IBM Support

IBM Spectrum Control 5.4.x - Switches

Detailed System Requirements


Abstract

Switch support with IBM Spectrum Control 5.4.0 and higher.

Content

Switches
Brocade, Cisco

Firmware and SMI Agent levels newer than what is listed here are considered untested but are expected to work similarly and can be used. Newer levels are often recommended to pick up the latest fixes and functionality. If issues arise while using the newer levels, open a Case and IBM Support will investigate the problem and attempt to resolve it, but resolution is not guaranteed. Any issues are documented as they are identified. Minor version variations, such as letter designations, for the firmware levels might not be listed, but they are supported unless explicitly excluded.

Reference more detailed information about support for firmware or SMI Agents with particular switch models from the switch vendors The information in this table is provided for guidance with IBM Spectrum Control deployment.

 

Brocade

Last updated: 2021-Nov-29
IBM Spectrum Control can monitor Brocade switches and fabrics by connecting directly to the switches, or by using the SMI agent that is integrated with Brocade Network Advisor (BNA).

Model

IBM OEM Model

Supported Firmware

Connection Method
X7-8 1
X6-8
X6-4
G720
G630
G620
G610
8510-8
8510-4
7840
7810
7800
6520
6510
6505
300
 
8961-F78 (SAN512B-7) 1
8961-F74 (SAN256B-7) 1
8961-F08 (SAN512B-6)
8961-F04 (SAN256B-6)
8960-P64, R64 (SAN64B-7) 1
8960-R18 (SAN18B-6)
8960-F96, N96 (SAN128B-6)
8960-F64, N64 (SAN64B-6)
8960-F24 (SAN24B-6)
2499-816 (SAN768B-2)
2499-416 (SAN384B-2)
2498-R42 (SAN42B-R)
2498-R06 (SAN06B-R)
2498-F96, N96 (SAN96B-5)
2498-F48 (SAN48B-5)
2498-F24, X24 (SAN24B-5)
2498-B24
9.0.1a
8.2.x
8.1.x
8.0.x

7.4.x
 
Direct connection to the switch via the REST API. 
Requires FOS 8.2.1 or higher.
Network Advisor with Integrated
SMI Agent

Recommended:
14.4.1 or higher
14.4.2 preferred

 
Brocade switch notes, limitations, and considerations:
  • For important notes, limitations, and considerations for monitoring Brocade in IBM Spectrum Control, check out Planning for Brocade in the IBM Knowledge Center.
  • For instructions about how to add Brocade switches for monitoring, see Adding fabrics and switches.
Additional information:
  • 1 Supported starting in IBM Spectrum Control 5.4.3, requires FOS 9.0.1a or higher, and requires a direct connection to the switch via the REST API.
  • Access Gateway mode switches are supported but there are some limitations.
  • Limitations for Brocade fabrics added via Brocade Network Advisor:
    • Virtual fabrics and switches are displayed, but the physical fabrics and physical switches are not.
    • The virtual fabrics and switches are displayed as if they are physical fabrics and switches. Therefore, you cannot see which virtual fabrics are on the same physical fabric, and you cannot see which virtual switches are on the same physical switch.
    • Additional Network Advisor limitations exist that might affect Brocade virtual fabrics in your environment.
  • IBM Spectrum Control supports FC ports on Brocade switches.  CEE or FCoE ports are not supported.
  • FICON support for Brocade switches is available using the Network Advisor integrated SMI agent. However, there is no differentiation of FICON from FC in IBM Spectrum Control.
  • Fabrics with switches from two (or more) vendors are not supported unless all switches of the second vendor are in NPV (N_Port Virtualization) mode.
  • Troubleshooting: Problems with Brocade fabric probe and switch performance monitors
  • Brocade FOS and Network Advisor downloads are available through IBM Fix Central



 

Cisco

Last updated: 2020-Aug-19
IBM Spectrum Control uses Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) data sources to manage Cisco switches and fabrics.

Model

IBM OEM Model

Firmware
MDS 9148S
MDS 9250i
MDS 9396S
MDS 9506
MDS 9513
MDS 9706
MDS 9710
 2053-434
2061-020
2061-040
2062-D01
2062-D04/T04
2062-D07/T07
2062-D1A
2062-D1H
2417-C48
6.2(x)

5.2(x)
5.0(x)

4.2(x)
4.1(x)

3.3(x)
3.2(x)
Nexus 5000
Nexus 5672UP
 Performance monitoring data cannot be collected for Cisco Nexus switches running NX-OS 7.x
Cisco switch notes, limitations, and considerations:
  • For important notes, limitations, and considerations for monitoring Cisco in IBM Spectrum Control, check out Planning for Cisco in the IBM Knowledge Center.
  • For information about how to add Cisco switches for monitoring, see Adding fabrics and switches.
Additional information:
  • SNMPv1 and SNMPv3 are the only supported agent options.
  • Enhanced zoning mode is supported. Zone aliases are not supported.
  • Fabrics with switches from two (or more) vendors are not supported unless all switches of the second vendor are in NPV (N_Port Virtualization) mode.
  • Performance monitoring for Cisco switches is available for the physical switches only and not the virtual switches.
  • IBM Spectrum Control supports FC ports on Cisco switches.  CEE or FCoE ports are not supported.


 


 


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Document Information

Modified date:
07 December 2022

UID

ibm16249365

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