UCS Fabric Interconnect provides connectivity for Ethernet and storage data traffic. UCS Fabric Interconnect also runs the Unified Computing System Management (UCSM) software. UCS Fabric Interconnect hardware is based on the Nexus series of switches and runs NX-OS; however, Fabric Interconnect has some features that are different from a standard Nexus Ethernet switch. In this chapter, we'll focus on Fabric Interconnect Ethernet connectivity to the servers and upstream switches.

In this chapter, we'll discuss the following topics:

• Understanding Fabric Interconnect switching modes
• Introduction to Fabric Interconnect port types
• Configuring northbound connectivity to upstream switches
• Configuring southbound connectivity to IOMs/FEXs
• Configuring the last piece of the puzzle-vNICs

We'll configure Fabric Interconnect's downstream (southbound) connectivity to IOMs/Fabric Extenders (FEXs) in the blade chassis and upstream (northbound) connectivity to the physical switches. Network configuration is done under the LAN and Equipment tabs in the navigation pane of the UCS Manager software. In this chapter we, will thoroughly explore the LAN and Equipment tabs in the navigation pane.