We would like to Add Cisco MDS and Brocade Switch in the same fabric

[Sahil_Verma2]

We would like to Add Cisco MDS and Brocade Switch in the same fabric.

Please update how we could be able to do so

[marcusr]

Hi Sahil,

In general terms, we recommend that the Brocade switch is put in NPV mode (Brocade calls this “Brocade Access Gateway” mode), while the MDS switch has NPIV enabled. This would help you avoid potential zone merge failures, zone changes, RSCNs, or Interop Modes, and all the Zoning would be managed in the MDS.

Please refer to the "Cisco MDS 9000 Family Switch-to-Switch Interoperability Configuration Guide" for additional details and specific instructions.

Reference documents:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/datacenter/mds9000/interoperability/guide/interopgd/ICG_test.html

https://community.brocade.com/t5/Fibre-Channel-SAN-Technical/Brocade-Access-Gateway-Connectivity-to-Cisco-MDS-Fabrics/ta-p/2209

I hope this helps.

Marcus

[Walter Dey]

Although there is a interop mode allowing the interconnection, it will create all Kinds of challenges, eg. non matching functionality, tested interoperability on either side, Firmware upgrade that could break any working setup.

Ask the field for references ! I could not give you a single one ?

The advice to set the Brocade in NPV mode connecting to MDS in NPIV mode means totally redesigning the fabric (disruptive).

As a temporary solution: one Brocade fabric and a separate MDS fabric ? Operational cost ??