Dell M8428-k User Guide

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Chapter
2Configuring the Dell M8428-k
In this chapter
•Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
•Items required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
•Modifying the converged network switch IP address  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   10
•Configuring for FCoE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   13
•Connecting the switch to the Ethernet management network . . . . . . . . . . .   14
•Connecting the switch to the fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   14
•Changing from NPIV aggregator mode to full fabric mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   17
•Changing from full fabric mode to NPIV aggregator mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   18
•Backing up the configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   20
Introduction
Use procedures in this chapter to configure the switch module to operate on a network and fabric. 
Also use steps to change the module’s operating mode (full fabric and NPIV modes) using either 
the browser-based GUI or the command line interface.
NOTE
Although the switch module is configured at the factory for NPIV mode, you can enable it for full 
fabric mode. For more information, refer to 
“Changing from NPIV aggregator mode to full fabric 
mode” on page 17.
This chapter provides configuration procedures that use switch module command line interface 
(CLI) and the browser-based GUI application. For details refer to the Dell Converged Enhanced 
Ethernet Administrator’s Guide, and Dell Converged Enhanced Ethernet Command Reference. If 
the same operation can be performed using the Blade Server Enclosure’s Chassis Management 
Controller (CMC) application, use that application instead.
Items required
The following items are required for configuring and connecting the converged network switch for 
use in a network and fabric:
•The converged network switch installed in a Blade Server Enclosure. For instructions, refer to 
the steps on installing an I/O module in the Hardware Owner’s Manual for the Blade Server 
Enclosure. 
						

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Modifying the converged network switch IP address2
•If required, management workstation (computer) that has a terminal emulator (such as 
HyperTerminal) or a keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) device. Note that this is only required if 
not changing the converged network switch IP address through the Blade Server Enclosure GUI 
or CLI management programs.
•An unused IP address and corresponding subnet mask and gateway address unless DHCP is 
used.
•If required, a serial cable to connect to the switch module serial console port. Note that this is 
only required if not changing the switch module IP address through the Blade Server Enclosure 
GUI or CLI management programs.
•Transceivers and compatible fibre cables, as required. The switch module can also use twin-ax 
copper cables.
NOTE
Use only Dell-approved transceivers on the external ports of this module.
•Access to an FTP server for backing up the converged network switch configuration. 
•Access to these publications:
•Blade Server Enclosure Hardware Owner’s Manual
•Blade Server Enclosure Configuration Guide
•Dell Converged Enhanced Ethernet Administrator’s Guide
•Dell Converged Enhanced Ethernet Command Reference
•Dell Fabric OS MIB Reference Manual
Modifying the converged network switch IP address
By default, the IP address for the converged network switch is configured as 10.77.77.77 with a 
default Ethernet subnetmask of 255.255.255.0. The default gateway is 0.0.0.0.
You can set the IP address using three methods. If the IP values are set using any of these 
methods, the IP values are stored on the switch module. 
•Blade Server Enclosure CMC CLI.
•Blade Server Enclosure CMC graphical user interface (GUI). 
•Dell M8428-k command line interface (CLI).
After modifying the switch module’s IP address and domain name (if switch module is in full fabric 
mode), we recommend that you cable all external ports to fabric connections before bringing the 
switch module online.
ATTENTION
Do not connect the switch module to the internal network until the IP address is correctly set for your 
Ethernet network requirements. 
NOTE
It is recommended that you set the IP address using the Blade Server Enclosure CMC GUI 
application because this enables centralized management of the converged network switch.  
						

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Modifying the converged network switch IP address2
Using the CMC CLI to set the IP address
Use the following steps to connect modify the converged network switch IP address through the 
CMC CLI.
1. Establish a Telnet session to the CMC CLI.
2. At the command prompt, type connect switch-x where x is the bay where the switch module is 
installed. For example, switch-x can be:
•Switch-3 for switch module installed in bay B1.
•Switch-4 for switch module installed in bay B2.
•Switch-5 for switch module installed in bay C1.
•Switch-6 for switch module installed in bay C2.
3. At the login prompt, enter the default user name as “admin” and password as “password”.
4. Use the appropriate CLI commands to change the IP address of the selected switch module. 
Refer to your Blade Server Enclosure CLI documentation.
Using the CMC GUI to set the IP address
To change the IP address, use the following steps:
1. Click the I/O Module Overview in the navigation panel of the CMC menu.
2. Open the CMC application’s Setup tab.
3. Enter the new information in the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway fields as appropriate 
and click Apply.
4. To enable DHCP, select DHCP Enabled and click Apply.
FIGURE 3CMC Setup Tab 
						

