The Fibre Channel Protocol(FCP) auto-discovery process enables storage devices that accept the process login (PRLI) to communicate in a fabric. It includes: Determine the switch port working type, switch port peer device type, establish a connection with the peer device, complete the rate and negotiate other related parameters of the FC protocol.
This figure shows the process behind port initialization. Understanding this process can help you determine where a problem resides. For example, if your switch cannot form an E_Port, you understand that the process never got to that point or does not recognize the switch as an E_Port. Possible solutions would be to look at licensing and port configuration. Verify that the correct licensing is installed or that the port is not configured as a loop port, a G_Port, or the port speed is not set.
Port Type | Description |
U_Port | unidentified, or uninitiated ports are listed as U_Ports. |
L_Port/FL_Port | Fabric Loop port. Connects public loop devices |
G_Port | Generic port. Acts as a transition port for non-loop fabric-capable devices. |
E_Port | Expansion port. Assigned to ISL links. |
F_Port | Fabric port. Assigned to fabric-capable devices. |
If you have any questions about the link for storage, it's welcome to ask.
