53-1000686-07

23 November 2009

Brocade DCX Backbone

QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

*53-1000686-07*

Copyright 2007-2009 Brocade Communications Systems, Incorporated.

Brocade, the B-wing symbol, BigIron, DCX, Fabric OS, FastIron, IronPoint, IronShield, IronView, IronWare, JetCore, NetIron, SecureIron, ServerIron,
StorageX, and TurboIron are registered trademarks, and DCFM, Extraordinary Networks, and SAN Health are trademarks of Brocade
Communications Systems, Inc., in the United States and/or in other countries. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be
trademarks or service marks of, and are used to identify, products or services of their respective owners.
Notice: This document is for informational purposes only and does not set forth any warranty, expressed or implied, concerning any equipment,
equipment feature, or service offered or to be offered by Brocade. Brocade reserves the right to make changes to this document at any time,
without notice, and assumes no responsibility for its use. This informational document describes features that may not be currently available.
Contact a Brocade sales office for information on feature and product availability. Export of technical data contained in this document may
require an export license from the United States government.
The authors and Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. shall have no liability or responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss,
cost, liability, or damages arising from the information contained in this book or the computer programs that accompany it.
The product described by this document may contain open source software covered by the GNU General Public License or other open source
license agreements. To find out which open source software is included in Brocade products, view the licensing terms applicable to the open
source software, and obtain a copy of the programming source code, please visit http://www.brocade.com/support/oscd.

Brocade Communications Systems, Incorporated

Corporate and Latin American Headquarters
Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.
1745 Technology Drive
San Jose, CA 95110
Tel: 1-408-333-8000
Fax: 1-408-333-8101
E-mail: [email protected]

Asia-Pacific Headquarters
Brocade Communications Systems China HK, Ltd.
No. 1 Guanghua Road
Chao Yang District
Units 2718 and 2818
Beijing 100020, China
Tel: +8610 6588 8888
Fax: +8610 6588 9999
E-mail: [email protected]

European Headquarters
Brocade Communications Switzerland Srl
Centre Swissair
Tour B - 4me tage
29, Route de l'Aroport
Case Postale 105
CH-1215 Genve 15
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 799 5640
Fax: +41 22 799 5641
E-mail: [email protected]

Asia-Pacific Headquarters
Brocade Communications Systems Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen WFOE)
Citic Plaza
No. 233 Tian He Road North
Unit 1308 13th Floor
Guangzhou, China
Tel: +8620 3891 2000
Fax: +8620 3891 2111
E-mail: [email protected]

Document History
Document Title

Publication Number

Summary of Changes

Publication Date

Brocade DCX Data Center Backbone

Director QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-01

New document. Early version.

September 2007

Brocade DCX Data Center Backbone

Director QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-02

Updated. Formal release of product.

January 2008

Brocade DCX Backbone QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-03

Updated for product name change.

January 2008

Brocade DCX Backbone QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-04

Updated for Fabric OS 6.1.0.

March 2008

Brocade DCX Backbone QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-05

Updated for Fabric OS 6.1.1 and OS

6.1.1_enc..

August 2008

2 of 24

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

Document Title

Publication Number

Summary of Changes

Publication Date

Brocade DCX Backbone QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-06

Changes to accessory kit (removed

power cord) and to Asia-Pacific
address.

August 2008

Brocade DCX Backbone QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

Corrected IPAddrSet command.

November 2009

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

3 of 24

In this guide
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Brocade DCX, port side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Brocade DCX, nonport side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Time and items required for installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Site planning and safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Accessory kit containing the following items: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Providing power to the Brocade DCX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Cable management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Establishing a serial connection and logging on to Brocade DCX . . . . . . . . 18
Configuring IP addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Establishing an Ethernet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Customizing a switch name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Setting the Domain ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Verifying the PID mode and connecting to the fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Enabling software licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Configuration backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Introduction
This guide provides instructions for unpacking, installing, and setting up a Brocade DCX Backbone as a standalone
unit quickly. Note the following additional documentation:

For detailed installation and configuration instructions, refer to the Brocade DCX Backbone Hardware
Reference Manual.

