Getting Ready

Brocade VA-40FC QuickStart Guide

Complete the steps in this guide to install and setup your Brocade VA-40FC switch using EZSwitchSetup. Refer to the Brocade VA-40FC Hardware Reference Manual and the Fabric OS Administrator’s Guide (located on the Brocade VA-40FC Documentation CD) if you want to choose a different set up.

ATTENTION

The Brocade VA-40FC comes pre-configured in Access Gateway mode with the default F_Port-to-N_Port mappings (shown in Step

5of this guide). You do not need to configure Access Gateway if you use the default F_Port-to-N_Port mappings. You can change the default configuration using command line interface (CLI) or WebTools, after launching EZSwitchSetup as described below to configure an IP address that is reachable on your network.

Access Gateway mode can only be enabled or disabled when the VA-FC40 is in a disabled state. To deploy the Brocade VA-40FC as a traditional fabric switch with all fabric services enabled but without Access Gateway functionality, enter the switchDisable and then ag --modeDisablecommands or perform the equivalent operations in WebTools. To deploy the switch in Access Gateway mode, enter the switchDisable command on the VA-40FC and enter the ag –modeEnablecommand or its WebTools equivalent. These operations are data disruptive and trigger an automatic reboot of the VA-40FC before it comes up in the new mode.

Before you start the installation and setup of your switch, ensure the following items are available.

Fixed IP address (IPv4 or IPv6) for the switch (no DHCP server): _________________________________________________________________

Subnet mask value: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Default Gateway value: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Brocade switch World Wide Name (WWN) located on the switch ID pullout: ________________________________________________________

Ethernet connection (hub or switch)	Ethernet and Fibre Channel cables
EZSwitchSetup CD	Set up computer
Browser that allows pop-up windows	Optical transceivers (SFPs)

Installing and starting EZSwitchSetup

1.Insert the EZSwitchSetup CD into the CD-ROM drive of your set up computer. The installer will autostart in about a minute.

2.Follow the EZSwitchSetup directions for installation. Installation will take a few minutes after you click OK.

3.Wait for EZSwitchSetup to start, which should happen automatically after it is installed. For Windows and Linux instructions, refer to the EZSwitchSetup Administrator’s Guide.

4.On the EZSwitchSetup Introduction screen, choose the option that matches your set up configuration:

•Ethernet connection. This option uses the Ethernet LAN connection used for running EZSwitchSetup Manager.

•Direct connection to the switch with a serial cable.

5. Click Next. The Connect Cables screen is displayed.

Power up and connect cables to the switch

The Connect Cables screen shows you the connections you need to make.

1.Connect the power cord to the switch and then to the power source (1). The power and status LEDs display amber then green. This can take from one to 3 minutes.

2.Connect the switch and the set up computer to the same LAN, using Ethernet cables (3, 5) and an Ethernet hub or switch (2). Be sure the Ethernet hub or switch is connected to a power source (6).

3.If you want to use a serial connection for setup, connect your set up computer COM port (7) to the serial port on the switch, using the serial cable shipped with the switch (4). The serial connections settings are as follows:

•Bits per second: 9600

•Databits: 8

•Parity: none

•Stop bits: 1

•Flow control: none

4.Click Next.

•If you chose the Ethernet connection, the Discover Switch screen is displayed. Enter the switch WWN, following the instructions on the Discover Switch screen. After completing switch discovery, the Set Switch IP Address screen is displayed.

•If you chose to use the serial port connection, the Set Switch IP Address screen is immediately displayed.

Setting the switch IP address

1.Enter the required information on the Set Switch IP Address screen.

2.Click Next.

The Confirm IP Address screen is displayed.

3.Click Next to confirm the addresses.

VA-40FC specifications

Brocade Communications Systems VA-40FC is a robust and versatile storage area network (SAN) switch designed to meet the demands of modern data centers. This high-performance Fibre Channel switch is engineered to optimize storage connectivity and data transfer within enterprise environments, providing a reliable backbone for virtualization, cloud computing, and large-scale data applications.

One of the main features of the VA-40FC is its impressive port density. With up to 40 Fibre Channel ports, the switch supports multiple devices and enables organizations to scale their storage networks seamlessly. This feature is particularly beneficial in environments where high availability and redundancy are crucial, as it allows for the connection of numerous servers and storage systems without compromising performance.

The VA-40FC also supports advanced technologies such as Brocade's Fabric OS, which enhances network management and operational efficiency. Fabric OS provides features such as zoning, port mirroring, and performance monitoring, facilitating streamlined management of storage resources. These capabilities enable IT administrators to quickly configure, manage, and troubleshoot their SAN environments, reducing downtime and enhancing overall system reliability.

Another notable characteristic of the VA-40FC is its support for advanced performance features like Quality of Service (QoS) and trunking. QoS ensures that critical data traffic receives priority treatment, minimizing latency and ensuring that mission-critical applications operate smoothly. Trunking, on the other hand, allows for the aggregation of multiple links, effectively increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy.

Brocade's VA-40FC incorporates energy-efficient design principles, minimizing power consumption to lower operational costs. The switch features intelligent power management capabilities that automatically adjust power usage based on traffic demands, thereby contributing to a greener IT infrastructure.

In conclusion, Brocade Communications Systems VA-40FC is a powerful SAN switch equipped with a host of features and technologies that cater to the needs of contemporary data centers. Its high port density, advanced management functionalities, performance enhancements, and energy efficiency make it an ideal choice for organizations seeking to optimize their storage networks. By adopting the VA-40FC, enterprises can ensure that their data flow is seamless and secure, paving the way for increased productivity and innovation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.