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Modifying the converged network switch IP address2
NOTE
Refer to the documentation for the CMC GUI application for additional detail.
Using the Dell M8428-k CLI to set the IP address
Use the following tasks to change the IP address on the switch module using the module’s CLI. 
Follow the first few steps to establish a terminal emulation session between the switch module and 
a Blade Server Enclosure management workstation used for managing the switch module. Once 
this session is established, you can log into the module and use its CLI commands to manage the 
module.
1. Connect a serial cable between the serial console port on the converged network switch and a 
Blade Server Enclosure management workstation that can establish a terminal emulation 
session with the switch module. For instructions, refer to the Configuration Guide for your 
Blade Server Enclosure.
2. Disable any serial communication programs that are running on the workstation.
3. Using a terminal emulator application (such as HyperTerminal on a PC or TERM in a LINUX or 
UNIX environment), establish a terminal session to the converged network switch from the 
management workstation. You will use this connection if you want to reset the module’s IP 
address using CLI commands and perform other configuration tasks.
For Windows 95, 98, 2000, XP, NT, 2003, or 2008
a. Click Start and select Programs -> Accessories -> Communications.
b. Select HyperTerminal and enter a name for the connection.
c. From the Hyper terminal window, click the Connect drop-down menu and select an 
available COM por t. 
						

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Configuring for FCoE2
d. Click OK.
e. From the COM Port Properties window, select the following configuration values:
•Bits per second: 9600
•Databits: 8
•Parity: None
•Stop bits: 1
•Flow Control: None
For LINUX or UNIX
a. Enter the following at the command prompt:
tip /dev/ttyb -9600
b. When the terminal application stops reporting information, press Enter to display the login 
prompt.
c. Log in to the default administrative account using the following identification:
Login: admin
Password: password
d. When prompted either change the administrative password, or press Ctrl-C to bypass.
4. Verify that the switch module has completed POST. When POST is complete, the port status 
and switch module power and status LEDs return to a standard healthy state.
5. Enter the CLI ipAddrSet command. 
Follow on-screen instructions and supply the correct information, as shown in the following 
example.
switch:admin> ipaddrset
Ethernet IP Address [10.77.77.77]:10.32.53.47
Ethernet Subnetmask [255.255.255.0]:255.255.240.0
Fibre Channel IP Addresss [none]:
Fibre Channel Subnetmask [none]:
Gateway IP Address [0.0.0.0]:10.32.48.1
DHCP [Off]:
IP address is being changed...Done.
6. Enter ipAddrShow at the prompt to verify that the address was correctly set.
Configuring for FCoE
The initial configuration of the switch has the CEE ports shut down. In order to configure the ports 
for FCoE operation, you must access the CEE command shell and configure both the internal and 
external CEE ports. Once you have logged into the switch, use the cmsh command to access the 
CEE command shell. Use the following steps to configure the CEE ports.
1. Login to the switch.
2. Enter the following command:
cmsh
3. Once in the command shell, enter the following command:
enable 
						

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Connecting the switch to the Ethernet management network2
4. Enter the following command:
conf t
5. Enter one of the following commands:
a.interface intengigabitethernet 0/x where x is the internal port you wish to change
b.interface extengigabitethernet 0/x where x is the external port you wish to change
6. The default for internal ports is no shut (enabled) while the default value for external ports is 
shut (disabled). To enable the external ports, in the port interface enter the following 
commands:
fcoeport
no shut 
exit
7. Repeat steps 5-6 for any other module port you wish to configure.
8. Once finished with all of the module ports, type exit and press Enter (you should still be in the 
CMSH at this point).
9. Enter the following command:
write mem
Answer yes to overwrite the startup file.
10. Enter the following command:
copy running-config startup-config
Answer yes to overwrite.
See the Dell Converged Enhanced Ethernet Administrator’s Guide for information about CEE CLI 
interface and configuring switches for FCoE operation and the Dell Converged Enhanced Ethernet 
Command Reference for more details on the commands. 
Connecting the switch to the Ethernet management network
Once you have successfully set the appropriate IP address of the converged network switch, you 
can establish an Ethernet connection through the Chassis Management Controller (CMC) to a 
remote management workstation for any additional configuration. The management workstation 
must be on the same Ethernet subnet as the CMC.
NOTE
Ensure that the switch module is not being modified from any other connection until configuration 
is complete.
Connecting the switch to the fabric
Before beginning the following steps, determine whether the switch module is in NPIV or full fabric 
mode. This affects the configuration process. Using the switch module CLI, enter the ag ––
modeShow command to determine the current operating mode. 
						