For rack-specific installation instructions, refer to the 14U Rack Mount Kit Installation Procedure or the
Mid-Mount Rack Kit Installation Procedure.
The Brocade DCX can be installed in the following ways:

As a standalone unit on a flat surface.

In a 19-inch Electronic Industries Association (EIA) cabinet, using the 14U rack mount kit (provided).
The basic configuration steps required to set up the Brocade DCX are listed in this guide. Additional configuration
information is provided in the Brocade DCX Backbone Hardware Reference Manual and the Fabric OS
Administrators Guide.

4 of 24

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

Safety notices
NOTE
Translated safety notices are in the Brocade Product Safety Notices publication, which is on the CD-ROM that
accompanies this product.
When using this product, observe the danger, caution, and attention notices in this manual. The notices are
accompanied by symbols that represent the severity of the safety condition.
The danger and caution notices are listed in numerical order based on their IDs, which are displayed in parentheses,
for example (D004), at the end of each notice. Use this ID to locate the translations of these danger and caution
notices in the Brocade Product Safety Notices.

Danger notices
A danger notice calls attention to a situation that is potentially lethal or extremely hazardous to people. A
lightning bolt symbol accompanies a danger notice to represent a dangerous electrical condition. Read and
comply with the following danger notice before installing or servicing this device.

DANGER
Use the supplied power cords. Ensure the facility power receptacle is the correct type, supplies the
required voltage, and is properly grounded. (D004)

Caution notices
A caution notice calls attention to a situation that is potentially hazardous to people because of some existing
condition. Read and comply with the following caution notice before installing or servicing this device.

CAUTION
Use safe lifting practices when moving the product. (C015)

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

5 of 24

Brocade DCX, port side

NOTE
Airflow in the Brocade DCX is from the non-port (non-cable) side to the port (cable) side and out the exhaust vent.
Figure 1 displays a sample configuration of the port side of the Brocade DCX.

2
3
4

1
2
3

Exhaust Vent
Core switch blade (CR8)
Control processor blade (CP8)

FIGURE 1

6 of 24

4
5

FC8-48 port blade

Cable management comb

Port side of the Brocade DCX (sample configuration)

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

Brocade DCX, nonport side

Figure 2 displays a sample configuration of the nonport side view of the Brocade DCX.

1
2

1
2

WWN bezel (logo plate)

Power supply

FIGURE 2

Blower assembly

Nonport side of the Brocade DCX (sample configuration)

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

7 of 24

Time and items required for installation

NOTE
This installation procedure describes how to set up the Brocade DCX as a standalone unit. For rack-mount installation
instructions, refer to the 14U Rack Mount Kit Installation Procedure or the Mid-Mount Rack Kit Installation Procedure.
Table 1 describes the main installation and setup tasks and the estimated time required for each, based on a fully
populated Brocade DCX (384 Fibre Channel ports). Configurations with fewer ports require less time. These time
estimates assume a prepared installation site and appropriate power and network connectivity.

TABLE 1

Installation tasks, time and items required

Installation task

Time estimate

Items required

Site preparation and unpacking Brocade

DCX

30 minutes

1/2-in. socket wrench (to remove pallet bolts)

#2 Phillips screwdriver
(for cable management comb)
Pallet jack
Hydraulic lift or assisted lift, able to raise to a
minimum of 55 in. (140 cm), with a minimum
capacity of 113 kg (250 lb). The Brocade DCX
weighs 104 kg (228 lb) with eight FC8-48 port
cards installed (384 ports).

Installing rack mount kit

30 minutes

Mounting and securing Brocade DCX in

rack

30 minutes

14U Rack Mount Kit Installation Procedure or

Mid-Mount Rack Kit Installation Procedure.

