Network Working Group M. Rajagopal
Request for Comments: 2625 R. Bhagwat
Category: Standards Track W. Rickard
Gadzoox Networks
June 1999
IP and ARP over Fibre Channel
Status of this Memo
This document specifies an Internet standards track protocol for the
Internet community, and requests discussion and suggestions for
improvements. Please refer to the current edition of the "Internet
Official Protocol Standards" (STD 1) for the standardization state
and status of this protocol. Distribution of this memo is unlimited.
Copyright Notice
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (1999). All Rights Reserved.
Abstract
Fibre Channel (FC) is a high speed serial interface technology that
supports several higher layer protocols including Small Computer
System Interface (SCSI) and Internet Protocol(IP). Until now, SCSI
has been the only widely used protocol over FC. Existing FC standards
[3] do not adequately specify how IP packets may be transported over
FC and how IP addresses are resolved to FC addresses. The purpose of
this document is to specify a way of encapsulating IP and Address
Resolution Protocol(ARP) over Fibre Channel and also to describe a
mechanism(s) for IP address resolution.
Table of Contents
1. IntrodUCtion ............................................... 3
2. Problem Statement .......................................... 5
3. IP and ARP Encapsulation ................................... 5
3.1 FC Frame Format ........................................ 5
3.2 MTU .................................................... 7
3.2.1 IP MTU ........................................... 7
3.2.2 Maximally Minimum IPv4 packet .................... 8
3.2.3 ARP MTU .......................................... 8
3.2.4 FC Data Field containing FARP Packet ............. 9
3.3 FC Port and Node Network Addresses ..................... 9
3.4 FC Sequence Payload Format ............................. 10
3.5 Bit and Byte Ordering .................................. 12
4. ARP ........................................................ 12
4.1 Address Resolution .................................... 12
4.2 ARP Packet Format ...................................... 13
4.3 ARP Layer Mapping and Operation ........................ 15
4.4 ARP Broadcast in a Point-to-Point Topology ............. 16
4.5 ARP Broadcast in a Private Loop Topology ............... 16
4.6 ARP Broadcast in a Public Loop Topology ................ 16
4.7 ARP Operation in a Fabric Topology ..................... 17
5. FARP ....................................................... 18
5.1 Scope .................................................. 18
5.2 FARP Overview .......................................... 18
5.3 FARP Command Format .................................... 20
5.4 Match Address Code Points .............................. 22
5.5 Responder Flags ........................................ 23
5.6 FARP Support Requirements .............................. 24
6. Exchange Management ........................................ 25
6.1 Exchange Origination ................................... 25
6.2 Exchange Termination ................................... 25
7. Summary of Supported Features .............................. 25
7.1 FC-4 Header ............................................ 25
7.2 R_CTL .................................................. 26
7.3 F_CTL .................................................. 27
7.4 Sequences .............................................. 28
7.5 Exchanges .............................................. 29
7.6 ARP and InARP ......................................... 30
7.7 Extended Link Services (ELS) ........................... 31
7.8 Login Parameters ....................................... 31
7.8.1 Common Service Parameters - FLOGI ............... 32
7.8.2 Common Services Parameters - PLOGI ............... 32
7.8.3 Class Service Parameters - PLOGI ................. 32
8. Security Considerations .................................... 32
8.1 IP and ARP Related ..................................... 32
8.2 FC Related ............................................. 32
9. Acknowledgements ........................................... 33
10. References ................................................ 33
11. Authors' Addresses ........................................ 35
Appendix A: Additional Matching Mechanisms in FARP ............ 36
Appendix B: InARP ............................................. 40
B.1 General Discussion ..................................... 40
B.2 InARP Protocol Operation ............................... 40
B.3 InARP Packet Format .................................... 40
B.4 InARP Support Requirements ............................. 41
Appendix C: Some Informal Mechanisms for FC Layer Mappings .... 42
C.1 Login on cached Mapping Information .................... 42
C.2 Login on ARP parsing ................................... 42
C.3 Login to Everyone ...................................... 43
C.4 Static Table ........................................... 43
Appendix D: FC Layer Address Validation........................ 44
D.1 General Discussion ..................................... 44
D.2 FC Layer Address Validation in a Point-to-Point Topology 45
D.3 FC Layer Address Validation in a Private Loop Topology . 45
D.4 FC Layer Address Validation in a Public Loop Topology .. 45
D.5 FC layer Address Validation in a Fabric Topology ....... 46
Appendix E: Fibre channel Overview ............................ 47
E.1 Brief Tutorial ......................................... 47
E.2 Exchange, Information Unit, Sequence, and Frame ........ 48
E.3 Fibre Channel Header Fields ............................ 49
E.4 Code Points for FC Frame ............................... 52
E.4.1 Code Points with IP and ARP Packet .............. 52
E.4.2 Code Points with FARP Command ................... 54
Appendix F: Fibre Channel Protocol Considerations.............. 58
F.1 Reliability in Class 3 ................................. 58
F.2 Continuously Increasing SEQ_CNT ........................ 58
Appendix G: Acronyms and Glossary of FC Terms ................. 60
Full Copyright Statement ...................................... 63
1. Introduction
Fibre Channel (FC) is a gigabit speed networking technology primarily
used for Storage Area Networking (SAN). FC is standardized under
American National Standard for Information Systems of the National
Committee for Information Technology Standards (NCITS) and has
specified a number of documents describing its protocols, operations,
and services.
Need:
Currently, Fibre Channel is predominantly used for communication
between storage devices and servers using the SCSI protocol, with
most of the servers still communicating with each other over LANs.
Although, there exists a Fibre Channel Standard [3] that has
architecturally defined support for IP encapsulation and address
resolution, it is inadequately specified. ([3] prohibits broadcasts,
thus loops are not covered; [10] has no support for Class 3).
This has lead to a nonstandard way of using IP over FC in the past.
Once such a standard method is completely specified, servers can
directly communicate with each other using IP over FC, possibly
boosting performance in Server host-to-host communications. This
technique will be especially useful in a Clustering Application.
Objective and Scope:
The major objective of this specification is to promote interoperable
implementations of IPv4 over FC. This specification describes a
method for encapsulating IPv4 and Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)
packets over FC. This specification accommodates any FC topology
(loop, fabric, or point-to-point) and any FC class of service (1, 2
or 3). This specification also describes a FC Address Resolution
Protocol(FARP) for associating World Wide Port Names (MAC addresses)
and FC Port identifiers.
A secondary objective of this specification is to describe other
optional address resolution mechanisms:
- Other FARP mechanisms that directly build IPv4 address and FC
Port Identifier (Port_ID) associations.
- Inverse ARP (InARP) that allows learning the IP address of a
remote node given its World Wide Port Name (WW_PN) and Port_ID.
"Multicasting" in Fibre Channel is defined as an optional service
[11] for FC Classes 3 and 6 only, with no definition for Classes 1
and 2. Currently, there are no vendor implementations of this service
for either Class of service. Broadcast service available within Fibre
Channel can be used to do multicasting, although less efficiently.
Presently, there appears to be no IP applications over Fibre Channel
that require support for IP multicasting. This specification
therefore does not support IP Multicasting.
Organization:
Section 2 states the problem that is solved in this specification.
Section 3 describes the techniques used for encapsulating IP and ARP
packets in a FC sequence. Section 4 discusses the ARP protocol(IP
address to WW_PN). Section 5 discusses the FARP protocol used in FC
Layer mappings (WW_PN to Port_ID). Section 6 describes the
"Exchange" Management in FC. Section 7 is a summary section and
provides a quick reference to FC header settings, FC Link Service
Commands, supported features in ARP, FARP, InARP, FC Sequences, FC
Exchanges, and FC Login Parameters. Section 8 discusses security.
Section 9 acknowledges the technical contributors of this document.
Section 10 provides a list of references, and Section 11 provides the
authors' addresses.
Appendix A discusses other optional FARP mechanisms. Appendix B
discusses the Inverse ARP protocol(WW_PN to IP address) as an
alternate and optional way of building MAC and IP address
associations. Appendix C lists some informal mechanisms for FC Layer
Mappings. Appendix D provides a discussion on validation of the FC-
layer mappings for the different FC topologies. Appendix E provides
a brief overview of the FC Protocols and Networks. Appendix F
addresses reliability in Class 3 and Sequence Count FC Protocol
issues. Appendix G provides a list of acronyms and a glossary of FC
Terms used in this specification.
The key Words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT",
"SHOULD", SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and "OPTIONAL" in this
document are to be interpreted as described in RFC2119 [19].
2. Problem Statement
This specification addresses two problems:
- A format definition and encapsulation mechanism for IPv4
and ARP packets over FC
- Mechanisms for Address Resolution
As noted earlier, the existing FC Standard [3] ([10]) is inadequate
to solve the above problems. A solution to both problems was first
proposed by the Fibre Channel Association (FCA)[1]. FCA is an
industry consortium of FC vendor companies and not a Standards Body.
This specification is based on the proposed solution in [1] and
builds on it.
Address Resolution is concerned with resolving IP addresses to WW_PN
(MAC address) and WW_PN to FC Port Identifiers (Port_ID). ARP
provides a solution to the first resolution problem and FARP the
second.
An optional FARP mechanism resolves IP address directly to FC
Port_IDs. This is useful in some upper layer applications.
InARP is another optional mechanism that resolves WW_PN and Port_ID
to an IP address. InARP is useful when a node after performing a
PLOGI with another node, knows its WW_PN and Port_ID, but not its IP
address.
3. IP and ARP Encapsulation
3.1 FC Frame Format
All FC frames have a standard format much like LAN 802.x protocols.
(See Appendix E and F). However, the exact size of each frame varies
depending on the size of the variable fields. The size of the
variable field ranges from 0 to 2112-bytes as shown in the FC Frame
Format in Fig. 1.
+------+--------+-----------+----//-------+------+------+
SOF Frame Optional Frame CRC EOF
(4B) Header Header Payload (4B) (4B)
(24B) <----------------------->
Data Field = (0-2112B)
+------+--------+-----------+----//-------+------+------+
Fig. 1 FC Frame Format
The Start of Frame (SOF) and End of Frame (EOF) are both 4-bytes long
and act as frame delimiters.
The CRC is 4-bytes long and uses the same 32-bit polynomial used in
FDDI and is specified in ANSI X3.139 Fiber Distributed Data
Interface.
The Frame Header is 24-bytes long and has several fields that are
associated with the identification and control of the payload. Some
of the values and options for this field that are relevant to the IP
and ARP payloads are discussed in Section 7.
Current FC Standards allow up to 3 Optional Header fields [11]:
- Network_Header (16-bytes)
- Association_Header (32-bytes)
- Device_Header (up to 64-bytes).
The IP and ARP FC Sequences SHALL carry only the Network_Header field
which is 16-bytes long. Other types of optional headers SHALL NOT be
used. The Network_Header is REQUIRED in all ARP packets and in the
first frame of a logical sequence carrying an IP payload as described
below.
An application level payload such as IP is called an Information Unit
at the FC-4 Level. Lower FC levels map this to a FC Sequence. (See
Appendix E.2 for a description of Sequences and Information Units.)
Typically, a Sequence consists of more than one frame. Larger user
data is segmented and reassembled using two methods: Sequence Count
and Relative Offset [18]. With the use of Sequence Count, data blocks
are sent using frames with increasing sequence counts (modulo 65536)
and it is quite straightforward to detect the first frame that
contains the Network_Header. When Relative Offset is used, as frames
arrive, some computation is required to detect the first frame that
contains the Network_Header. Sequence Count and Relative Offset field
control information, is carried in the FC Header.