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Connecting the switch to the fabric2
1. If the switch module is in full fabric mode, continue with step 2 and step 3. If the module is in 
NPIV mode, go on to step 4.
2. Log onto the converged network switch through a Telnet connection, using the admin account. 
3. Modify the domain ID if required using switch module CLI commands. 
The default domain ID is 1. If the switch module is not powered on until after it is connected to 
the fabric and the default domain ID is already in use, the domain ID for the new switch 
module is automatically reset to a unique value. If the switch module is connected to the fabric 
after it has been powered on and the default domain ID is already in use, the fabric segments.
To find the domain IDs that are currently in use, run the fabricShow command on another 
converged network switch or switch in the fabric. Identify an unused domain ID.
a. Disable the converged network switch being configured using the switchDisable 
command.
b. Enter the configure command at the root prompt.
The command prompts display sequentially. Enter a new value at the Domain prompt or 
press Enter to accept the default value. The converged network switch now has a unique 
domain ID and can join the fabric. Following is an example of command output.
Fabric parameters (yes, y, no, n): [no] y
    Domain: (1..239) [2] 
    R_A_TOV: (4000..120000) [10000] 
    E_D_TOV: (1000..5000) [2000] 
    WAN_TOV: (0..30000) [0] 
    MAX_HOPS: (7..19) [7] 
    Data field size: (256..2112) [2112] 
    Sequence Level Switching: (0..1) [0] 
    Disable Device Probing: (0..1) [0] 
    Suppress Class F Traffic: (0..1) [0] 
    Per-frame Route Priority: (0..1) [0] 
    Long Distance Fabric: (0..1) [0] 
    BB credit: (1..27) [16] 
    Disable FID Check (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
    Insistent Domain ID Mode (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
  Configure edge hold time (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
  Virtual Channel parameters (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
  F-Port login parameters (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
  Zoning Operation parameters (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
  RSCN Transmission Mode (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
  Arbitrated Loop parameters (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
  System services (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
  Portlog events enable (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
  ssl attributes (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
  rpcd attributes (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
  cfgload attributes (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
  webtools attributes (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
  Custom attributes (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
  system attributes (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
  System  (yes, y, no, n): [no] 
WARNING: The domain ID will be changed. The port level zoning may be 
affected
c. Re-enable the switch module by entering the switchEnable command. 
						

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Connecting the switch to the fabric2
NOTE
It could take a short time (typically a few seconds, but sometimes up to 20 seconds) for the 
newly added switch module to appear in the fabric display with its newly assigned domain ID.
4. If you need to install transceivers, install them in the external CEE and FC ports as required.
a. Remove the dust plugs from the ports to be used.
b. If necessary, remove the end caps from the transceiver.
c. Orient the transceiver correctly and insert it into a port until it is firmly seated and the 
latching mechanism clicks.
For instructions specific to the type of transceiver, refer to the transceiver manufacturer’s 
documentation.
d. Repeat substeps a, b, and c for the remaining ports, as required.
NOTE
Use only Dell-approved transceivers in the external optical ports of this module.
5. Connect the cables to the transceivers.
The transceivers are keyed to ensure correct orientation. If a transceiver does not install easily, 
ensure that it is correctly oriented and that the end caps have been removed. The cables used 
in trunking groups must meet specific requirements. 
ATTENTION
A  c a b l e  s h o u l d  n o t  b e  b e n t  to  a  r a d i u s  l e s s  t h a n  5.08 cm (2 inches) under full tensile load and 3.048 
cm (1.2 inches) with no tensile load.
Tie wraps are not recommended for optical cables because they are easily overtightened.
a. Orient a cable connector so that the key (the ridge on one side of connector) aligns with 
the slot in the transceiver. 
b. Insert the cable into the transceiver until the latching mechanism clicks. For instructions 
specific to cable type, refer to the cable manufacturer’s documentation.
c. Repeat for the remaining transceivers as required.
6. Check the LEDs to verify that all components are functional. 
For information about LED patterns, see the “Interpreting LED activity” on page 23.
7. Verify the correct operation of the converged network switch by typing the switchShow 
command from the workstation.
This command provides information about switch module and port status.
8. Verify the correct operation of the converged network switch in the fabric by entering one of the 
following commands:
a. If you are in NPIV mode, enter the ag --show command
b. If you are in full fabric mode, enter the fabricShow command
9. Back up the switch module configuration to an FTP server. See “Backing up the configuration” 
on page 20 for specifics. 
						

