Cisco MDS Fibre Channel (FC) switch show commands

Here’s a list of commonly used Cisco MDS Fibre Channel (FC) switch show commands along with their explanations and descriptions.

SAN Switch
SAN Switch

1. General System Information

CommandDescription
show versionDisplays software and hardware version details.
show system uptimeShows the switch uptime and last reload reason.
show environmentDisplays environmental status (temperature, power supply, fan, etc.).
show inventoryLists hardware inventory details, including module types and serial numbers.

2. Interface & Port Information

CommandDescription
show interface briefSummarizes interface status, including operational state and speed.
show interface fcX/YDisplays detailed information about a specific Fibre Channel interface.
show interface transceiver detailsProvides optical module details such as power levels and wavelengths.
show flogi databaseShows logged-in FC devices (WWPN and WWNN).
show fcns databaseDisplays registered devices in the fabric name server.
show npv statusChecks the status of the NPV (N-Port Virtualization) mode.

3. Zoning and VSAN

CommandDescription
show vsanDisplays configured VSANs and their status.
show vsan usageShows ports associated with each VSAN.
show zoneset activeDisplays the active zoning configuration.
show zoneLists defined zones and their members.
show zone memberShows WWPNs, aliases, and devices within a specific zone.

4. Fabric and Name Server

CommandDescription
show fspf databaseDisplays Fabric Shortest Path First (FSPF) routing information.
show topologyProvides a high-level view of the fabric topology.
show name-serverLists registered WWPNs and their associated FCIDs.
show fabric binding databaseDisplays fabric binding configuration and policy.

5. Performance & Traffic Monitoring

CommandDescription
show logging logDisplays log messages related to system events.
show countersProvides port-level statistics, including errors and throughput.
show interface countersDisplays packet-level statistics for a specific interface.
show interface fcX/Y transceiver detailsProvides SFP details, including Tx/Rx power levels.
show slowdrainIdentifies slow-drain devices that can impact performance.

6. SAN Switch Configuration & Management

CommandDescription
show running-configDisplays the current switch configuration.
show startup-configShows the configuration that will be applied after reboot.
show license usageChecks installed and used licenses on the switch.
show feature-setDisplays enabled feature sets (e.g., Enterprise, SAN Analytics).

7. High Availability & Redundancy

CommandDescription
show moduleDisplays module status and inserted line cards.
show redundancy statusChecks the status of supervisor redundancy.
show process cpuMonitors CPU utilization.

8. NPIV & NPV Mode

CommandDescription
show npiv statusChecks whether NPIV (N-Port ID Virtualization) is enabled.
show npv statusVerifies NPV mode and connected upstream switches.

This list covers the most commonly used Cisco MDS show commands for SAN switch management, troubleshooting, zoning, performance monitoring, and high availability.

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