In FC, the physical temporal ordering of the frames as it arrives at
a destination can be different from that of the order sent because of
traversing through a FC Network.
When IP forms the FC Payload then only the first frame of the logical
Sequence SHALL include the FC Network_Header. Fig. 2 shows the
logical First Frame and logical subsequent frames. Since frames may
arrive out of order, detection of the first frame of the logical FC
Sequence is necessary.
ARP packets map to a single frame FC Sequence and SHALL always carry
the FC Network_Header.
Note the definition of FC Data Field and FC Frame Payload in Fig. 1.
FC Data Field includes the FC Frame Payload and the FC Optional
Header, that is, Frame Payload definition does not include the FC
Optional Header. One or more Frame Payloads together make the FC
Sequence Payload as shown in Fig 2 and discussed further in Sections
3.2 and 3.4. FC Sequence Payload includes the mapped IP or ARP packet
along with the LLC/SNAP headers.
First Frame of a Logical FC Sequence
---+------------+---------------------------+----------//----------+---
FC Header FC Network_Header FC Sequence Payload
---+------------+---------------------------+---------//-----------+---
Subsequent Frames of a Logical FC Sequence
--+-----------+--------------//----------------+--
FC Header Additional FC Sequence Payload
--+-----------+-------------//-----------------+--
Fig. 2 FC Network_Header in a Frame Sequence
The SOF, CRC, EOF control fields of the FC frame and other optional
headers have been omitted in the figure for clarity.
3.2 MTU
3.2.1 IP MTU
An FC Information Unit specific to each protocol such as IP is
defined in FC-4. This defines the upper bound on the size of the
information that can be transported.
Each IP or ARP Packet is mapped to a single FC Information Unit,
which in turn is mapped to a single FC Sequence. There is a one-to-
one mapping between an IP or ARP packet and a FC Sequence.
Fibre Channel limits the size of a single Information Unit to 2^32-1,
which is very large [2]. However, since the Maximum Transmission
Unit (MTU) size of an IPv4 packet does not exceed 65,536-bytes, the
mapped IPv4 size is far below the 2^32-1 limit.
IPv4 Packet definition includes the IP Payload and IP Headers - both
fixed and optional. The corresponding FC Sequence Payload includes
the LLC/SNAP Header and the IPv4 packet.
As noted above, the greatest length allowed for an IPv4 Packet
including any optional headers and independent of this standard is
65,536-bytes. However, limiting the IP MTU size to 65,280-bytes helps
in buffer resource allocation at N_Ports and also allows for up to
256-bytes of overhead. Since the FC Network_Header requires 16-bytes
and the IEEE 802.2 LLC/SNAP header requires 8 bytes, it leaves 232
bytes for future use.
All implementations SHALL restrict the IP MTU size to 65,280 bytes
and the corresponding FC Sequence Payload size to 65536-bytes.
3.2.2 Maximally Minimum IPv4 Packet
In order for IP fragmentation and reassembly to work properly it is
necessary that every implementation of IP be capable of transporting
a maximally minimum size IP packet without fragmentation. A maximally
minimum size IP Packet is defined as an IP Packet with an 8-byte
payload (the smallest possible non-zero payload size for a fragment)
and a 60-byte header (the largest possible header consisting of a
20-byte fixed part and a maximum size option field of 40-bytes) [17].
All implementations SHALL support a FC Data Field of 92-bytes, which
is required to support 68-bytes of the maximally minimum sized IP
Packet, 16-bytes of the FC Network_Header, and 8-bytes of the
LLC/SNAP Header.
3.2.3 ARP MTU
The ARP packet has a fixed size of 28-bytes. All implementations
SHALL support a FC Data Field size of 52-bytes, which is required to
support 28-bytes of an ARP Packet, 16-bytes of the FC Network_Header,
and 8-bytes of the LLC/SNAP Header. Note that the minimum MTU
requirement for ARP is already covered by the minimum MTU requirement
for IP but it is mentioned here for completeness.
The InARP packet is identical in size to the ARP and the same MTU
requirements apply.
3.2.4 FC Data Field containing FARP Packet
The FARP Command is a FC Extended Link Service (ELS) command and maps
directly to the FC Data Field without the LLC/SNAP or the FC
Network_Header. The FARP Command has a fixed size of 76-bytes.
Because FARP operates purely in the FC space, it places no special
MTU requirements in this specification.
3.3 FC Port and Node Network Addresses
FC devices are identified by Nodes and their Ports. A Node is a
collection of one or more Ports identified by a unique nonvolatile
64-bit World Wide Node name (WW_NN). Each Port in a node, is
identified with a unique nonvolatile 64-bit World Wide Port name
(WW_PN), and a volatile Port Identifier (Port_ID).
Port_IDs are 24-bits long. A FC frame header carries a Source Port_ID
(S_ID) and a Destination Port_ID (D_ID). The Port_ID of a given port
is volatile. (The mechanism(s) by which a Port_ID may change in a FC
topology is outside the scope of this document. See Appendix D).
The FC Network_Header is normally optional in FC Standards, but
REQUIRED in this specification. A FC Network_Header carries source
and destination WW_PNs. A WW_PN consists of a 60-bit Network Address
and a upper 4-bit Network Address Authority (NAA) field as shown in
Fig. 3. The 4-bit NAA field is used to distinguish between the
various name registration authorities used to define the Network
Address [2].
In this specification, both the Source and Destination 4-bit NAA
identifiers SHALL be set to binary '0001' indicating that an IEEE
48-bit MAC address is contained in the lower 48 bits of the network
address fields. The high order 12 bits in the network address fields
SHALL be set to 0x0000. The NAA field value equal to binary '0001'
allows FC networks to be bridged with other FC networks or
traditional LANs.
+--------+---------------------------------------+
D_NAA Network_Dest_Address (High-order bits)
(4 bits) (28 bits)
+--------+---------------------------------------+
Network_Dest_Address (Low-order bits)
(32 bits)
+--------+---------------------------------------+
S_NAA Network_Source_Address(High-order bits)
(4 bits) (28 bits)
+--------+---------------------------------------+
Network_Source_Address (Low-order bit)
(32 bits)
+--------+---------------------------------------+
Fig. 3 Format of the Network_Header Field
3.4 FC Sequence Payload Format
FC Payload with IP:
An FC Sequence Payload carrying an IP and ARP packet SHALL use the
formats shown in Figs. 4 and 5 respectively. Both formats use the
8-byte LLC/SNAP header.
+-----------------+-----------+------------+-------------//----------+
LLC/SNAP Header IP Header Opt.IP Hdr. IP Data
(8 bytes) (20 bytes) (40 bytes (65280 -IP Header
Max) - Opt. IP Hdr.) bytes
+-----------------+-----------+------------+-------------//----------+
Fig. 4 Format of FC Sequence Payload carrying IP
FC Sequence Payload with ARP:
As noted earlier, FC frames belonging to the same Sequence may be
delivered out of order over a Fabric. If the Relative Offset method
is used to identify FC Sequence Payload fragments, then the IP Header
MUST appear in the frame that has a relative offset of 0.
+-----------------+-------------------+
LLC/SNAP Header ARP Packet
(8 bytes) (28 bytes)
+-----------------+-------------------+
Fig. 5 Format of FC Sequence Payload carrying ARP
FC Sequence Payload with FARP:
FARP Protocol commands are directly mapped to the Frame Sequence
Payload and are 76-bytes long. No LLC/SNAP Header or FC
Network_Header is used and therefore the FC Data Field size simply
consists of the FC Sequence Payload.
LLC:
A Logical Link Control (LLC) field along with a Sub Network Access
Protocol (SNAP) field is a method used to identify routed and bridged
non-OSI protocol PDUs and is defined by IEEE 802.2 and applied to IP
in [8]. In LLC Type 1 operation (i.e., unacknowledged connectionless
mode), the LLC header is 3-bytes long and consists of a 1-byte
Destination Service Access Point (DSAP)field, a 1-byte Source Service
Access Point (SSAP)field, and a 1-byte Control field as shown in Fig.
6.
+----------+----------+----------+
DSAP SSAP CTRL
(1 byte) (1 byte) (1 byte)
+----------+----------+----------+
Fig. 6 LLC Format
The LLC's DSAP and SSAP values of 0xAA indicate that an IEEE 802.2
SNAP header follows. The LLC's CTRL value equal to 0x03 specifies an
Unnumbered Information Command PDU. In this specification the LLC
Header value SHALL be set to 0xAA-AA-03. Other values of DSAP/SSAP
indicate support for other protocols and SHALL NOT be used in this
specification.
SNAP:
The SNAP Header is 5-bytes long and consists of a 3-byte
Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI) field and a 2-byte Protocol
Identifier (PID) as shown in Fig. 7
+------+------+-------+------+------+
OUI PID
( 3 bytes) (2 bytes)
+------+------+-------+------+------+
Fig. 7 SNAP Format
SNAP was invented to "encapsulate" LAN frames within the payload.
The SNAP OUI value equal to 0x00-00-00 specifies that the PID is an
EtherType (i.e., routed non-OSI protocol).
The SNAP OUI value equal to 0x00-80-C2 indicates Bridged Protocols.
With the OUI value set to 0x00-00-00, the SNAP PID value equal to
0x08-00 indicates IP and a PID value equal to 0x08-06 indicates ARP
(or InARP).
The complete LLC/SNAP Header is shown in Fig. 8.
+-----------+----------+----------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+
DSAP SSAP CTRL OUI PID
(1 byte) (1 byte) (1 byte) ( 3 bytes) (2 bytes
+-----------+----------+----------+-------+-------+-------+-------+------+
Fig. 8 LLC/SNAP Header
3.5 Bit and Byte Ordering
IP or ARP Packets are mapped to FC-4 Level using the big endian byte
ordering, which corresponds to the standard network byte order or
canonical form [20]. FC-4 Payload maps with no change in order to the
FC-2 Level.
FC-1 Level defines the method used to encode data prior to
transmission and subsequently decode the data upon reception. The
method encodes 8-bit bytes into 10-bit transmission characters to
improve the transmission characteristics of the serial data stream.
In Fibre Channel, data fields are aligned on word boundaries. See
Appendix E. A word in FC is defined as 4 bytes or 32 bits. The
resulting transmission word after the 8-bit to 10-bit encoding
consists of 40 bits.
Data words or Ordered Sets (special FC-2 Level control words) from
the FC-2 Level map to the FC-1 Level with no change in order and the
bytes in the word are transmitted in the Most Significant Byte first
to Least Significant Byte order. The transmission order of bits
within each byte is the Least Significant Bit to the Most Significant
Bit.
4. ARP
4.1 Address Resolution
Address Resolution in this specification is primarily concerned with
associating IP addresses with FC Port addresses. As described
earlier, FC device ports have two types of addresses:
- a non-volatile unique 64-bit address called World Wide Port_Name
(WW_PN)
- a volatile 24-bit address called a Port_ID
The Address Resolution mechanism therefore will need two levels of
mapping:
1. A mapping from the IP address to the WW_PN (i.e., IEEE
48-bit MAC address)
2. A mapping from the WW_PN to the Port_ID (see Appendix G for a
definition of Port_ID)
The address resolution problem is compounded by the fact that the
Port_ID is volatile and the second mapping MUST be valid before use.
Moreover, this validation process can be different depending on the
network topology used. Appendix D provides a discussion on validation
for the different FC topologies.
Architecturally, the first level of mapping and control operation is
handled by the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP), and the second
level by the FC Address Resolution Protocol (FARP). FARP is described
in Section 5.
Other optional mechanisms in FARP that directly map an IP address to
a Port_ID, or WW_NN to a Port_ID are described in Appendix A.
