switch Management Methods • Managing Via Telnet • Managing with SNMP Under
Dell OpenManage™ and the PowerVault™ 50F Switch Manager

Overview

This chapter contains general information and examples on managing and monitoring the switch. The
following are discussed:

Switch management methods
Managing via Telnet
Managing with SNMP under Dell OpenManage™ and the PowerVault™ 50F Switch Manager

NOTE: You must assign an Internet Protocol (IP) address to the switch via the local RS- 232 serial port before you can

access some of the management methods described.

Comparing Switch Management Methods

The switch is managed locally via a computer running a terminal program attached to the RS-232 serial port
and remotely via Telnet or Web management (PowerVault™ 50F Switch Manager).

Before changing any of the factory default settings, become familiar with the operations described in this
chapter including both the switch's functions and interactive characteristics. To reset a switch to factory
default values, see "Resetting Factory Defaults

There are several access methods for managing a switch. Table 3-1 summarizes the different management
methods.

Table 3-1. Comparison of PowerVault™ 50F Switch Management Methods

Method Description Local

".

Out-of-band
(Ethernet)

Serial port Managed via RS- 232 serial port located on the switch Yes No
Telnet commands Managed remotely using Telnet commands No Yes
Managing with SNMP Managed remotely using Simple Network Management

Protocol (SNMP)

PowerVault™ 50F Fibre Channel
Switch Manager

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Managed remotely though web No Yes

No Yes

Managing the PowerVault™ 50F Switch: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

information.

Figure 3-1.Methods for Managing PowerVault™ 50F Switch Information

Managing Via Telnet

To make a successful Telnet connection to a switch, the following is required:

Switch name or IP address
Username
Password

NOTE: The IP address must be set using the ipAddrSet command, which can be issued by connecting to the RS -232

serial port on the front panel. See "Setting IP Address Using the Serial Port
Consult with the local network system administrator for the IP address that is assigned to the switch.
The serial port and Telnet connection are mutually exclusive and there can be only one serial port session active at a time.

Telnet takes priority, so the serial port is terminated when a Telnet connection is made. The serial connection is restored
after the Telnet session is completed but re-logging in is required. A password is required to login to the serial port
session. Password checking is skipped only at initial power on and remains off until log off is done.

Default Username

Each Username has a security level associated with it. Username 3 is the least privileged and the security
level goes up to Username 0, which is the most privileged.

" for more information.

Table 3-2. Default Username

Default
Username Description

other
(Username

3)

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Gives users access to execute commands ending in Show, such as dateShow.

Managing the PowerVault™ 50F Switch: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

user
(Username

2)
admin

(Username

1)

Gives users access to all Show commands plus any commands in the help menu that do not change a switch
state, such as version. This level is the recommended level for monitoring switch activity.

Gives users access to all Show commands, plus any commands in the help menu. Most switch administration is
performed at this level.

The system administrator may assign different usernames than those listed, if desired. The user at a
particular security level, however, has the same privileges regardless of the name assigned.

Changing Passwords

The initial default password for all usernames is password. Change the default passwords during
installation to meet the Fabric's security requirements.

To change user passwords, perform the following steps:

1. Log in as admin.

2. Issue the command passwd.

3. Each username (admin, user, other) is displayed in sequence, allowing the admininstrator to modify
each password and name.

4. Enter a password or name while a username is displayed to replace the existing password or name.

NOTE: If you lose the password, contact Dell Technical Support.

Managing with SNMP Under Dell OpenManage™ and the PowerVault™ 50F Switch
Manager

The resident SNMP manage node allows remote switch management via IP over Ethernet and Fibre
Channel interfaces.

Dell Openmanage integrates the PowerVault™ 50F Switch through HP OpenView Network Node Manager
Special Edition (NNM SE) in a Windows NT environment. You can use Dell OpenManage™ to manage this
device. If you have a PowerVault™ 50F Switch connected in your network, it will be automatically discovered
as a node in the node submap of HP OpenView NNM SE. In order to launch the PowerVault™ 50F Switch
Management Application, double-click on the discovered FC-Switch node to access the expanded node
submap, and then double click on the Switch Management Application icon.

Refer to your HP OpenView Network Node Manager Special Edition 1.4 with Dell OpenManage™ HIP 3.4
User's Guide for more information on Dell OpenManage.

The switch's manage node supports the following:

SNMPv1 manager
Command line utilities to provide access to and command the manage node
MIB-II system group, interface group, and SNMP group
Fabric Element MIB
Vendor-Specific MIBs
Standard Generic traps

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SNMP Transports

The SNMP manage node residing on the embedded processor supports UDP/IP over the Ethernet interface
or any FC-IP interface (see Figure 3-1

). This transport provides an immediate Plug and Play support for the

switch once the IP address has been assigned.

MIB-II Support

There are eleven groups of objects specified in MIB-II. The switch's SNMP manage node supports three of
these groups. The eight additional groups do not apply.

The three groups supported include the following:

System group (object ID is {iso, org, dod, internet, mgmt, mib-2, 1})
Interfaces group (object ID is {iso, org, dod, internet, mgmt, mib-2, 2})
SNMP group (object ID is {iso, org, dod, internet, mgmt, mib-2, 11})

The following variables are modifiable via the SNMP set command, given an appropriate community with
read-write access.

sysDescr System description: the default value is set as Fibre Channel Switch
sysObjectID System object identifier vendor's authoritative identification (1.3.6.1.4.1.1588.2.1.1.1)
sysUpTime The time since the manage node was last initialized
sysContact The identification and contact information for this system. By default, this is set as Field Support.
sysLocation The node's physical location. The default setting is End User Premise .

