Ports changing from fabric to loop mode

Ports changing from fabric to loop mode

Ports on my Brocade 4100 have been changing from fabric ports to loop ports. What is the significance of this and why does it happen?

    Requires Free Membership to View

    Login

    When you register for SearchStorage.com, you’ll also receive targeted emails from my team of award-winning editorial writers. Our goal is to keep you informed on the hottest topics, the latest news and the biggest challenges you face as a storage professional today.

    Rich Castagna, Editorial Director

    By submitting your registration information to SearchStorage.com you agree to receive email communications from TechTarget and TechTarget partners. We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy which contains important disclosures about how we collect and use your registration and other information. If you reside outside of the United States, by submitting this registration information you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Your use of SearchStorage.com is governed by our Terms of Use. You may contact us at webmaster@TechTarget.com.

When are the ports changing from fabric to loop mode? Are they changing randomly on their own and independently of when any devices are being added, removed or powered on?

The significance is that if a loop device, for example an older tape drive, is attached and powered on, a fabric port can automatically sense and change to loop mode. Likewise, if a loop device were removed and a fabric enabled device were plugged into the port, the Brocade switch can automatically sense and change it to fabric port.

If your ports are changing randomly and independently of any devices being added, removed, powered up, or during backups, check with your solution provider or the Brocade tech support Web site to see if you need to adjust some settings or firmware.

This was first published in March 2007

Back to top