Method and system for dynamically assigning domain identification in a multi-module fibre channel switch

Abstract

A method for entering fabric configuration in a fibre channel system for a multi-module fibre channel switch is provided. The method includes determining if a primary blade has been selected for the multi-module switch; sending exchange fabric parameters to internal ports of the multi-module switch; and processing principal switch selection events.

1 . A method for entering fabric configuration in a fibre channel system for a multi-module fibre channel switch, comprising: 
 determining if a primary blade has been selected for the multi-module switch;    sending exchange fabric parameters to internal ports of the multi-module switch; and    processing principal switch selection events.    
   
   
       2 . A method for processing principal switch selection events in a fibre channel system using a multi-module fibre channel switch, comprising: 
 determining if exchange fabric parameters have been received by a switch module;    determining if domain identification values have been received by the switch module;    sending domain identification values to all internal ports; and    operating as a non-principal switch if the switch module is also a primary blade.    
   
   
       3 . The method for  claim 2 , further comprising: determining if a F_S_TOV timer has expired if no domain identification value is received; and 
 operating as the principal switch if the switch module is a primary blade and the F_S-TOV timer has expired.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising: 
 assigning the switch module as a non-primary blade if the domain identification value is received by the switch module and the switch module is not a primary blade.    
   
   
       4 . A method for operating a principal switch in a fibre channel system using a multi-module switch, comprising: 
 sending exchange blade parameters with a local domain assigned value to plural internal ports in the switch module.    
   
   
       5 . A method for operating a multi-module switch as a non-principal switch in a fibre channel system, comprising: 
 requesting local domain identification values from other modules; and    sending exchange blade parameters with local domain assigned values to internal ports.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising: 
 isolating the switch module if the local domain assignment value was unsuccessful.    
   
   
       7 . A method for domain identification value assignment for a multi-module switch in a fibre channel system, comprising: 
 receiving exchange blade parameters with local domain value assigned; and    sending domain identification value assigned flags to external ports.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising: 
 isolating external ports if the exchange blade parameter has a rejected value for local domain assignment.