Installing power cables and powering on

the Brocade DCX

10 minutes

Power cables (provided in the Brocade DCX

accessory kit)

Installing SFP and XFP (10-Gbit/sec)

optical transceivers

30 minutes

SFP and XFP (10-Gbit/sec) optical transceivers

Attaching fiber optic cables, cable ties, and

cable guides

60 minutes

Fiber optic cables, cable ties, and pillars

Establishing serial connection, logging on

to Brocade DCX, and configuring IP
addresses

10 minutes

Serial cable (provided in the Brocade DCX

accessory kit)
Workstation computer with a serial port or
terminal server port and a terminal emulator
application (such as HyperTerminal)
Ethernet IP addresses for the switch (1) and
for each control/core processor blade (2): total
three addresses

Installing Ethernet cable(s) and configuring

the Brocade DCX name, policies, domain
ID, PIDs, or additional system parameters

20 minutes

Ethernet cabling (optional) for Telnet access

All other configuration parameters optional
Refer to the Fabric OS Administrators Guide
for PID information.

8 of 24

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

Site planning and safety guidelines

NOTE
Read the safety notices before installation (Safety notices).
The following steps are required to ensure correct installation and operation.
1. Provide a space that is 14 rack units (14U) high, 61.29 cm (24.09 in.) deep, and 43.74 cm (17.22 in.). 1U is
equal to 4.45 cm (1.75 in.).
2. Plan to install the Brocade DCX with the nonport side facing the air-intake aisle. The Brocade DCX can be
installed facing either direction, if serviceability and cooling requirements are met.
3. Plan for cable management before installing the chassis.
Cables can be managed in a variety of ways, such as by routing cables below the chassis, to either side of the
chassis, through cable channels on the sides of the cabinet, or by using patch panels.
4. Ensure that dedicated electrical branch circuits with the following characteristics are available:

200 240 VAC, 5060 Hz (two branch circuits)

110 - 120 VAC, 50-60 Hz (up to four branch circuits)
Two cables for 200 - 240 VAC service; up to four cables for 110 - 120 VAC service)
Protected by a circuit breaker in accordance with local electrical codes
Supply circuit, line fusing, and wire size adequate to the electrical rating on the chassis nameplate
Location close to the chassis and easily accessible
Grounded outlets installed by a licensed electrician, compatible with the power cords

ATTENTION
To maximize fault tolerance, connect each power cord to a separate power source.
5. Ensure that the air intake and exhaust vents have a minimum of 2 in. of airspace.
6. Ensure that the air temperature on the air intake side is less than 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit)
during operation.

CAUTION
Use safe lifting practices when moving the product. (C015)

NOTE
A fully populated Brocade DCX (eight FC8-48 port cards, 384 ports) weighs approximately 104 kg (228 lbs) and
requires a hydraulic or assisted lift to install it.

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

9 of 24

Items included with the Brocade DCX

The following items are included with the standard shipment of the Brocade DCX:

Brocade DCX chassis, populated with:

Control processor blades (CP8)
Core switch blades (CR8)
Port blades and application blades (included based on customer specification)
Blade filler panels (for slots not filled by a port, control processor, or core switch blade)
WWN cards
WWN bezel (logo plate)
Power supplies
Power supply filler panels (included if there are fewer than four power supplies)
Blower assemblies
Cable management comb
Chassis door
Accessory kit containing the following items:
Brocade DCX Backbone QuickStart Guide
Brocade Documentation CD (contains documents referred to in this manual)
ESD grounding strap
RS-232 serial cable. The RS-232 cable has an adapter at one end that can be removed to provide an
RJ-45-style connector.

14U rack mount kit with instructions (includes rear brackets and bottom support rails)
Order the optical transceivers (SFP and XFP) from Brocade. The Brocade DCX supports SWL, LWL, and ELWL
transceivers.

NOTE
For information about the SFP and XFP transceivers that are qualified for the Brocade DCX, go to
http://www.brocade.com/products/interop_and_compatibility.jsp.

Unpacking and installing the Brocade DCX

1. Unpack and install the Brocade DCX.
a.

Cut the bands that encircle the packaging.

b.

Remove the lid and the kits and foam from the top of the chassis.

c.