The Inverse Address Resolution Protocol (InARP) is yet another
optional mechanism that resolves WW_PN and Port_IDs to IP addresses.
InARP is described in Appendix B.
4.2 ARP Packet Format
The Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) given in [9] was designed to be
a general purpose protocol, and to work with many network
technologies, and with many upper layer protocols. Fig 9 shows the
ARP packet format based on [9], where the upper layer protocol uses a
4 octet protocol (IP) address and the network technology uses six-
octet hardware (MAC) address.
The ARP uses two packet types - Request and Reply - and each type of
packet is 28 -bytes long in this specification. The ARP Packet fields
are common to both ARP Requests and ARP Replys.
The LLC/SNAP encapsulated ARP Request Packet is mapped to a FC
Broadcast Sequence and the exact mechanism used to broadcast a FC
Sequence depends on the FC topology. This is discussed later in this
section. Compliant ARP Request Broadcasts SHALL include
Network_Headers.
The LLC/SNAP encapsulated ARP Reply Packet is mapped to a FC
Sequence. Compliant ARP Replys SHALL include Network_Headers.
Note that in all discussions to follow, the WW_PN and the 48-bit MAC
address conceptually mean the same thing.
The 'HW Type' field SHALL be set to 0x00-01.
Technically, the correct HW Type value should be set to 0x00-06
according to RFC1700 indicating IEEE 802 networks. However, as a
practical matter a HW Type value of 0x00-06 is known to cause
rejections from some Ethernet end stations when FC is bridged to
Ethernet. Translational bridges are normally eXPected to change this
field from Type 6 to 1 and vice versa under these configurations, but
many do not. It is because of this reason that the Type Code is set
to 1 rather than 6. However, both HW Type values of 0x00-01 and
0x00-06 SHALL be accepted.
The 'Protocol' field SHALL be set to 0x08-00 indicating IP protocol.
The 'HW Addr Length' field SHALL be set to 0x06 indicating 6-bytes of
HW address.
The 'Protocol Addr Length' field SHALL be set to 0x04 indicating 4-
bytes of IPv4 address.
The 'Operation' Code field SHALL be set as follows:
0x00-01 for ARP Request
0x00-02 for ARP Reply
The 'HW Addr of Sender' field SHALL be the 6-byte IEEE MAC address of
the sender. It is either the Requester (ARP Request) or the Responder
(ARP Reply) address.
The 'Protocol Addr of Sender' field SHALL be the 4-byte IP address of
the Requester (ARP Request) or that of the Responder (ARP Reply).
The 'HW Addr of Target' field SHALL be set to zero during an ARP
Request and to the 6-byte MAC address of the Requester (ARP Request)
in an ARP Reply.
The 'Protocol Addr of Target' field SHALL be set to the 4-byte IP
address of the Responder (ARP Reply) in a ARP Request, and to the
4-byte IP address of the Requester (ARP Request) in an ARP Reply.
+-------------------------+
HW Type 2 bytes
+-------------------------+
Protocol 2 bytes
+-------------------------+
HW Addr Length 1 byte
+-------------------------+
Protocol Addr Length 1 byte
+-------------------------+
Op Code 2 bytes
+-------------------------+
HW Addr of Sender 6 bytes
+-------------------------+
Protocol Addr of Sender 4 bytes
+-------------------------+
HW Addr of Target 6 bytes
+-------------------------+
Protocol Addr of Target 4 bytes
+-------------------------+
Total 28 bytes
Fig. 9 ARP Packet Format
4.3 ARP Layer Mapping and Operation
Whenever a FC port wishes to send IP data to another FC port, then
the following steps are taken:
1. The source port should first consult its local mapping tables to
determine the <destination IP address, destination WW_PN>.
2. If such a mapping is found, then the source sends the IP
data to the port whose WW_PN address was found in the table.
3. If such a mapping is not found, then the source sends an
ARP Request broadcast to its connected FC network in
anticipation of getting a reply from the correct destination
along with its WW_PN.
4. When an ARP Request Broadcast frame is received by a node with
the matching IP address, it generates an ARP Reply. Since the
ARP Reply must be addressed to a specific destination Port_ID,
the FC layer mapping between the WW_PN and Port_ID (of the ARP
Request orginator) MUST be valid before the reply is sent.
5. If no node has the matching IP address, the result is a silent
behavior.
4.4 ARP Broadcast in a Point-to-Point Topology
The ARP Request (Broadcast) and Reply mechanism described above still
apply, although there is only one node that receives the ARP Request.
4.5 ARP Broadcast in a Private Loop Topology
In a private loop, the ARP Request Broadcast frame is sent using the
broadcast method specified in the FC-AL [7]standard.
1. The source port first sends an Open Broadcast Replicate
primitive (OPN(fr))Signal forcing all the ports in the loop
(except itself), to replicate the frames that they receive
while examining the frame header's Destination_ID field.
2. The source port then removes this OPN(fr) signal when it
returns to it.
3. The loop is now ready to receive the ARP broadcast. The source
now sends the ARP Request as a single-frame Broadcast Sequence
in a Class 3 frame with the following FC Header D_ID field and
F_CTL bits setting:
Destination ID <Word 0, bit 0:23>: D_ID = 0xFF-FF-FF
Sequence Initiative <Word 2, bit23>: SI=0
Last Sequence <Word 2, bit 20>: LS=1
End Sequence <Word 2, bit 19>: ES=1.
4. A compliant ARP Broadcast Sequence frame SHALL include the
Network_Header with destination MAC address set to 0xFF-FF-FF-
FF-FF-FF and with NAA = b'0001'
5. The destination port recognizing its IP address in the ARP
Request packet SHALL respond with an ARP Reply.
4.6 ARP Broadcast in a Public Loop Topology
The following steps will be followed when a port is configured in a
public loop:
1. A public loop device attached to a fabric through a FL_Port
MUST NOT use the OPN(fr) signal primitive. Rather, it sends the
broadcast sequence to the FL_Port at AL_PA = 0x00.
2. A FC Fabric propagates the broadcast to all other ports
including the FL_Port which the broadcast arrived on. This
includes all F_Ports, and other FL_Ports.
3. On each FL_Port, the fabric propagates the broadcast by first
using the primitive signal OPNfr, in order to prepare the loop
to receive the broadcast sequence.
4. A Broadcast Sequence is now sent on all ports (all FL_ports,
F_Ports) in Class 3 frame with:
Destination ID <Word 0, bit 23:0>: D_ID = 0xFF-FF-FF
Sequence Initiative <Word 2, bit23>: SI=0
Last Sequence <Word 2, bit 20>: LS=1
End Sequence <Word 2, bit 19>: ES=1.
5. A compliant ARP Broadcast Sequence frame SHALL include the
Network_Header with destination MAC address set to 0xFF-FF-FF-
FF-FF-FF and with NAA = b'0001'
6. The destination port recognizing its IP address in the ARP
Request packet SHALL respond with an ARP Reply.
4.7 ARP Operation in a Fabric Topology
1. Nodes directly attached to fabric do not require the OPN(fr)
primitive signal.
2. A Broadcast Sequence is now sent on all ports (all FL_ports,
F_Ports) in Class 3 frame with:
Destination ID <Word 0, bit 23:0>: D_ID = 0xFF-FF-FF
Sequence Initiative <Word 2, bit23>: SI=0
Last Sequence <Word 2, bit 20>: LS=1
End Sequence <Word 2, bit 19>: ES=1.
3. A compliant ARP Broadcast Sequence frame SHALL include the
Network_Header with destination MAC address set to
0xFF-FF-FF-FF-FF-FF and with NAA = b'0001'
4. The destination port recognizing its IP address in
the ARP packet SHALL respond with an ARP Reply.
5. FARP
5.1 Scope
FC Layer Mapping between the WW_PN and the Port_ID is independent of
the ARP mechanism and is more closely associated with the details of
the FC protocols. Name Server and FC Address Resolution Protocol
(FARP) are two formal mechanisms that can be used to create and
maintain WW_PN to Port_ID tables.
FARP is a method using Extended Link Service (ELS) commands that
resolves <WW_PN, Port_ID> mappings. The WW_PN to Port_ID address
resolution using FARP is especially useful in instances where the
Login table entries at a node expire and a Name Server is not
available. It is outside the scope of this document to describe Name
Server. (See [14].)
Additional address matching mechanisms that resolve <WW_NN, Port_ID>
and <IP addr., Port_ID> mapping have been added to FARP. These
additional mechanisms are optional and described in Appendix A.
Direct IP address to Port_ID mapping is useful in applications where
there is no visibility of the MAC address.
Other less formal FC Layer Mapping mechanisms are described in
Appendix C.
Since Port_IDs are volatile, all mapped Port_IDs at all times MUST
be valid before use. There are many events that can invalidate this
mapping. Appendix D discusses conditions when such a validation is
required.
5.2 FARP Overview
The FARP protocol uses two ELS commands - FARP-REQ and FARP-REPLY.
Note: In the following discussion 'Requester' means the node
issuing the FARP-REQ ELS message; 'Responder' means the
node replying to the request by sending the FARP-REPLY
command.
The FARP-REQ ELS Broadcast Request command is used to retrieve a
specific node's current Port_ID given its unique WW_PN. This Port_ID
is sent in a FARP-REPLY unicast command.
The FARP-REQ may indicate that the Responder:
- Perform only a Login with it (Requester) or,
- Send only a FARP-REPLY or,
- Perform a Login and send a FARP-REPLY.
No sequence initiative is transferred with the FARP-REQ and therefore
no Reply (ACCEPT or REJECT) follows this command.
Since a Sequence Initiative is transferred with the FARP-REPLY,
either a ACCEPT or REJECT follows this command as a response.
Reception of a FARP-REQ requires a higher level entity at the
responding node to send a FARP-REPLY or perform a Port Login.
You do not have to be logged in to issue a FARP Request. Also, you do
not have to be logged in to the FARP Requester to issue a FARP-REPLY.
The FARP Protocol Steps:
FARP-REQ (ELS broadcast) Request Sequence
(No Reply Sequence)
FARP-REPLY (ELS command) Sequence
Accept/Reject Reply Sequence
The FARP Protocol Format [2] and Size:
FT_1, 76-bytes fixed size
The FARP Protocol Addressing:
- In a FARP-REQ, the S_ID in the FC Header designates the
Requester's Port ID. The D_ID in the FC Header is the broadcast
identifier 0xFF-FF-FF.
- In a FARP-REPLY, the S_ID in the FC Header designates the
Responder's Port_ID. The D_ID in the FC Header is the Requester's
Port_ID.
5.3 FARP Command Format
FARP-REQ and FARP-REPLY commands have identical formats (76-bytes
fixed size) and fields but use different command codes. See tables
below.