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Changing from NPIV aggregator mode to full fabric mode2
These commands upload the converged network switch configuration to the server, making it 
available for downloading to a replacement converged network switch if necessary. Dell 
recommends backing up the configuration on a regular basis to ensure that a complete 
configuration is available for downloading to a replacement switch module. 
Changing from NPIV aggregator mode to full fabric mode
If your converged network switch is currently configured in NPIV mode, you can enable the module 
for full fabric mode by disabling NPIV mode. When you do this, the module automatically reboots in 
full fabric mode.
Determine if the switch module is running in NPIV mode by entering the switchShow CLI command 
to display the current switch configuration. If running in NPIV aggregator mode, the switchMode 
parameter will display Access Gateway.
NOTE
Disabling NPIV mode is disruptive because the switch is disabled and rebooted. Always back up the 
current configuration before enabling or disabling NPIV mode. Enabling NPIV mode clears the 
security and zone databases. Disabling NPIV mode clears the F_Port to N_Port mapping.
Changing to full fabric mode using the browser-based GUI
Complete the following steps to enable full fabric mode using the browser-based GUI.
1. From the management console, open a Web browser.
2. Enter the IP address of the converged network switch into the Address field of the Web 
browser.
3. Log into the browser-based GUI using the default administrative account.
Login: admin
Password: password
4. From the Fabric Tree, select the converged network switch.
The selected switch module appears in the Switch View.
5. Click the Switch Admin button in the browser-based GUI Manage task box. 
The Switch Administration window opens.
NOTE
You should save the configuration file if you are converting an converged network switch to NPIV 
mode. To save your current configuration, click the Show Advanced Mode button in the top 
right-hand corner of the Switch Administration window. Select the Configure tab, then select the 
Upload/Download tab. Enter the relevant information to upload the configuration file. 
6. From the Switch Status section, click Disable.
7. From the NPIV Mode section, click Disable.
8. Click Apply.
9. When prompted, click Yes to restart the switch module in full fabric mode. 
						

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Changing from full fabric mode to NPIV aggregator mode2
The current browser-based GUI session closes; relaunch browser-based GUI after the switch 
module reboots.
Changing to full fabric mode using the command line interface
Complete the following steps to enable NPIV mode using the CLI.
1. Log in using the default administrative account.
Login: admin
Password: password
2. Enter the following command to disable the switch.
switchDisable
3. Back up the switch configurations. See “Backing up the configuration” on page 20 for 
specifics.
4. Enter the following command to enable full fabric mode:
ag ––modeDisable
The switch module automatically reboots and comes back online in full fabric mode. The NPIV 
parameters, such as port mapping and failover and failback, are automatically removed. 
You can enter the ag ––modeShow command to ensure that the module is in NPIV mode.
ag ––modeShow
The response should say:
Access Gateway mode is NOT enabled.
Changing from full fabric mode to NPIV aggregator mode
If your converged network switch is currently configured in full fabric mode you can enable NPIV 
mode using the following instructions. You can log into the switch module and enable NPIV mode 
using either the browser-based GUI or the switch module command line interface (CLI). 
Determine if the converged network switch is running in full fabric mode by entering the 
switchShow CLI command to display the current switch configuration. If running in full fabric mode, 
the switchMode parameter should display Native.
NOTE
Enabling NPIV mode is a disruptive process because the switch is disabled and rebooted.Always 
back up the current configuration before enabling or disabling NPIV mode. Enabling NPIV mode 
clears the security and zone databases. Disabling NPIV mode clears the F_Port to N_Port mapping.
Once you enable the converged network switch in NPIV mode, only a limited subset of the fabric 
operating system commands are available and all fabric-related service requests are forwarded to 
the fabric switches.