Lift the cardboard box off the chassis and remove the plastic bag from around the chassis.
Save the packing materials for use when returning the old chassis.

d.

Leave the chassis on top of the plastic shipping tray if the chassis must be transported to the installation
location.

10 of 24

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

NOTE
DCX packaging does not incorporate wood pallet and pallet brackets. DCX chassis sits on top of plastic shipping
tray.
2. Use a pallet jack or other assisted lift to transport the new chassis to the installation area. Doorways must be
wider than 36 in. (91 cm) to accommodate the chassis.
3. Remove the 14U rack mount kit, accessory kit, packing foam, and antistatic plastic from the chassis and set
aside.
4. Remove the chassis door from the Brocade DCX.
5. Remove the cable management comb (Figure 1).
6. Use a lift to raise the chassis to the correct level. If installing the chassis in a cabinet, follow the instructions
provided by the rack kit manufacturer.
7.

If applicable, lock the wheels of the lift.

8. Gently slide the chassis onto the final installation surface, ensuring that it remains supported during the
transfer.
9. Ensure that the chassis is oriented so that the nonport side has access to intake air (cool).
10. Reinstall the cable management comb.
11. Reinstall the door.

Providing power to the Brocade DCX

DANGER
Use the supplied power cords. Ensure the facility power receptacle is the correct type, supplies the
required voltage, and is properly grounded. (D004)
Perform the following steps to provide power to the Brocade DCX.

ATTENTION
To prevent a potential IP address conflict, do not connect the Brocade DCX to the network until the IP addresses are
configured.
1. Connect the AC power cords to the power supply assemblies. One to four power cords are required depending on
electrical service.
2. Connect the power cords to a power source with voltage of 200 to 240 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz (normally two power
cords) or to a power source with voltage of 110 to 120 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz (two to four power cords).

ATTENTION
Use of the high-voltage line (200 to 240 VAC) is highly recommended due to better power-conversion efficiency.

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

11 of 24

3. Turn the AC power switches on the power supplies to ON (I). The AC power switches light green when switched on
and power is supplied.
The Brocade DCX performs a power-on self-test (POST) each time it is powered on. POST takes approximately 10
minutes and is complete when indicator light activity indicates the operational state.
You can bypass POST by using the fastBoot command. You can also disable POST for successive reboots on the
Brocade DCX using the diagDisablePost command.

Cable management
The cable management comb (Figure 1) is attached to the chassis under the chassis door and allows for simple
cable management. The comb can be installed without service disruption.
Route cables down in front of the blades to keep LEDs visible. Leave at least one meter of slack for each fiber optic
cable to provide room to remove and replace blades.

ATTENTION
Do not route the cables in front of the air exhaust vent, which is located at the top of the port side of the chassis.
If ISL Trunking is in use, group the cables by trunking group. The ports are color-coded to indicate which ports can be
used in the same ISL Trunking group: eight ports marked with solid black ovals alternate with eight ports marked
with oval outlines.

Installing ICL cables (optional)

NOTE
ICL ports can be used only with an ICL license. After the addition or removal of a license, the license enforcement is
performed on the ICL ports only when the portdisable and portenable commands are issued on the ports. An ICL
license must be installed on both Brocade Backbones forming the ICL connection.
Follow this procedure to install the inter-chassis link (ICL) cables. Refer to the Fabric OS Administrators Guide for the
configuration procedure and requirements.
Figure 3 shows an ICL cable. The ICL cables (2 meters long) and the ICL connectors are color-coded and labeled for
ease of installation.Figure 4 through Figure 7 show the acceptable cabling configurations for the inter-chassis link
(ICL) feature. Connect the ICL cables in one of the configurations shown.

ATTENTION
To prevent the latch mechanism from wear, use the color-coded (green) latch-release tab for cable removal. Pull the
tab to disengage the retention latch before cable removal.