+---------------------------------------------------------------------+
FARP-REQ Command
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
Field Size Remarks
(Bytes)
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
0x54-00-00-00 4 Request Command Code
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
Match Address Code Points 1 Indicates Address
Matching Mechanism
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
Port_ID of Requester 3 Supplied by
Requester =
S_ID in FC Header
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
Responder Flags 1 Response Action to
be taken
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
Port_ID of Responder 3 Set to 0x00-00-00
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
WW_PN of Requester 8 Supplied by Requester
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
+ WW_NN of Requester 8 OPTIONAL;
See Appendix A
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
WW_PN of Responder 8 Supplied by Requester
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
WW_NN of Responder 8 OPTIONAL; see App. A
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
IP Address of Requester 16 OPTIONAL; see App. A
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
IP Address of Responder 16 OPTIONAL; see App. A
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
+---------------------------------------------------------------------+
FARP-REPLY Command
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
Field Size Remarks
(Bytes)
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
0x55-00-00-00 4 Reply Command Code
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
Match Address Code Points 1 Not Used and
Unchanged from the
FARP-REQ
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
Port_ID of Requester 3 Extracted from
FARP-REQ
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
Responder Flags 1 Not Used and
Unchanged from the
FARP-REQ
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
Port_ID of Responder 3 Supplied by
Responder =
S_ID in FC Header
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
WW_PN of Requester 8 Supplied by Requester
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
WW_NN of Requester 8 OPTIONAL; see App. A
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
WW_PN of Responder 8 Supplied by Requester
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
WW_NN of Responder 8 OPTIONAL; see App. A
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
IP Add. of Requester 16 OPTIONAL; see App. A
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
IP Address of Responder 16 OPTIONAL; see App. A
+-------------------------------------+---------+---------------------+
Following is a description of the address fields in the FARP
Commands.
Port_ID of Requester:
It is the 24-bit Port_ID used in the S_ID field of the FC Header of a
FARP-REQ. It is supplied by the Requester in a FARP-REQ and retained
in a FARP-REPLY.
Port_ID of Responder:
It is the 24-bit Port_ID used in the S_ID field of the FC Header of a
FARP-REPLY. It SHALL be set to 0x00-00-00 in a FARP-REQ. It is
supplied by the Responder in a FARP-REPLY.
WW_PN:
This address field is used with the b'001', b'011', b'101, b'111',
Match Address Code Points. See Match Address Code Point Table below.
The Requester supplies the unique 8-byte WW_PN of the Requester and
the Responder. It is retained in a FARP-REPLY.
WW_NN:
The WW_NN address field is used with Match Address Code Points
b'010', b'011', b'110', and b'111', which are all optional. Its usage
is fully described in Appendix A. When the WW_NN field is not used it
SHALL be either set to '0' or a valid non-zero address.
IPv4:
The IPv4 address field is used with the Match Address Code Points
b'100', b'101', b'110', and b'111', which are all optional. Its usage
is fully described in Appendix A. When the IP Address field is not
used it SHALL be either set to '0' or a valid IP address. A valid IP
address consists of the 32-bit IPv4 Address with the upper 96 bits
set to '0'.
5.4 Match Address Code Points
For each receipt of the FARP-REQ Broadcast ELS, the recipients match
one or more addresses based on the encoded bits of the "FARP Match
Address Code Points" field shown in the table below. FARP operation
with the Match Address Code Point equal to b'001' is described in
this section. Other code points are OPTIONAL and are discussed in
Appendix A. The upper 5 bits of the Match Address Code Point byte are
unused and their use is not currently defined.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Match Address Code Points
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
LSBits Bit name Action
+-----------+--------------------+---------------------------------+
000 Reserved
+-----------+--------------------+---------------------------------+
001 MATCH_WW_PN If 'WW_PN of Responder' =
Node's WW_PN then respond
+-----------+--------------------+---------------------------------+
010 MATCH_WW_NN OPTIONAL; see Appendix A
+-----------+--------------------+---------------------------------+
011 MATCH_WW_PN_NN OPTIONAL; see Appendix A
+-----------+--------------------+---------------------------------+
100 MATCH_IPv4 OPTIONAL; see Appendix A
+-----------+--------------------+---------------------------------+
101 MATCH_WW_PN_IPv4 OPTIONAL; see Appendix A
+-----------+--------------------+---------------------------------+
110 MATCH_WW_NN_IPv4 OPTIONAL; see Appendix A
+-----------+--------------------+---------------------------------+
111 MATCH_WW_PN_NN_IPv4 OPTIONAL; see Appendix A
+-----------+--------------------+---------------------------------+
When a node receives a FARP-REQ with Code Point b'001', it checks its
WW_PN against the one set in 'WW_PN of Responder' field of the FARP-
REQ command. If there is a match, then the node issues a response
according to the action indicated by the FARP Responder Flag. See
table below.
WW_NN and IPv4 address fields are not used with the b'001' Code Point
operation. They SHALL be set to '0' or a valid address either by the
Requester or the Requester and the Responder.
Note that there can be utmost one FARP-REPLY per FARP-REQ.
5.5 Responder Flags
The Responder Flags define what Responder action to take if the
result of the Match Address Code Points is successful. 'Responder
Flags' is an 8-bit field (bits 0-7) and is defined in the table
below. This field is used only in a FARP-REQ. This field is retained
unchanged in a FARP-REPLY. If no bits are set, the Responder will
take no action.
+----------+-------------------------------------------------------+
FARP Responder Flag
+----------+----------------+--------------------------------------+
Bit Bit Name Action
Position
+----------+----------------+--------------------------------------+
0 INIT_P_LOGI Initiate a P_LOGI to the Requester
+----------+----------------+--------------------------------------+
1 INIT_REPLY Send FARP_REPLY to Requester
+----------+----------------+--------------------------------------+
2 to 7 Reserved
+----------+----------------+--------------------------------------+
If INIT_P_LOGI bit is set then, a Login is performed with the port
identified by "Port_ID of Requester" field.
If INIT_REPLY is set then, a FARP-REPLY is sent to the Port
Identified by "Port_ID of Requester" field.
If both bits are set at the same time, then both Actions are
performed.
All other bit patterns are undefined at this time and are reserved
for possible future use.
5.6 FARP Support Requirements
Responder action - FARP-REPLY and/or Port Login - for a successful
MATCH_WW_PN is always REQUIRED. If there is no address match then a
silent behavior is specified.
Support for all other Match Address Code Points is OPTIONAL and a
silent behavior from the Responder is valid when it is not supported.
Recipients of the FARP-REQ ELS SHALL NOT issue a Service Reject
(LS_RJT) if FARP OPTIONAL mechanisms are not supported.
In all cases, if there are no matches, then a silent behavior is
specified.
If an implementation issues a FARP-REQ with a Match Address Code
Point that is OPTIONAL, and fails to receive a response, and the
implementation has not oBTained the Port_ID of the Responder's port
by other means (e.g., prior FARP-REQ with other Code Points), then
the implementation SHALL reattempt the FARP-REQ with the MATCH_WW_PN
Code Point.
Getting multiple FARP Replies corresponding to a single FARP-REQ
should normally never occur. It is beyond the scope of this document
to specify conditions under which this error may occur or what the
corrective action ought to be.
6. Exchange Management
6.1 Exchange Origination
FC Exchanges shall be established to transfer data between ports.
Frames on IP exchanges shall not transfer Sequence Initiative. See
Appendix E for a discussion on FC Exchanges.
6.2 Exchange Termination
With the exception of the recommendations in Appendix F, Section F.1,
"Reliability in Class 3", the mechanism for aging or expiring
exchanges based on activity, timeout, or other method is outside the
scope of this document.
Exchanges may be terminated by either port. The Exchange Originator
may terminate Exchanges by setting the LS bit, following normal FC
standard FC-PH [2] rules. This specification prohibits the use of the
NOP ELS with LS set for Exchange termination.
Exchanges may be torn down by the Exchange Originator or Exchange
Responder by using the ABTS_LS protocol. The use of ABTS_LS for
terminating aged Exchanges or error recovery is outside the scope of
this document.
The termination of IP Exchanges by Logout is discouraged, since this
may terminate active Exchanges on other FC-4s.
7. Summary of Supported Features
Note: 'Settable' means support is as specified in the relevant
standard; all other key words are as defined earlier in this
document.
7.1 FC-4 Header
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Feature Support Notes
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Type Code ( = 5) ISO8802-2 LLC/SNAP REQUIRED 2
Network_Headers REQUIRED 3
Other Optional Headers MUST NOT
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Notes:
1. This table applies only to FC-4 related data, such as IP and
ARP packets. This table does not apply to link services and
other non-FC-4 sequences (PLOGI, for example) that must occur
for normal operation.
2. The TYPE field in the FC Header (Word 2 bits 31-24) MUST
indicate ISO 8802-2 LLC/SNAP Encapsulation (Type 5). This
revision of the document focuses solely on the issues related
to running IP and ARP over FC. All other issues are outside
the scope of this document, including full support for IEEE
802.2 LLC.
3. DF_CTL field (Word 3, bits 23-16 of FC-Header) MUST indicate
the presence of a Network_Header (0010 0000) on the First
logical Frame of FC-4 Sequences. It should not indicate the
presence of a Network_Header on any subsequent frames of the
Sequence.
7.2 R_CTL
R_CTL in FC-Header: Word 0, bits 31-24
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Feature Support Notes
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Information Category (R_CTL Routing):
FC-4 Device Data REQUIRED 1
Extended Link Data REQUIRED
FC-4 Link Data MUST NOT
Video Data MUST NOT
Basic Link Data REQUIRED
Link Control REQUIRED
R_CTL information :
Uncategorized MUST NOT
Solicited Data MUST NOT
Unsolicited Control REQUIRED
Solicited Control REQUIRED
Unsolicited Data REQUIRED 1
Data Descriptor MUST NOT
Unsolicited Command MUST NOT
Command Status MUST NOT
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Notes:
1. This is REQUIRED for FC-4 (IP and ARP) packets
- Routing bits of R_CTL field MUST indicate Device Data
frames (0000)
- Information Category of R_CTL field MUST indicate
Unsolicited Data (0100)
7.3 F_CTL
F_CTL in FC-Header: Word 2, bits 23-0
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Feature Support Notes
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Exchange Context Settable
Sequence Context Settable
First / Last / End Sequence (FS/LS/ES) Settable
Chained Sequence MUST NOT
Sequence Initiative (SI) Settable 1
X_ID Reassigned / Invalidate MUST NOT
Unidirectional Transmit Settable
Continue Sequence Condition REQUIRED 2
Abort Seq. Condition -continue and single Seq. REQUIRED 3
Relative Offset - Unsolicited Data Settable 4
Fill Bytes Settable
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Notes
1. For FC-4 frames, each N_Port shall have a dedicated OX_ID for
sending data to each N_Port in the network and a dedicated
RX_ID for receiving data from each N_Port as well. Exchanges
are used in a unidirectional mode, thus setting Sequence
Initiative is not valid for FC-4 frames. Sequence Initiative is
valid when using Extended Link Services.
2. This field is required to be 00, no information.
3. Sequence error policy is requested by an exchange originator in
the F_CTL Abort Sequence Condition bits in the first data frame
of the exchange. For Classes 1 and 2, ACK frame is required to
be "continuous sequence".
4. Relative offset prohibited on all other types (Information
Category) of frames.
7.4 Sequences
+---------------------------------------------------------------------+
Feature Support Notes
+---------------------------------------------------------------------+
Class 2 open Sequences / Exchange 1 1
Length of Seq. not limited by end-to-end credit REQUIRED 2
IP and ARP Packet and FC Data Field sizes REQUIRED 3
Capability to receive Sequence of maximum size OPTIONAL 4
Sequence Streaming MUST NOT 5
Stop Sequence Protocol MUST NOT
ACK_0 support OPTIONAL 6
ACK_1 support REQUIRED 6
ACK_N support MUST NOT
Class of Service for transmitted Sequences Class 7
1, 2, or 3
Continuously Increasing Sequence Count OPTIONAL 8, 9
+---------------------------------------------------------------------+
Notes:
1. Only one active sequence per exchange is optional.
2. A Sequence Initiator shall be capable of transmitting Sequences
containing more frames than the available credit indicated by a
Sequence recipient at Login. FC-PH [2] end-to-end flow control
rules will be followed when transmitting such Sequences.