The interface group supports three interface drivers: software loopback, Ethernet, and Fibre Channel IP. Dell
is not currently supporting Fibre Channel IP.

Fabric Element MIB Support

The following five object groups are defined:

Configuration group
Operation group
Error group
Accounting group
Capability group

The manage node supports all groups.

PowerVault™ 50F Switch Vendor Unique MIB

The following five object groups are defined:

PowerVault™ 50F System Group
Fabric Group
SNMP manage node Configuration Group
Fibre Channel Port Group

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Name Server Group

Generic Traps

Setting up the switch's SNMP connection to an existing managed network allows the network system
administrator to receive the following generic traps:

coldStart — indicates the manage node has reinitialized itself such that the manage node's
configuration can be altered.
warmStart — indicates the manage node has reinitialized itself, but no configuration has changed.
linkDown — indicates an IP interface (Ethernet, loop back, or embedded N_Port) has gone down and is
not available.
linkUp — indicates an IP interface (Ethernet, loop back, or embedded N_Port) has become available.
authenticationFailure — indicates the manage node has received a protocol message that is not
properly authenticated. This trap, by default, is disabled but can be enabled via the command

agtcfgSet

Enterprise Specific Traps

Three Enterprise Specific Traps are supported:

swFault — indicates that the diagnostics detect a fault with the switch.
swSensorScn — indicates that an environment sensor changes its operational state (for example, a fan
stops working). The VarBind in the Trap Data Unit contains the corresponding instance of the sensor
status.
swFCPortScn — a notification that a Fibre Channel Port changes its operational state (for instance, the
Fibre Channel Port goes from online to offline). The VarBind in the Trap Data Unit contains the
corresponding instance of the port's operational status.

NOTE: SNMP swFCPortScn traps are generated on GBIC insertion and removal even though the state remains offline.

Manage Node Configuration

Changes to SNMP from either Telnet or SNMP are not displayed in SNMP until the switch is rebooted
running. This is due to SNMP running from cache while the active settings are running from the flash PROM.

The configurable parameters include the following:

SNMPv1 communities (up to 6)
Trap recipients (1 per community)
sysName
sysLocation
authenticationFailure — indicates the manage node has received a protocol message that is not
properly authenticated. This trap, by default, is disabled but can be enabled via the command
agtcfgSet.

The sysX parameters can be configured via the SNMPv1 SET command with an appropriate community.
These parameters can be configured via a Telnet connection, using the command agtcfgSet.

NOTE: A change in the first two configuration parameters takes effect only after rebooting the switch.

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Name Server

The fibre channel protocol (FCP) inquiry data obtained by device probing may now be obtained from the
Name Server by retrieving the port symbolic name.

Common Transport (CT) requests and responses including Name Server are recorded in the portLog. A
typical trace is shown as follows, where port 4 logs in to the Name Server and issues command 217. It
receives an Accept (8002).

Jun 15 16:00:21.899 tReceive Rx3 4 116
22fffffc,00210413,03000000
Jun 15 16:00:21.899 tSwitch Tx3 4 116
23210413,00fffffc,02000000
Jun 15 16:00:21.933 tNSd ctin 4 fc
00030217,00210413,00000100
Jun 15 16:00:21.933 tNSd ctout 4 fc 00008002

Jun 15 16:00:21.933 tNSd Tx3 4 0
03210413,00fffffc

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Introducing PowerVault™ 50F Fibre Channel Switch Manager: Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Back to Contents Page

Introducing PowerVault™ 50F Fibre Channel Switch Manager:
Dell™ PowerVault™ 50F 8-Port Fibre Channel Switch Installation
and Troubleshooting Guide

Overview • Everyday Management • Managing Switch(es) Remotely • Switch Management Tools •
Administrative Functions

Overview

Use the PowerVault™ 50F Fibre Channel Switch Manager (Web interface) to log onto a switch from a host
with a Java-enabled Web browser via the Internet or Intranet to remotely manage a Server-Storage Area
Network (SAN) composed of switches and other SAN devices. PowerVault™ 50F Fibre Channel Switch
Manager allows you to dynamically interact with any switch in the SAN to monitor status and performance.
You use the available information to make overall topology decisions (for example, increasing a path's
bandwidth due to data saturation). Additionally, you can change a switch's configuration or download
firmware. The Administrative Interface and Telnet provide the means to make administrative changes, and
security is enforced by username and encrypted password.

This chapter discusses the following information about managing and monitoring a switch using
PowerVault™ 50F Fibre Channel Switch Manager:

Everyday management
Managing switch(es) remotely
Switch management tools (five screens)
Administrative functions (two screens)

Everyday Management

Everyday management includes the following range of tasks:

Monitoring port and switch operations
Evaluating port, switch, and network performance
Gathering statistics
Troubleshooting problems
Configuring the switch and the network topology

Managing Switch(es) Remotely

Using the PowerVault™ 50F Fibre Channel Switch Manager and a familiar Web browser, you can manage a
complex SAN, comprising multiple switches, as follows:

Switch identification in network
Fabric topology/routing information
Switches/ports general configuration

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