ATTENTION
Connect the cables from the top connectors (ICL 1) of the CR8 blades in the first chassis to the bottom connectors
(ICL 0) of the CR8 blades in the second chassis.
Similarly, connect the cables from the bottom connectors (ICL 0) of the CR8 blades in the first chassis to the top
connectors (ICL 1) of the CR8 blades in the second chassis.

12 of 24

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

NOTE
The cables can cross between the slot 5 CR8 blade and the slot 8 CR8 blade as long as the top-to-bottom rule is
followed.

ICL

ICL

FIGURE 3

Inter-chassis link (ICL) cable

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

13 of 24

1
2
3
4
5

6
7
8

1
2
3
4

Chassis 1
Core switch blades (CR8)
Core processor blades (CP8)
Port blades

FIGURE 4

14 of 24

ICL

t 01
5 i ICL connector (ICL 1)
6
ICL connector (ICL 0)
7
ICL cables
8
Chassis 2

Inter-chassis link (ICL) connections - Configuration 1

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

1
2
3
4
5

6
7
8

1
2
3
4

Chassis 1
Core switch blades (CR8)
Core processor blades (CP8)
Port blades

FIGURE 5

5
6
7
8

ICL connector (ICL 1)

ICL connector (ICL 0)
ICL cables
Chassis 2

Inter-chassis link (ICL) connections - Configuration 2

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

15 of 24

1
2
3
4
5

6
7
8

1
2
3
4

Chassis 1
Core switch blades (CR8)
Core processor blades (CP8)
Port blades

FIGURE 6

16 of 24

5
6
7
8

ICL connector (ICL 1)

ICL connector (ICL 0)
ICL cables
Chassis 2

Inter-chassis link (ICL) connections - Configuration 3

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

1
2
3
4
5

6
7
8

1
2
3
4

Chassis 1
Core switch blades (CR8)
Core processor blades (CP8)
Port blades

FIGURE 7

5
6
7
8

ICL connector (ICL 1)

ICL connector (ICL 0)
ICL cables
Chassis 2

Inter-chassis link (ICL) connections - Configuration 4

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

17 of 24

Establishing a serial connection and logging on to Brocade DCX

Perform the following steps to establish a serial connection and log on to the Brocade DCX.
1. Verify that the Brocade DCX is powered on and that POST is complete by verifying that all power LED indicators
on the port, control processor, and core switch blades display a steady green light.
2. Remove the shipping cap from the CONSOLE port on the active CP. Use the serial cable provided with the
Brocade DCX to connect the CONSOLE port on the active CP to a computer workstation. The active CP blade is
indicated by an illuminated (blue) LED.

ATTENTION
The CONSOLE port is intended primarily for the initial setting of the IP address and for service purposes.
3. Access the Brocade DCX using a terminal emulator application (such as HyperTerminal in a Windows
environment or TERM in a UNIX environment).
4. Disable any serial communication programs running on the workstation (such as synchronization programs).
5. Open the terminal emulator application and configure as follows:
For most MS Windows systems:
Bits per second:
Databits:
Parity:
Stop bits:
Flow control:

9600
8
None
1
None

For most UNIX systems, type the following string at the prompt:
tip /dev/ttyb -9600

When the terminal emulator application stops reporting information, press Enter. You will receive the following
login prompt:
CP0 Console Login:

6. Log in to the Brocade DCX as admin. The default password is password. At the initial login, the user is
prompted to enter new admin and user passwords. Make sure to write down the new passwords and keep this
information in a secure location.
Fabric OS (swDir)
swDir login: admin
Password:
Please change your passwords now.
Use Control-C to exit or press 'Enter' key to proceed.
Password was not changed. Will prompt again at next login
until password is changed.
swDir:admin>

7.

(Optional) Modify passwords. Passwords can be 8 to 40 characters long. They must begin with an alphabetic
character. They can include numeric characters, the dot (.), and the underscore (_). Passwords are
case-sensitive, and they are not displayed when you enter them on the command line. To skip modifying the
password, press Ctrl-C. For more information on passwords, refer to the Fabric OS Administrators Guide.