3. a) IP MTU size is 65280-bytes and resulting FC Sequence
Payload size is 65536-bytes.
b) Maximally Minimum IP Packet size is 68-bytes and resulting
FC Data Field size is 92-bytes.
c) ARP (and InARP) Packet size is 28-bytes and resulting FC
Data Field size is 52-bytes.
4. Some OS environments may not handle the max Sequence Payload
size of 65536. It is up to the administrator to configure the
Max size for all systems.
5. All class 3 sequences are assumed to be non-streamed.
6. Only applies for Class 1 and 2. Use of ACK_1 is default, ACK_0
used if indicated by Sequence recipient at Login.
7. The administrator configured class of service is used, except
where otherwise specified (e.g. Broadcasts are always sent in
Class 3).
8. Review Appendix F, "Reliability in Class 3".
9. The first frame of the first sequence of a new Exchange must
have SEQ_CNT = 0 [2].
7.5 Exchanges
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Feature Support Notes
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
X_ID interlock support OPTIONAL 1
OX_ID=FFFF MUST NOT
RX_ID=FFFF OPTIONAL 2
Action if no exchange resources available P_RJT 3
Long Lived Exchanges OPTIONAL 4
Reallocation of Idle Exchanges OPTIONAL
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Notes:
1. Only applies to Classes 1 and 2, supported by the Exchange
Originator. A Port SHALL be capable of interoperating with
another Port that requires X_ID interlock. The Exchange
Originator facility within the Port shall use the X_ID
Interlock protocol in such cases.
2. An Exchange Responder is not required to assign RX_IDs. If a
RX_ID of FFFF is assigned, it is identifying Exchanges based on
S_ID / D_ID / OX_ID only.
3. In Classes 1 and 2, a Port shall reject a frame that would
create a new Exchange with a P_RJT containing reason code
"Unable to establish Exchange". In Class 3, the frame would be
dropped.
4. When an Exchange is created between 2 Ports for IP/ARP data, it
remains active while the ports are logged in with each other.
An Exchange SHALL NOT transfer Sequence Initiative (SI).
Broadcasts and ELS commands may use short lived Exchanges.
7.6 ARP and InARP
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Feature Support Notes
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
ARP Server Support MUST NOT 1
Response to ARP requests REQUIRED 2
Class of Service for ARP requests Class 3 3
Class of Service for ARP replies Class 4
1, 2, or 3
Response to InARP requests OPTIONAL
Class of Service for InARP requests/replies Class
1, 2 or 3 5
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Notes:
1. Well-known Address FFFFFC is not used for ARP requests. Frames
from Well-known address FFFFFC are not considered to be ARP
frames. Broadcast support is REQUIRED for ARP.
2. The IP Address is mapped to a specific MAC address with ARP.
3. An ARP request is a Broadcast Sequence, therefore Class 3
is always used.
4. An ARP reply is a normal Sequence, thus the administrator
configured class of service is used.
5. An InARP Request or Reply is a normal Sequence, thus an
administrator configured class of service is used.
7.7 Extended Link Services (ELS)
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Feature Support Notes
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Class of service for ELS commands / responses Class
1,2 or 3 1
Explicit N-Port Login REQUIRED
Explicit F-Port Login REQUIRED
FLOGI ELS command REQUIRED
PLOGI ELS command REQUIRED
ADISC ELS command REQUIRED
PDISC ELS command OPTIONAL 2
FAN ELS command REQUIRED 5
LOGO ELS command REQUIRED
FARP-REQ/FARP-REPLY ELS commands REQUIRED 3
Other ELS command support OPTIONAL 4
+-----------------------------------------------+------------+-------+
Notes:
1. The administrator configured class of service is used.
2. PDISC shall not be used as a Requester; ADISC shall be used
instead. As a Responder, an implementation may need to respond
to both ADISC and PDISC for compatibility with other
specifications.
3. Responder Action - FARP-REPLY and/or Port Login - for a
successful MATCH_WW_PN is always REQUIRED.
Support for all other match Address Codes Points is a silent
behavior from the Responder is valid when it is not supported.
Recipients of the FARP-REQ ELS shall not issue a Service Reject
(LS_RJT) if FARP is not supported.
4. If other ELS commands are received an LS_RJT may be sent. NOP
is not required by this specification, and shall not be used as
a mechanism to terminate exchanges.
5. Required for FL_Ports
7.8 Login Parameters
Unless explicitly noted here, a compliant implementation shall use
the login parameters as described in [4].
7.8.1 Common Service Parameters - FLOGI
- FC-PH Version, lowest version may be 0x09 to indicate
'minimum 4.3'.
- Can't use BB_Credit=0 for N_Port on a switched Fabric
(F_Port).
7.8.2 Common Service Parameters - PLOGI
- FC-PH Version, lowest version may be 0x09 to indicate
'minimum 4.3'.
- Can't use BB_Credit=0 for N_Port in a Point-to-Point
configuration
- Random Relative Offset is optional.
- Note that the 'Receive Data Field Size' fields specified in
the PLOGI represent both optional headers and payload.
- The MAC Address can therefore be extracted from the 6 lower
bytes of the WW_PN field (when the IEEE 48-bit Identifier
format is chosen as the NAA) during PLOGI or ACC payload
exchanged during Fibre Channel Login [2].
- The MAC Address can also be extracted from the WW_PN field in
the Network_Header during ADISC (and ADISC ACC), or PDISC
(and PDISC ACC).
7.8.3 Class Service Parameters - PLOGI
- Discard error policy only.
8. Security Considerations
8.1 IP and ARP Related
IP and ARP do not introduce any new security concerns beyond what
already exists within the Fibre Channel Protocols and Technology.
Therefore IP and ARP related Security does not require special
consideration in this document.
8.2 FC Related
FC Standards [11] specify a Security Key Server (independent of IP
and ARP) as an optional service. However, there are no known
implementations of this server yet. Also, the previously defined [2]
use of a Security Header has been discontinued [11].
9. Acknowledgement
This specification is based on FCA IP Profile, Version 3.3. The FCA
IP Profile was a joint work of the Fibre Channel Association (FCA)
vendor community. The following organizations or individuals have
contributed to the creation of the FCA IP Profile: Adaptec, Ancor,
Brocade, Clariion, Crossroads, emf Associates, eMulex, Finisar,
Gadzoox, Hewlett Packard, Interphase, Jaycor, McData, Migration
Associates, Orca Systems, Prisa, Q-Logic, Symbios, Systran,
Tektronix, Univ. of Minnesota, Univ. of New Hamshire. Jon Infante
from Emulex deserves special mention for his contributions to the
FARP Protocol. The authors extend their thanks to all who provided
comments and especially to Lansing Sloan from LLNL for his detailed
comments.
10. References
[1] FCA IP Profile, Revision 3.3, May 15, 1997
[2] Fibre Channel Physical and Signaling Interface (FC-PH) , ANSI
X3.230-1994
[3] Fibre Channel Link Encapsulation (FC-LE), Revision 1.1, June 26,
1996
[4] Fibre Channel Fabric Loop Attachment (FC-FLA), Rev. 2.7, August
12, 1997
[5] Fibre Channel Private Loop SCSI Direct Attach (FC-PLDA),
Rev. 2.1, September 22, 1997
[6] Fibre Channel Physical and Signaling Interface-2 (FC-PH-2),
Rev. 7.4, ANSI X3.297-1996
[7] Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop (FC-AL), ANSI X3.272-1996
[8] Postel, J. and J. Reynolds, "A standard for the Transmission of
IP Datagrams over IEEE 802 Networks", STD 43, RFC1042, February
1988.
[9] Plummer, D. "An Ethernet Address Resolution Protocol -or-
Converting Network Addresses to 48-bit Ethernet Address for
Transmission on Ethernet Hardware", STD 37, RFC826, November
1982.
[10] FCSI IP Profile, FCSI-202, Revision 2.1, September 8, 1995
[11] Fibre Channel Physical and Signaling Interface -3 (FC-PH-3),
Rev. 9.3, ANSI X3.303-199x
[12] Fibre Channel-The Basics, "Gary R. Stephens and Jan V. Dedek",
Ancot Corporation
[13] Fibre Channel -Gigabit Communications and I/O for Computers
Networks "Alan Benner", McGraw-Hill, 1996, ISBN 0-07-005669-2
[14] Fibre Channel Generic Services -2 (FC-GS-2), Rev. 5.2
X3.288-199x
[15] Bradley, T. and C. Brown, "Inverse Address Resolution Protocol",
RFC1293, January 1992.
[16] Bradley, T., Brown, C. and A. Malis, "Inverse Address Resolution
Protocol", RFC2390, August 1992.
[17] Postel, J., "Internet Protocol", STD 5, RFC791, September 1981.
[18] The Fibre Channel Consultant: A Comprehensive Introduction,
"Robert W. Kembel", Northwest Learning Associates, 1998
[19] Bradner, S., "Key Words for use in RFCs to Indicate Requirement
Levels", BCP 14, RFC2119, March 1997.
[20] Narten, T. and C. Burton, "A Caution on The Canonical Ordering
of Link-Layer Addresses", RFC2469, December 1998.
11. Authors' Addresses
Murali Rajagopal
Gadzoox Networks, Inc.
711 Kimberly Avenue, Suite 100
Placentia, CA 92870
Phone: +1 714 577 6805
Fax: +1 714 524 8508
EMail: murali@gadzoox.com
Raj Bhagwat
Gadzoox Networks, Inc.
711 Kimberly Avenue, Suite 100
Placentia, CA 92870
Phone: +1 714 577 6806
Fax: +1 714 524 8508
EMail: raj@gadzoox.com
Wayne Rickard
Gadzoox Networks, Inc.
711 Kimberly Avenue, Suite 100
Placentia, CA 92870
Phone: +1 714 577 6803
Fax: +1 714 524 8508
EMail: wayne@gadzoox.com
Appendix A: Additional Matching Mechanisms in FARP
Section 5 described the FC Layer mapping between the WW_PN and the
Port_ID using the FARP Protocol. This appendix describes other
optional criteria for address matching and includes:
- WW_NN
- WW_PN & WW_NN at the same time
- IPv4
- IPv4 & WW_PN at the same time
- IPv4 & WW_NN at the same time
- IPv4 & WW_PN & WW_NN at the same time
Depending on the Match Address Code Points, the FARP protocol
fundamentally resolves three main types of addresses to Port_IDs and
is described in table below.
- For Match Address Code Point b'001': WW_PN Names fields are
used to resolve the WW_PN names to Port_IDs. WW_NN and IP
address fields are not used with these Code Points and SHALL be
set to either '0' or valid addresses by Requester or Requester
and Responder.
- For Match Address Code Point b'010': WW_NN Names fields are
used to resolve the WW_NN names to Port_IDs. WW_PN and IP
address fields are not used with these Code Points and SHALL be
set to either '0' or valid addresses by Requester or Requester
and Responder.
- For Match Address Code Point b'100': IPv4 fields are used to
resolve the IPv4 addresses to Port_IDs. WW_PN and WW_NN fields
are not used with these Code Points and SHALL be set to either '
0' or valid addresses by Requester or Requester and Responder.
- For all other Match Address Code Points b'011', b'101',b'110',
b'111', depending on set bits one or more addresses are jointly
resolved to a Port_ID. See table below. If fields are not used,
then they are set either to '0' or valid addresses.
The Responder Flags remain the same as before. Note that there can be
utmost one FARP-REPLY per FARP-REQ.
