Brocade Switch Installation Guide

Back to: Brocade FC (Fibre Channel) Switches

1. Introduction

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring a Brocade switch. It covers hardware setup, initial configuration, and key commands for managing the switch.

2. Hardware Setup

Every Brocade switch comes equipped with the following ports and accessories:

Serial/Console Port: DB-9 port for direct management
Ethernet (RJ-45) Port: Used for network-based management
QSFP+/SFP+ Ports: High-speed ports for data transfer, supporting 10G, 25G, 40G, 100G speeds

Included Cables:

Ethernet cable
Power cable
Serial cable

Default IP Address:

IP: 10.77.77.77
Username: admin
Password: password

Note: If no default IP, username, or password is provided, contact your vendor.

3. Connecting to the Switch

Using the Serial Console:
- Connect the serial cable from your computer’s serial port (DB-9) to the switch’s serial port.
- Open HyperTerminal or Tipper with the following settings:
  - Baud rate: 9600
  - Data bits: 8
  - Parity: None
  - Stop bits: 1
  - Flow control: None
Using the Ethernet Port:
- Connect an Ethernet cable from your computer to the RJ-45 port of the switch.
- Configure your computer’s IP to be in the same subnet (e.g., 10.77.77.x).

4. Initial Switch Configuration

Login to the Switch:
- Username: admin
- Password: password
Set the IP Address:
- > ipaddrset
  - Follow the on-screen instructions to set the new IP.
Verify IP Address:
- > ipaddrshow
Check Licenses:
- > licenceshow

5. Environmental Checks

Temperature Monitoring:
- > tempshow
  - Displays temperature at power supply, fans, CPU, and RAM.
  - Ambient temperature range: 93°F to 95°F.
Fan Status:
- > fanshow
  - Lists RPM (rotations per minute) of each fan.
  - Large differences in RPM indicate faulty fans.
Power Supply Status:
- > psshow
  - Displays power consumption rate.

6. Configuring Switch Parameters

Disable the Switch (for disruptive changes):
- > switchdisable
Configure Basic Settings:
- > configure
  - Adjust settings like Domain ID and PID.
  - Commands:
    - :d — Save and exit
    - :c — Exit without saving
Enable the Switch:
- > switchenable
Display Switch Parameters:
- > configshow
Manage Licenses:
- Show licenses:
  - > licenseshow
- Add a license:
  - > licenseadd
Control LEDs for Identification:
- Turn LEDs on (beacon mode):
  - > switchbeacon 1
- Turn LEDs off:
  - > switchbeacon 0

7. Port Configuration

View All Ports:
- > portcfgshow
View a Specific Port:
- > portshow <port number>
Enable a Port:
- > portenable <port number>
Disable a Port:
- > portdisable <port number>
Configure Port Types:
- Loop Port:
  - > portcfgLport <port number> <true 1/false 0>
- Expansion Port (E-port):
  - > portcfgEport <port number> <true 1/false 0>
- Trunk Port:
  - > portcfgtrunkport <port number> <true 1/false 0>
- Default/Fabric Port:
  - > portcfgdefault <port number>
Set Port Speed:
- > portcfgspeed <port number>,<speed>
  - 0: Auto-negotiation
  - 1: 1 Gbps
  - 2: 2 Gbps
  - 4: 4 Gbps
  - 8: 8 Gbps
  - 16: 16 Gbps
  - 32: 32 Gbps
  - 64: 64 Gbps
  - 128: 128 Gbps

8. Conclusion

Following these steps ensures a smooth installation and basic configuration of your Brocade switch.