18 of 24

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

Configuring IP addresses
The Brocade DCX requires three IP addresses, which are configured using the ipAddrSet command. IP addresses are
required for both CP blades (CP0 and CP1) and for the single logical switch (shown as SWITCH under the ipAddrShow
command) in the Brocade DCX.

NOTE
The default IP addresses and host names for the Brocade DCX are:
- 10.77.77.75 / CP0 - the CP blade in slot 6 at the time of configuration
- 10.77.77.74 / CP1 - the CP blade in slot 7 at the time of configuration

ATTENTION
Resetting an IP address while the Brocade DCX has active IP traffic such as DCFM, Fabric Watch, SNMP, or other
applications can cause traffic to be interrupted or stopped.

Perform the following steps to configure the IP addresses for both CP blades (from the active CP blade).
1. Log in to the active CP as admin using the serial cable connection.
2. Set up the Brocade DCX IP address by entering the ipaddrset -chassis command:
swDir:admin> ipAddrSet -chassis

Enter the information requested by the prompts. Specify the -chassis IP address. The -sw 0 IP address is no
longer valid on this chassis.

NOTE
The addresses 10.0.0.0 through 10.0.0.255 are reserved and used internally by the Brocade DCX. External IPs
must not use these addresses.
3. Set up the CP0 IP address by entering the ipaddrset -cp 0 command:
swDir:admin> ipAddrSet -cp 0

Enter the information requested by the prompts.

4. Set up the CP1 IP address by entering the ipaddrset -cp 1 command:
swDir:admin> ipAddrSet -cp 1

Enter the information requested by the prompts.

This is a sample IP configuration:
swDir:admin> ipaddrset -chassis
Ethernet IP Address [0.0.0.0]: 123.123.123.120
Ethernet Subnetmask [0.0.0.0]: 123.123.123.123
Fibre Channel IP Address [0.0.0.0]:
Fibre Channel Subnetmask [0.0.0.0]:
Issuing gratuitous ARP...Done.
Committing configuration...Done.
swDir:admin> ipaddrset -cp 0
Host Name [cp0]:
Ethernet IP Address [10.77.77.75]: 123.123.123.121

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

19 of 24

Ethernet Subnetmask [0.0.0.0]: 123.123.123.123

Gateway IP Address [0.0.0.0]: 123.123.123.124
IP address is being changed...Done.
Committing configuration...Done.
swDir:admin> ipaddrset -cp 1
Host Name [cp1]:
Ethernet IP Address [10.77.77.74]: 123.123.123.122
Ethernet Subnetmask [0.0.0.0]: 123.123.123.123
Gateway IP Address [0.0.0.0]: 123.123.123.124
IP address of remote CP is being changed...Done.
Committing configuration...Done.
swDir:admin> reboot

5. Type reboot to reboot the Brocade DCX.

6. If desired, use the serial port to monitor error messages through the serial connection. After using the port,
remove the serial cable and replace the shipping cap on the CONSOLE port.

Establishing an Ethernet connection

NOTE
Connecting the CP blades to a private network/VLAN is recommended.
After using a serial connection to configure the IP addresses for the Brocade DCX (Configuring IP addresses), you
can connect the active CP blade to the local area network (LAN).
By establishing an Ethernet connection, you can complete the Brocade DCX configuration using either a serial
session, Telnet, or management applications, such as Web Tools or Fabric Manager.
Perform the following steps to establish an Ethernet connection to the Brocade DCX.
1. Remove the shipping plug from the Ethernet port on the active CP blade.
2. Insert one end of an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port.
3. Connect the other end to an Ethernet 10/100/1000 Base-T LAN.
The Brocade DCX can be accessed by remote connection using any of the management tools, such as Telnet,
Web Tools, or Fabric Manager.
4. To complete any additional Brocade DCX configuration procedures through a Telnet session, log in to the
Brocade DCX by Telnet, using the admin login. The default password is password.

20 of 24

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

Customizing a switch name

The switch name of the Brocade DCX can be up to 15 characters long; can include alpha, numeric, and underscore
characters; and must begin with an alpha character.