Tables showing FARP-REQ and FARP-REPLY and address fields setting are
given below:
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
Match Address Code Points
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
LSBits Bit name Action
+-------+--------------------+---------------------------------------+
000 Reserved
+-------+--------------------+---------------------------------------+
001 MATCH_WW_PN If 'WW_PN of Responder' =
Node's WW_PN then respond
+-------+--------------------+---------------------------------------+
010 MATCH_WW_NN If 'WW_NN of Responder' =
Node's WW_NN then respond
+-------+--------------------+---------------------------------------+
011 MATCH_WW_PN_NN If both 'WW_PN of Responder' &
'WW_NN of Responder' =
Node's WW_PN & WW_NN then respond
+-------+--------------------+---------------------------------------+
100 MATCH_IPv4 If 'IPv4 Address of Responder' =
Node's IPv4 Address then respond
+-------+--------------------+---------------------------------------+
101 MATCH_WW_PN_IPv4 If 'WW_PN & IPv4 of Responder' =
Node's WW_PN and IPv4 then respond
+-------+--------------------+---------------------------------------+
110 MATCH_WW_NN_IPv4 If both 'WW_NN of Responder' &
'IPv4 Address of Responder' =
Node's WW_NN & IPv4 then respond
+-------+--------------------+---------------------------------------+
111 MATCH_WW_PN_NN_IPv4 If 'WW_PN of Responder' &
'WW_NN of Responder' &
'IPv4 Address of Responder' =
Nodes' WW_PN & WW_NN & IPv4
then respond
+-------+--------------------+---------------------------------------+
+---------------------------------------------------------------------+
FARP-REQ Command
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
Field Size Remarks
(Bytes)
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
0x54-00-00-00 4 Request Command Code
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
Match Address Code Points 1 Indicates Address
Matching Mechanism
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
Port_ID of Requester 3 Supplied by Requester
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
Responder Flags 1 Response Action to be taken
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
Port_ID of Responder 3 Set to 0x00-00-00
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
WW_PN of Requester 8 Supplied by Requester
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
WW_NN of Requester 8 OPTIONAL;
Supplied by Requester
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
WW_PN of Responder 8 Supplied by Requester
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
WW_NN of Responder 8 OPTIONAL ;Supplied by
Requester or Responder
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
IP Add. of Requester 16 OPTIONAL; Supplied by
Requester
IPv4 Add.=low 32 bits
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
IP Address of Responder 16 OPTIONAL; Supplied by
Requester or Responder
IPv4 Add.=low 32 bits
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
+---------------------------------------------------------------------+
FARP-REPLY Command
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
Field Size Remarks
(Bytes)
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
0x55-00-00-00 4 Reply Command Code
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
Match Address Code Points 1 Not Used and unchanged
from the FARP-REQ
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
Port_ID of Requester 3 Supplied by Requester
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
Responder Flags 1 Not Used and unchanged
from the FARP-REQ
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
Port_ID of Responder 3 Supplied by Responder
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
WW_PN of Requester 8 Supplied by Requester
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
WW_NN of Requester 8 OPTIONAL; Supplied by
Requester
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
WW_PN of Responder 8 Supplied by Requester
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
WW_NN of Responder 8 OPTIONAL; Supplied by
Requester or Responder
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
IP Add. of Requester 16 OPTIONAL; Supplied by
Requester
IPv4 Add.=low 32 bits
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
IP Address of Responder 16 OPTIONAL; Supplied by
Requester or Responder
IPv4 Add.=low 32 bits
+-------------------------------+---------+---------------------------+
Appendix B: InARP
B.1 General Discussion
Inverse ARP (InARP) is a mechanism described in RFC1293/2390 [15,
16], which is useful when a node desires to know the protocol address
of a target node whose hardware address is known. Situations where
this could occur are described in [15, 16]. The motivation for using
InARP in FC is to allow a node to learn the IP address of another
node with which it has performed a Port Login (PLOGI). PLOGI is a
normal FC process that happens between nodes, independent of this
standard. PLOGI makes it possible for a node to discover the WW_PN
and the Port_ID of the other node but not its IP address. A node in
this way may potentially obtain the IP address of all nodes with
which it can PLOGI.
Note that the use of the InARP mechanism can result in resolving all
WW_PN to IP addresses and ARP may no longer be required. This can be
beneficially applied in cases where a particular FC topology makes it
inefficient to send out an ARP broadcast.
B.2 InARP Protocol Operation
InARP uses the same ARP Packet format but with different 'Op Codes',
one for InARP Request and another for InARP Reply.
The InARP protocol operation is very simple. The requesting node
fills the hardware address (WW_PN) of the target device and sets the
protocol address to 0x00-00-00-00. Because, the request is sent to a
node whose WW_PN and Port_ID are known, there is no need for a
broadcast. The target node fills in its Protocol address (IP address
in this case) and sends an InARP Reply back to the sender. A node
may collect, all such WW_PN and IP addresses pairs in a similar way.
B.3 InARP Packet Format
Since the InARP protocol uses the same packet format as the ARP
protocol, much of the discussion on ARP formats given in Section 4
applies here.
The InARP is 28-bytes long in this application and uses two packet
types: Request and Reply. Like ARP, the InARP Packet fields are
common to both InARP Requests and InARP Replies.
InARP Request and Reply Packets are encapsulated in a single frame FC
Sequence much like ARP. Compliant InARP Request and Reply FC
Sequences SHALL include Network_Headers.
The 'HW Type' field SHALL be set to 0x00-01.
The 'Protocol' field SHALL be set to 0x08-00 indicating IP protocol.
The 'HW Addr Length' field SHALL be set to 0x06 indicating 6-bytes of
HW address.
The 'Protocol Addr Length' field SHALL be set to 0x04 indicating
4-bytes of IP address.
The 'Operation' Code field SHALL be set as follows:
0x00-08 for InARP Request
0x00-09 for InARP Reply
The 'HW Addr of Sender' field SHALL be the 6-byte IEEE MAC address of
the Requester (InARP Request) or Responder (InARP Reply).
The 'Protocol Addr of Sender' field SHALL be the 4-byte IP address of
the Requester (InARP Request) or Responder (InARP Reply).
The 'HW Addr of Target' field SHALL be set to the 6-byte MAC address
of the Responder in an InARP Request and to the 6-byte MAC address of
the Requester in an InARP Reply.
The 'Protocol Addr of Target' field SHALL be set to 0x00-00-00-00 in
an InARP Request and to the 4-byte IP address of the Requester in an
InARP Reply.
B.4 InARP Support Requirements
Support for InARP is OPTIONAL. If a node does not support InARP and
it receives an InARP Request message then a silent behavior is
specified.
APPENDIX C: Some Informal Mechanisms for FC Layer Mappings
Each method SHALL have some check to ensure PLOGI has completed
successfully before data is sent. A related concern in large networks
is limiting concurrent logins to only those ports with active IP
traffic.
C.1 Login on Cached Mapping Information
This method insulates the level performing Login from the level
interpreting ARP. It is more accommodating of non-ARP mechanisms for
building the FC-layer mapping table.
1. Broadcast messages that carry a Network_Header contain the S_ID
on the FC-header and WW_PN in the Network-Header. Caching this
information provides a correlation of Port_ID to WW_PN. If the
received Broadcast message is compliant with this
specification, the WW_PN will contain the MAC Address.
2. The WW_PN is "available" if Login has been performed to the
Port_ID and flagged. If Login has not been performed, the WW_PN
is "unavailable".
3. If an outbound packet is destined for a port that is
"unavailable", the cached information (from broadcast) is used
to look up the Port_ID.
4. After sending an ELS PLOGI command (Port Login) to the Port
(from a higher level entity at the host), waiting for an
outbound packet before sending this Port Login conserves
resources for only those ports which wish to establish
communication.
5. After Port Login completes (ACC received), the outbound packet
can be forwarded. At this point in time, both ends have the
necessary information to complete their <IP address, MAC
Address, Port_ID> association.
C.2 Login on ARP Parsing
This method performs Login sooner by parsing ARP before passing it up
to higher levels for IP/MAC Address correlation. It requires a low-
level awareness of the IP address, and is therefore protocol-
specific.
1. When an ARP Broadcast Message is received, the S_ID is
extracted from the FC-header and the corresponding
Network_Source_Address from the Network_Header.
2. The ARP payload is parsed to determine if
(a) this host is the target of the ARP request (Target IP
Address match), and
(b) if this host is currently logged in with the port
(Port_ID = S_ID) originating the ARP broadcast.
3. The ARP is passed to a higher level for ARP Response
generation.
4. If a Port Login is required, an ELS PLOGI command (Port Login)
is sent immediately to the Port originating the ARP Broadcast.
5. After Port Login completes, an ARP response can be forwarded.
Note that there are two possible scenarios:
- The ACC to PLOGI returns before the ARP reply is processed
and the ARP Reply is immediately forwarded.
- The ARP reply is delayed, waiting for ACC (successful
Login).
6. At this point in time, both ends have the necessary
information to complete their
<IP address, MAC Address, Port_ID> association.
C.3 Login to Everyone
In Fibre Channel topologies with a limited number of ports, it may be
efficient to unconditionally Login to each port. This method is
discouraged in fabric and public loop environments.
After Port Login completes, the MAC Address to Port_ID Address tables
can be constructed.
C.4 Static Table
In some loop environments with a limited number of ports, a static
mapping from a MAC Address to Port_ID (D_ID or AL_PA) may be
maintained. The FC layer will always know the destination Port_ID
based on the table. The table is typically downloaded into the driver
at configuration time. This method scales poorly, and is therefore
not recommended.
Appendix D: FC Layer Address Validation
D.1 General Discussion
At all times, the <WW_PN, Port_ID> mapping MUST be valid before use.
There are many events that can invalidate this mapping. The
following discussion addresses conditions when such a validation is
required.
After a FC link interruption occurs, the Port_ID of a port may
change. After the interruption, the Port_IDs of all other ports that
have previously performed PLOGI (N_Port Login) with this port may
have changed, and its own Port_ID may have changed.
Because of this, address validation is required after a LIP in a loop
topology [7] or after NOS/OLS in a point-to-point topology [6].
Port_IDs will not change as a result of Link Reset (LR),thus address
validation is not required.
In addition to actively validating devices after a link interruption,
if a port receives any FC-4 data frames (other than broadcast
frames), from a port that is not currently logged in, then it shall
send an explicit Extended Link Service (ELS) Request logout (LOGO)
command to that port.
ELS commands (Requests and Replies) are used by an N_Port to solicit
a destination port (F_Port or N_Port) to perform some link-level
function or service.) The LOGO Request is used to request
invalidation of the service parameters and Port_ID of the recipient
N_Port.
The level of initialization and subsequent validation and recovery
reported to the upper (FC-4) layers is implementation-specific.
In general, an explicit Logout (LOGO) SHALL be sent whenever the FC-
Layer mapping between the Port_ID and WW_PN of a remote port is
removed.
The effect of power-up or re-boot on the mapping tables is outside
the scope of this specification.
D.2 FC Layer Address Validation in a Point-to-Point Topology
No validation is required after LR. In a point-to-point topology,
NOS/OLS causes implicit Logout of each port and after a NOS/OLS, each
port must perform a PLOGI [2].
D.3 FC Layer Address Validation in a Private Loop Topology
After a LIP, a port SHALL not transmit any link data to another port
until the address of the other port has been validated. The
validation consists of completing either ADISC or PDISC. (See
Appendix G.)
ADISC (Address Discovery) is an ELS command for discovering the hard
addresses - the 24-bit identifier- of NL_Ports [5], [6].
PDISC (Discover Port) is an ELS command for exchanging service
parameters without affecting Login state [5], [6].
As a requester, this specification prohibits PDISC and requires
ADISC.
