A couple of iFCP questions

[Black_David@emc.com]

A couple of questions about iFCP:

(1) iFCP has been described as NAT-like in translating
24-bit FC identifiers (S_ID and D_ID) to an IP address of
another iFCP gateway and a 24 bit identifier with respect
to that gateway.  The iFCP document describes how
translations are accumulated by an iFCP gateway.  How
are they discarded?  To be specific, when and under
what circumstances is it safe for a gateway to discard
a (no longer used) translation, and what are the consequences
of an erroneous discard?

(2) If an FC fabric were to be connected to an iFCP gateway,
the fabric may change how the 24 bit identifiers
are mapped to ports (as identified by Port WWN) in some
circumstances (recabling can cause this).  When
such a change occurs, does this invalidate translations
in other iFCP gateways?  If yes, how do those gateways find
out/get updated translations in a fashion that ensures traffic
will not be delivered to the wrong FC port?  If not, what
does the first iFCP gateway do to preserve the old versions
of the changed translations?

Thanks,
--David

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David L. Black, Senior Technologist
EMC Corporation, 42 South St., Hopkinton, MA  01748
+1 (508) 435-1000 x75140     FAX: +1 (508) 497-8500
black_david@emc.com       Mobile: +1 (978) 394-7754
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