VNX to Brocade compatibility

Hello,

If you go to the VNX1 Simple Support Matrix:

https://elabnavigator.emc.com/vault/pdf/EMC_VNX5xxx_7500_ESSM.pdf?key=1448863350047

You'll find on the top a note about switches:

• All FC SAN switches (2 Gb/s or greater) from EMC Connectrix; , Brocade, Cisco, and QLogic for host and storage connectivity are supported. Refer to the Switched Fabric Topology Parameters table located on the E-Lab Navigator (ELN) at http://elabnavigator.emc.com for supported switch fabric interoperability firmware and settings.

Based on this, I tried a new Advanced Query, added:

- Storage array: Unified Storage VNX5100/5300/5500/5700/7500 (Block)

- Switch: Connectrix DS-300B

Then in step 4 of the Query, I choose the Switched Fabric Topology Parameters configuration type, followed by Get Results for Selected Configurations.

I think the resulting report would be what you're looking for. If not, just post back here.

Hope this helps,

Adham

Hi Adham, yes, exactly what I tried to do as well. However, struggled to interpret this report.

If you look at the Advanced Query results you will see that there's no intersection between the storage array and the switch in the matrix on the Switched Fabric Topology Parameters line. From what I understand (and correct me if I'm wrong) the "Switched Fabric Topology Parameters" report shows interoperability between the different switches for Connectrix DS-300B. In the report in the Header Notes it specifically says:

The objective of this example are to construct a SAN consisting of three switches, A, B, and C, and to verify firmware and management application compatibility.

Neither the arrays, nor OE versions are listed in this report. Which is confusing. What are your thoughts?

Hello again,

Yeah I assumed the lack of a mention of either a VNX array model or OE version means that they're all compatible. I just had a quick chat with a colleague in the Brocade support team, who confirmed this is true.

The Switched Fabric Topology Parameters document is basically to show the compatibility with other switches and their firmwares (whether EMC-maintained or 3rd party).

So, I can say the answer to your question is that VNX1 OE R32 is compatible with any firmware on the Connectrix DS-300B.

Adham

This quote may actually be the official answer to this question:

All FC SAN switches (2 Gb/s or greater) from EMC Connectrix; , Brocade, Cisco, and QLogic for host and storage connectivity are supported.

I assume it implies not only compatibility with any FC switch, but also with any switch FOS/OE firmware combination. It's hard to believe, but I haven't found a better answer to this question.

I've also checked the Brocade Fabric OS 7.x Compatibility Matrix and it lists VNX 5300 and VNX 5500 with the following OE revisions:

But this is all I've been able to find. I guess my best bet is to simply check EMC's Target Revisions and Adoption Rates Report and go with the FOS version they recommend.

Bizzare.

Not exactly the same, but in a previous job I had no issues connecting a VNX5200 to a DS-300B as part of a temporary DR environment. I can't recall the switch FW version, but it hadn't been upgraded in at least 5 years !

It's still ticking along nicely now.

Yeah I can understand the confusion then.

However, it really shouldn't be a problem. Any currently available releases have no compatibility problems, and if any future release should introduce such issues (which I highly doubt; why would 2 partner vendors who work together in a majority of SAN setups produce incompatible firmware versions?), it would be listed in the patch notes which you can read on the support website (https://support.emc.com) by searching for example for "VNX Operating Environment 05.32.xxx Release Notes".

Adham

It's not uncommon for a storage vendor to release compatibility matrices for various storage arrays. Look at IBM Storwize V7000 firmware release notes, which has a full list of compatible Brocade and MDS switches and their firmware:

IBM V7.4.x Supported Hardware List, Device Driver, Firmware and Recommended Software Levels for IBM Storwize V7000 - Uni…

I just assumed that EMC's got the same. Apparently not. Which is OK by me, as long as it's vendor's best practice.

Thanks again for clarifying this.