NOTE
Changing the name causes a domain address format RSCN to be issued.
Perform the following steps to customize the switch name.
1. Type switchName followed by the new name in quotes.
swDir:admin> switchName "swBrocadeDCX5"
Committing configuration...
Done.
swBrocadeDCX5:admin>

2. Record the new name for reference.

Setting the Domain ID

Each switch in the fabric must have a unique Domain ID. The Domain ID can be manually set or automatically set.
The default Domain ID for the Brocade DCX is 1. Use the fabricShow command to view the already assigned
domain IDs.
Perform the following steps to set the Domain ID.
1. Type switchDisable to disable the Brocade DCX.
2. Type configure.
3. Type y at the Fabric parameters prompt:
Fabric parameters (yes, y, no, n): [no] y

4. Enter a unique Domain ID:

Domain: (1.239) [1] 3

5. Complete the remaining prompts or press Ctrl+D to accept the settings and exit.
6. Type switchEnable to re-enable the Brocade DCX.

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

21 of 24

Verifying the PID mode and connecting to the fabric

Before connecting the Brocade DCX to the fabric, verify that the port identifier (PID) mode on the Brocade DCX
matches the other switches in the fabric. This parameter must be identical for all switches in the fabric.
Perform the following steps to connect the Brocade DCX to the fabric.
1. Add SFP optical transceivers (or XFP optical transceivers with FC10-6 port card installed) and cables to the Fibre
Channel ports.
The ports are color-coded to indicate which can be used in the same port group for trunking (trunking port
groups can be up to 8 ports). The ports and cables used in trunking groups must meet specific requirements.
Refer to the Fabric OS Administrators Guide for information about configuring trunking.
2. Position one of the optical transceivers so that the key is oriented correctly to the port. Insert the transceiver into
the port until it is firmly seated and the latching mechanism clicks.
Transceivers are keyed so that they can only be inserted with the correct orientation. If a transceiver does not
slide in easily, ensure that it is correctly oriented.
3. Position a cable so that the key (the ridge on one side of the cable connector) is aligned with the slot in the
transceiver. Insert the cable into the transceiver until the latching mechanism clicks.
Cables are keyed so that they can be inserted in only one way. If a cable does not slide in easily, ensure that it is
correctly oriented.
4. Repeat step 1 through step 3 for the remaining ports.
5. Organize the cables.
6. Verify Brocade DCX and port status using the switchShow command.
7.

Verify fabric connectivity using the fabricShow command.

Enabling software licenses

Depending on the vendor agreement, certain licenses are factory installed on the Brocade DCX. To determine which
licenses are enabled, use the licenseShow command.
swDir:admin> licenseshow
AAbbccDDeeFFeeGG:
Web license
Zoning license
Extended Fabric license
Fabric Watch license
Performance Monitor license
Trunking license
Security license

In this example, the license key is AAbbccDDeeFFeeGG. Keep a copy of the license key for reference.
The 64-bit chassis ID is required to obtain and activate licenses for the Brocade DCX. The chassis ID is available
through the licenseIdShow command. The licenseShow and licenseIdShow commands must be typed through the
active CP blade. Refer to the Fabric OS Administrators Guide for information about unlocking and maintaining
licenses.

22 of 24

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

Configuration backup
Save all key configuration data for the Brocade DCX, including license key information, and upload it to a host for
reference. Routine backups of the configuration are recommended to ensure the current configuration is available.
After zoning configurations and other changes are complete, back up the configuration by typing configUpload at the
prompt. This command uploads the Brocade DCX configuration to the server so that it is available for downloading to
a replacement Brocade DCX.
An easy way to back up configuration information is to enable logging on your Telnet session; then running the
following commands and saving the output in a file on a secure host.

configShow
ipaddrShow
licenseShow
switchShow

Keep copies of key data such as passwords, license keys, and IP addresses in a secure location.

NOTE
Passwords are not saved in the configuration file, and are not uploaded during a configUpload.

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07

23 of 24

24 of 24

Brocade DCX QuickStart Guide

53-1000686-07