As a responder, an implementation may need to respond to both ADISC
and PDISC for compatibility with other FC specifications.
If the three addresses, Port_ID, WW_PN, WW_NN, exactly match the
values prior to the LIP, then any active exchanges may continue.
If any of the three addresses have changed, then the node must be
explicitly Logged out [4], [5].
If a port's N_Port ID changes after a LIP, then all active Port-ID to
WW_PN mappings at this port must be explicitly Logged out.
D.4 FC Layer Address Validation in a Public Loop Topology
A FAN (Fabric Address Notification) ELS command is sent by the fabric
to all known previously logged in ports following an initialization
event. Therefore, after a LIP, hosts may wait for this notification
to arrive or they may perform a FLOGI.
If the WW_PN and WW_NN of the fabric FL_Port contained in the FAN ELS
or FLOGI response exactly match the values before the LIP, and if the
AL_PA obtained by the port is the same as the one before the LIP,
then the port may resume all exchanges. If not, then FLOGI (Fabric
Login) must be performed with the fabric and all nodes must be
explicitly Logged out.
A public loop device will have to perform the private loop
authentication to any nodes on the local loop which have an Area +
Domain Address == 0x00-00-XX
D.5 FC Layer Address Validation in a Fabric Topology
No validation is required after LR (link reset).
After NOS/OLS, a port must perform FLOGI. If, after FLOGI, the S_ID
of the port, the WW_PN of the fabric, and the WW_NN of the fabric are
the same as before the NOS/OLS, then the port may resume all
exchanges. If not, all nodes must be explicitly, Logged out [2].
APPENDIX E: Fibre Channel Overview
E.1 Brief Tutorial
The FC Standard [2] defines 5 "levels" (not layers) for its protocol
description: FC-0, FC-1, FC-2, FC-3, and FC-4. The first three levels
(FC-0, FC-1, FC-2) are largely concerned with the physical formatting
and control ASPects of the protocol. FC-3 has been architected to
provide a place holder for functions that might need to be performed
after the upper layer protocol has requested the transmission of an
information unit, but before FC-2 is asked to deliver that piece of
information by using a sequence of frames [18]. At this time, no FC-3
functions have been defined. FC-4 is meant for supporting profiles
of Upper Layer Protocols (ULP) such as IP and Small Computer System
Interface (SCSI), and supports a relatively small set compared to LAN
protocols such as IEEE 802.3.
FC devices are called "Nodes", each of which has at least one "Port"
to connect to other ports. A Node may be a workstation, a disk drive
or disk array, a camera, a display unit, etc. A "Link" is two
unidirectional paths flowing in opposite directions and connecting
two Ports within adjacent Nodes.
FC Nodes communicate using higher layer protocols such as SCSI and IP
and are configured to operate using Point-to-Point, Private Loop,
Public Loop (attachment to a Fabric), or Fabric network topologies.
The point-to-point is the simplest of the four topologies, where only
two nodes communicate with each other. The private loop may connect a
number of devices (max 126) in a logical ring much like Token Ring,
and is distinguished from a public loop by the absence of a Fabric
Node participating in the loop. The Fabric topology is a switched
network where any attached node can communicate with any other. For a
detail description of FC topologies refer to [18].
Table below summarizes the usage of port types depending on its
location [12]. Note that E-Port is not relevant to any discussion in
this specification but is included below for completeness.
+-----------+-------------+-----------------------------------------+
Port Type Location Topology Associated with
+-----------+-------------+-----------------------------------------+
N_Port Node Point-to-Point or Fabric
+-----------+-------------+-----------------------------------------+
NL_Port Node In N_Port mode -Point-to-Point or Fabric
In NL_Port mode - Arbitrated Loop
+-----------+-------------+-----------------------------------------+
F_Port Fabric Fabric
+-----------+-------------+-----------------------------------------+
FL_Port Fabric In F_Port mode - Fabric
In FL_Port mode - Arbitrated Loop
+-----------+-------------+-----------------------------------------+
E_Port Fabric Internal Fabric Expansion
+-----------+-------------+-----------------------------------------+
E.2 Exchange, Information Unit, Sequence, and Frame
The FC 'Exchange' is a mechanism used by two FC ports to identify and
manage an operation between them [18]. An Exchange is opened whenever
an operation is started between two ports. The Exchange is closed
when this operation ends.
The FC-4 Level specifies data units for each type of application
level payload called 'Information Unit' (IU). Each protocol carried
by FC has a defined size for the IU. Every operation must have at
least one IU. Lower FC levels map this to a FC Sequence.
Typically, a Sequence consists of more than one frame. Larger user
data is segmented and reassembled using two methods: Sequence Count
and Relative Offset [18]. With the use of Sequence Count, data blocks
are sent using frames with increasing sequence counts (modulo 65536)
and it is quite straightforward to detect the first frame that
contains the Network_Header. When Relative Offset is used, as frames
arrive, some computation is required to detect the first frame that
contains the Network_Header. Sequence Count and Relative Offset field
control information, is carried in the FC Header.
The FC-4 Level makes a request to FC-3 Level when it wishes it to be
delivered. Currently, there are no FC-3 level defined functions, and
this level simply converts the Information Unit delivery request into
a 'Sequence' delivery request and passes it on to the FC-2 Level.
Therefore, each FC-4 Information Unit corresponds to a FC-2 Level
Sequence.
The maximum data carried by a FC frame cannot exceed 2112-bytes [2].
Whenever, the Information Unit exceeds this value, the FC-2 breaks it
into multiple frames and sends it in a sequence.
There can be multiple Sequences within an Exchange. Sequences within
an Exchange are processed sequentially. Only one Sequence is active
at a time. Within an Exchange information may flow in one direction
only or both. If bi-directional then one of the ports has the
initiative to send the next Sequence for that Exchange. Sequence
Initiative can be passed between the ports on the last frame of
Sequence when control is transferred. This amounts to half-duplex
behavior.
Ports may have more than one Exchange open at a time. Ports can
multiplex between Exchanges. Exchanges are uniquely identified by
Exchange IDs (X_ID). An Originator OX_ID and a Responder RX_ID
uniquely identify an Exchange.
E.3 Fibre Channel Header Fields
The FC header as shown in the diagrams below contains routing and
other control information to manage Frames, Sequences, and Exchanges.
The Frame-header is sent as 6 transmission words immediately
following an SOF delimiter and before the Data Field.
D_ID and S_ID:
FC uses destination address routing [12], [13]. Frame routing in a
point-to-point topology is trivial.
For the Arbitrated Loop topology, with the destination NL_Port on
the same AL, the source port must pick the destination port,
determine its AL Physical Address, and "Open" the destination
port. The frames must pass through other NL_Ports or the FL_Port
on the loop between the source and destination, but these ports do
not capture the frames. They simply repeat and transmit the frame.
Either communicating port may "Close" the circuit.
When the destination port is not on the same AL, the source
NL_Port must open the FL_Port attached to a Fabric. Once in the
Fabric, the Fabric routes the frames again to the destination.
In a Fabric topology, the Fabric looks into the Frame-header,
extracts the destination address (D_ID), searches its own routing
tables, and sends the frame to the destination port along the path
chosen. The process of choosing a path may be performed at each
fabric element or switch until the F_Port attached to the
destination N_Port is reached.
Fibre Channel Frame Header, Network_Header, and Payload carrying IP
Packet
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+--------------+
Wrd <31:24> <23:16> <15:08> <07:00>
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+--------------+
0 R_CTL D_ID
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+--------------+
1 CS_CTL S_ID
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+--------------+
2 TYPE F_CTL
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+--------------+
3 SEQ_ID DF_CTL SEQ_CNT
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+--------------+
4 OX_ID RX_ID
+---+--------+-------+----------------+----------------+--------------+
5 Parameter (Control or Relative Offset for Data )
+---+-----------------------------------------------------------------+
6 NAA Network_Dest_Address (Hi order bits)
+---+--------+-------+----------------+----------------+--------------+
7 Network_Dest_Address (Lo order bits)
+---+--------+-------+----------------+----------------+--------------+
8 NAA Network_Src_Address (Hi order bits)
+---+--------+-------+----------------+----------------+--------------+
9 Network_Src_Address (Lo order bits)
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+--------------+
10 DSAP SSAP CTRL OUI
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+--------------+
11 OUI PID
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+--------------+
12 IP Packet Data ...
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+--------------+
R_CTL (Routing Control) and TYPE(data structure):
Frames for each FC-4 can be easily distinguished from the others
at the receiving port using the R_CTL (Routing Control) and TYPE
(data structure) fields in the Frame-header.
The R_CTL has two sub-fields: Routing bits and Information
category. The Routing bits sub-field has specific values that mean
FC-4 data follows and the Information Category tells the receiver
the "Type" of data contained in the frame. The R_CTL and TYPE code
points are shown in the diagrams.
Other Header fields:
F_CTL (Frame Control) and SEQ_ID (Sequence Identification),
SEQ_CNT (Sequence Count), OX_ID (Originator exchange Identifier),
RX_ID (Responder exchange Identifier), and Parameter fields are
used to manage the contents of a frame, and mark information
exchange boundaries for the destination port.
F_CTL(Frame Control):
The FC_CTL field is a 3-byte field that contains information
relating to the frame content. Most of the other Frame-header
fields are used for frame identification. Among other things, bits
in this field indicate the First Sequence, Last Sequence, or End
Sequence. Sequence Initiative bit is used to pass control of the
next Sequence in the Exchange to the recipient.
SEQ_ID (Sequence Identifier) and SEQ_CNT (Sequence Count):
This is used to uniquely identify sequences within an Exchange.
The <S_ID, D_ID, SEQ_ID> uniquely identifies any active Sequence.
SEQ_CNT is used to uniquely identify frames within a Sequence to
assure sequentiality of frame reception, and to allow unique
correlation of link control frames with their related data frames.
Originator Exchange Identifier (OX_ID) and Responder Exchange
Identifier (RX_ID):
The OX_ID value provides association of frames with specific
Exchanges originating at a particular N_Port. The RX_ID field
provides the same function that the OX_ID provides for the
Exchange Originator. The OX_ID is meaningful on the Exchange
Originator, and the RX_ID is meaningful on the Responder.
DF_CTL (Data Field Control):
The DF_CTL field specifies the presence or absence of optional
headers between the Frame-header and Frame Payload
PARAMETER:
The Parameter field has two meanings, depending on Frame type.
For Link Control Frames, the Parameter field indicates the
specific type of Link Control frame. For Data frames, this field
contains the Relative Offset value. This specifies an offset from
an Upper Layer Protocol buffer from a base address.
E.4 Code Points for FC Frame
E.4.1 Code Points with IP and ARP Packets
The Code Points for FC Frames with IP and ARP Packets are very
similar with the exception of PID value in Word 11 which is set to
0x08-00 for IP and 0x08-06 for ARP. Also, the Network_Header appears
only in the first logical frame of a FC Sequence carrying IP. In the
case, where FC frames carry ARP packets it is always present because
these are single frame Sequences.
Code Points for FC Frame with IP packet Data
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
Wrd <31:24> <23:16> <15:08> <07:00>
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
0 0x04 D_ID
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
1 0x00 S_ID
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
2 0x05 F_CTL
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
3 SEQ_ID 0x20 SEQ_CNT
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
4 OX_ID RX_ID
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
5 0xXX-XX-XX-XX Parameter Relative Offset
+---+------+--------------------------------------------------------+
6 0001 0x000 Dest. MAC (Hi order bits)
+---+------+---------+----------------+----------------+------------+
7 Dest. MAC (Lo order bits)
+---+------+----------+----------------+----------------------------+
8 0001 0x000 Src. MAC (Hi order bits)
+---+------+---------+----------------+----------------+------------+
9 Src. MAC (Lo order bits)
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
10 0xAA 0xAA 0x03 0x00
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
11 0x00-00 0x08-00
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
12 IP Packet Data
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
13 ...
