Brocade FastIron Edge X-Series Hardware Installation Guide
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Part Number: 53-1002499-02
Connecting Network Devices and Checking Connectivity
Connecting network devices
Connecting to workstations, servers, or routers
Straight-through UTP cabling is required for direct UTP attachment to workstations, servers, or routers using network interface cards
(NICs).
Fiber cabling is required for direct attachment to Gigabit NICs or switches and routers through fiber ports. Refer to
Automatic MDI or MDIX detection
All 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet Copper ports on the Brocade FastIron devices support automatic Media Dependent Interface (MDI) and
Media Dependent Interface Crossover (MDIX) detection. This feature is enabled on all 10/100 and Gigabit copper ports by default. For
each port, you can disable auto MDI or MDIX, designate the port as an MDI port, or designate the port as an MDIX port.
For more information about this feature and how configure it, refer to the <Italic>FastIron Configuration Guide.
Connecting a network device to a fiber port
For direct attachment from the Brocade device to a Gigabit NIC, switch, or router, fiber cabling with an LC connector is required.
NOTE
All physical IP interfaces on FastIron X Series Layer 3 devices share the same MAC address. For this reason, if more than one
connection is made between two devices, one of which is a FastIron X Series Layer 3 device, Brocade recommends the use of
virtual interfaces. It is not recommended to connect two or more physical IP interfaces between two routers.
To connect the Brocade device to another network device using a fiber port, you must do the following:
•
Install a fiber optic module (SFP transceiver or mini-GBIC for Gigabit Ethernet ports, or XFP-MSA transceiver for 10-Gigabit
Ethernet ports)
•
Cable the fiber optic module
The following sections provide information about performing these tasks.
Installing a fiber optic module
You must install a fiber optic module (SFP or XFP transceiver) in each Gigabit Ethernet and 10-Gigabit Ethernet fiber port you want to
use.
You can install a new fiber optic module in a port while the FastIron Compact device is powered on and running.
Before installing one of these modules into the port, have the following on hand:
•
An ESD wrist strap with a plug for connection to a metal surface.
For safety reasons, the ESD wrist strap should contain a series 1 meg ohm resistor.
Complete the following tasks to install a fiber optic module.
1.
Put on the ESD wrist strap and ground yourself by attaching the clip end to a metal surface (such as an equipment rack) to act as
ground.
2.
Remove the new module from its protective packaging.
