FCoE
• Cisco Nexus 7000
• Cisco MDS 9500
FIP Ethernet Frame Format
FIP is encapsulated in an Ethernet packet with a dedicated EtherType, 0x8914. The packet has a 4-bit version
field. Along with the source and destination MAC addresses, the FIP packet also contains a FIP operation
code and a FIP operation subcode. The following table describes the FIP operation codes and subcodes.
Table 3: FIP Operation Codes
FIP Operation Code
0x0001
0x0002
0x0003
0x0004
DCBX
Data Center Bridging Exchange Protocol
The Data Center Bridging Exchange (DCBX) protocol is an extension of the Link Layer Discovery Protocol
(LLDP). DCBX end points exchange request and acknowledgment messages. For flexibility, parameters are
coded in a type-length-value (TLV) format. Cisco NX-OS switches support the Converged Enhanced Ethernet
Data Center Bridging Exchange (CEE-DCBX) is supported on all T11-compliant Generation 2 CNAs.
DCBX runs on the physical Ethernet link between the switch and the CNA. By default, DCBX is enabled on
Ethernet interfaces. When an Ethernet interface is brought up, the switch automatically starts to communicate
with the CNA.
During the normal operation of FCoE between the switch and the CNA, DCBX provides link-error detection.
DCBX is also used to negotiate capabilities between the switch and the CNA and to send configuration values
to the CNA.
OL-25809-02
FIP Subcode
0x01
0x02
0x01
0x02
0x01
0x02
0x01
0x02
Cisco NX-OS FCoE Configuration Guide for Nexus 7000 and MDS 9500
DCBX
FIP Operation
Discovery Solicitation
Discovery Advertisement
Virtual Link Instantiation Request
Virtual Link Instantiation Reply
FIP Keepalive
FIP Clear Virtual Links
FIP VLAN Request
FIP VLAN Notification
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