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
Code Points for FC Frame with ARP packet Data
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
Wrd <31:24> <23:16> <15:08> <07:00>
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
0 0x04 D_ID
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
1 0x00 S_ID
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
2 0x05 F_CTL
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
3 SEQ_ID 0x20 SEQ_CNT
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
4 OX_ID RX_ID
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
5 0xXX-XX-XX-XX Parameter Relative Offset
+---+------+--------------------------------------------------------+
6 0001 0x000 Dest. MAC (Hi order bits)
+---+------+---------+----------------+----------------+------------+
7 Dest. MAC (Lo order bits)
+---+------+----------+----------------+----------------------------+
8 0001 0x000 Src. MAC (Hi order bits)
+---+------+---------+----------------+----------------+------------+
9 Src. MAC (Lo order bits)
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
10 0xAA 0xAA 0x03 0x00
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
11 0x00-00 0x08-06
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
12 ARP Packet Data
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
13 ...
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
The Code Points for a FARP-REQ for a specific Match Address Code
Point MATCH_WW_PN_NN ( b'011') is shown below. In particular, note
the IP addresses field of the Requester set to a valid address and
that of the responder set to '0'. Note also the setting of the D_ID
address and the Port_ID of the Responder.
The corresponding code point for a FARP-REPLY is also shown below.
In particular, note the setting of the Port_ID of Responder and the
IP address setting of the Responder.
E.4.2 Code Points with FARP Command
Code Points for FC Frame with FARP-REQ Command for MATCH_WW_PN_NN
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
Wrd <31:24> <23:16> <15:08> <07:00>
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
0 0x04 D_ID =
0xFF 0xFF 0xFF
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
1 0x00 S_ID
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
2 0x05 F_CTL
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
3 SEQ_ID 0x20 SEQ_CNT
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
4 OX_ID RX_ID
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
5 0xXX-XX-XX-XX Parameter Relative Offset
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
6 0x54 0x00 0x00 0x00
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
7 Port_ID of Requester = S_ID Match Addr.
Code Points
xxxxx011
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
8 Port_ID of Responder = Responder
0x00 0x00 0x00 Flags
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
9 0001 0x000 WW_PN Src. MAC(Hi order bits)
+---+------+---------+----------------+----------------+------------+
10 WW_PN Src. MAC (Lo order bits)
+---+------+----------+---------------+-----------------------------+
11 0001 0x000 WW_NN Src. MAC(Hi order bits)
+---+------+---------+----------------+----------------+------------+
12 WW_NN Src. MAC (Lo order bits)
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
13 0001 0x000 WW_PN Src. MAC(Hi order bits)
+---+------+---------+----------------+----------------+------------+
14 WW_PN Dest. MAC (Lo order bits)
+---+------+----------+---------------+-----------------------------+
15 0001 0x000 WW_NN Dest.MAC(Hi order bits)
+---+------+---------+----------------+----------------+------------+
16 WW_NN Dest. MAC (Lo order bits)
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
17 0x00-00-00-00
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
18 0x00-00-00-00
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
19 0x00-00-00-00
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
20 set to a valid IPv4 Address by Requester if Available
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
21 0x00-00-00-00
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
22 0x00-00-00-00
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
23 0x00-00-00-00
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
0x00-00-00-00
24 set to a valid IPv4 Address of Responder if available
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
Code Points for FC Frame with FARP-REPLY Command
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
Wrd <31:24> <23:16> <15:08> <07:00>
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
0 0x04 D_ID
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
1 0x00 S_ID
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
2 0x05 F_CTL
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
3 SEQ_ID 0x20 SEQ_CNT
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
4 OX_ID RX_ID
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
5 0xXX-XX-XX-XX Parameter Relative Offset
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
6 0x55 0x00 0x00 0x00
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
7 Port_ID of Requester = D_ID xxxxx011
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
8 Port_ID of Responder = S_ID Resp. Flag
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
9 0001 0x000 WW_PN Src. MAC(Hi order bits)
+---+------+---------+----------------+----------------+------------+
10 WW_PN Src. MAC (Lo order bits)
+---+------+----------+---------------+-----------------------------+
11 0001 0x000 WW_NN Src. MAC(Hi order bits)
+---+------+---------+----------------+----------------+------------+
12 WW_NN Src. MAC (Lo order bits)
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
13 0001 0x000 WW_PN Src. MAC(Hi order bits)
+---+------+---------+----------------+----------------+------------+
14 WW_PN Dest. MAC (Lo order bits)
+---+------+----------+---------------+-----------------------------+
15 0001 0x000 WW_NN Dest.MAC(Hi order bits)
+---+------+---------+----------------+----------------+------------+
16 WW_NN Dest. MAC (Lo order bits)
+---+----------------+----------------+----------------+------------+
17 0x00-00-00-00
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
18 0x00-00-00-00
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
19 0x00-00-00-00
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
20 set to a valid IPv4 Address by Requester
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
21 0x00-00-00-00
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
22 0x00-00-00-00
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
23 0x00-00-00-00
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
24 set to a valid IPv4 Address by Responder
+--------------------+----------------+---------+-------------------+
APPENDIX F: Fibre Channel Protocol Considerations
F.1 Reliability In Class 3
Problem: Sequence ID reuse in Class 3 can conceivably result in
missing frame aliasing, which could result in delivery of corrupted
(incorrectly-assembled) data, with no corresponding detection at the
FC level.
Prevention: This specification requires one of the following methods
if Class 3 is used.
- Continuously increasing Sequence Count (new Login Bit) - both
sides must set When an N_Port sets the PLOGI login bit for
continuously increasing SEQ_CNT, it is guaranteeing that it
will transmit all frames within an Exchange using a
continuously increasing SEQ_CNT (see description in Section
B.1 below).
- After using all SEQ_IDs (0-255) once, must start a new
Exchange. It is recommended that a minimum of 4 Exchanges be
used before an OX_ID can be reused.
- Note: If an implementation is not checking the OX_ID when
reassembling Sequences, the problem can still occur. Cycling
through some number of SEQ_IDs, then jumping to a new Exchange
does not solve the problem. SEQ_IDs must still be unique
between two N_Ports, even across Exchanges.
- Use only single-frame Sequences.
F.2 Continuously Increasing SEQ_CNT
This method allows the recipient to check incoming frames, knowing
exactly what SEQ_CNT value to expect next. Since the SEQ_CNT will not
repeat for 65,536 frames, the aliasing problem is significantly
reduced.
A Login bit (PLOGI) is used to indicate that a device always uses a
continuously increasing SEQ_CNT, even across transfers of Sequence
Initiative. This bit is necessary for interoperability with some
devices, and it provides other benefits as well.
In the FC-PH-3 [11], the following is supported:
Word 1, bit 17 - SEQ_CNT (S)
0 = Normal FC-PH rules apply
1 = Continuously increasing SEQ_CNT
Any N_Port that sets Word 1, Bit 17 = 1, is guaranteeing that it will
transmit all frames within an Exchange using a continuously
increasing SEQ_CNT. Each Exchange SHALL start with SEQ_CNT = 0 in the
first frame, and every frame transmitted after that SHALL increment
the previous SEQ_CNT by one, even across transfers of Sequence
Initiative. Any frames received from the other N_Port in the Exchange
shall have no effect on the transmitted SEQ_CNT.
Appendix G: Acronyms and Glossary of FC Terms
It is assumed that the reader is familiar with the terms and acronyms
used in the FC protocol specification [2]. The following is provided
for easy reference.
First Frame: The frame that contains the SOFi field. This means a
logical first and may not necessarily be the first frame temporally
received in a sequence.
Code Point: The coded bit pattern associated with control fields in
frames or packets.
PDU: Protocol Data Unit
ABTS_LS: Abort Sequence Protocol - Last Sequence. A protocol for
aborting an exchange based on the ABTS recipient setting the
Last_Sequence bit in the BA_ACC ELS to the ABTS
ADISC: Discover Address. An ELS for discovering the Hard Addresses
(the 24 bit NL_Port Identifier) of N_Ports
D_ID: Destination ID
ES: End sequence. This FCTL bit in the FC header indicates this frame
is the last frame of the sequence.
FAN: Fabric Address Notification. An ELS sent by the fabric to all
known previously Logged in ports following an initialization event.
FLOGI: Fabric Login.
LIP: Loop Initialization. A primitive Sequence used by a port to
detect if it is part of a loop or to recover from certain loop
errors.
Link: Two unidirectional paths flowing in opposite directions and
connecting two Ports within adjacent Nodes.
LOGO: Logout.
LR: Link reset. A primitive sequence transmitted by a port to
initiate the link reset protocol or to recover from a link timeout.
LS: Last Sequence of Exchange. This FCTL bit in the FC header
indicates the Sequence is the Last Sequence of the Exchange.
Network Address Authority: A 4-bit field specified in Network_Headers
that distinguishes between various name registration authorities that
may be used to identify the WW_PN and the WW_NN. NAA=b'0001'
indicates IEEE-48-bit MAC addresses
Node: A collection of one or more Ports identified by a unique World
Wide Node Name (WW_NN).
NOS: Not Operational. A primitive Sequence transmitted to indicate
that the port transmitting this Sequence has detected a link failure
or is offline, waiting for OLS to be received.
OLS: Off line. A primitive Sequence transmitted to indicate that the
port transmitting this Sequence is either initiating the link
initialization protocol, receiving and recognizing NOS, or entering
the offline state.
PDISC: Discover Port. An ELS for exchanging Service Parameters
without affecting Login state.
Primitive Sequence: A primitive Sequence is an Ordered Set that is
transmitted repeatedly and continuously.
Private Loop Device: A device that does not attempt Fabric Login
(FLOGI) and usually adheres to PLDA. The Area and Domain components
of the NL_Port ID must be 0x0000. These devices cannot communicate
with any port not in the local loop.
Public Loop Device: A device whose Area and Domain components of the
NL_Port ID cannot be 0x0000. Additionally, to be FLA compliant, the
device must attempt to open AL_PA 0x00 and attempt FLOGI. These
devices communicate with devices on the local loop as well as devices
on the other side of a Fabric.
Port: The transmitter, receiver and associated logic at either end of
a link within a Node. There may be multiple Ports per Node. Each Port
is identified by a unique Port_ID, which is volatile, and a unique
World Wide Port Name (WW_PN), which is unchangeable. In this
document, the term "port" may be used interchangeably with NL_Port or
N_Port.
Port_ID: Fibre Channel ports are addressed by unique 24-bit Port_IDs.
In a Fibre Channel frame header, the Port_ID is referred to as S_ID
(Source ID) to identify the port originating a frame, and D_ID to
identify the destination port. The Port_ID of a given port is
volatile (changeable).
PLOGI: Port Login.
SI: Sequence Initiative
World Wide Port_Name (WW_PN): Fibre Channel requires each Port to
have an unchangeable WW_PN. Fibre Channel specifies a Network Address
Authority (NAA) to distinguish between the various name registration
authorities that may be used to identify the WW_PN. A 4-bit NAA
identifier, 12-bit field set to 0x0 and an IEEE 48-bit MAC address
together make this a 64-bit field.
World Wide Node_Name (WW_NN): Fibre Channel identifies each Node with
a unchangeable WW_NN. In a single port Node, the WW_NN and the WW_PN
may be identical.
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