How do you set up an HPE SN6610C fibre channel switch

[Maddog78]

Hi, we have purchased an HPE SN6610C fibre channel switch thinking we would just be able to connect to an ip and manage the device but have found it is not like that. We can't find any documentation on configuring this switch and the only thing is using something from Nimble that doesn't even have an install for Windows. The serial connection doesn't even respond with the enclosed serial adaptor. Can anyone tell me how to configure this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Maddog78 · Accepted solution]

Ok so since there is a lack of replies but a few views I would let you know what I found.

1. Being a Cisco product but branded as HPE expect that any gui options are almost impossible to get working. Cisco now expect you to create a specialised virtual machine and no longer supply a windows install even though the going to the web portal of the switch shows that they did used to supply a windows install but they got rid of it. Crazy.

2. The serial adapter supplied by HPE does not work to get you onto the switch via serial. Instead get yourself a Cisco serial cable (the light blue ones) and then you can manage the switch via serial and configure an IP address for the management port for future configuration via SSH or telnet if you want.

3. Download the cli config pdf's for the MDS 9000 and then you are on your way to configuring. It is handy if you have encountered fibre channel switches before using this method as you need to know about port types and zoning.

4. The fans run crazy at the slightest temperature change so you must keep it cool even when configuring.

5. Also HPE support will not help with anything and will direct you to pay for a consulting team.

Anyway I have my switch working now.

[NimaG]

Hello Maddog78,

The SN6610C refers to Cisco MDS9132T model.
Detailed guides are available at:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/datacenter/mds9000/sw/8_x/config/fabric/cisco_mds9000_fabric_config_guide_8x.html

Hope this helps.

[BhavinYadav]

Setting up of SN6610C (Cisco MDS 9132T) is same as setting up any Cisco MDS switch. The process has not changed in past 20 years or so. Here is the step-by-step initial guide: http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00590041.pdf  ; look at chapters 3-3. 

You can also look at Autozone and other automation functionalities if you are not a Fibre channel expert. Here are some of the links: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtuXVSdfffY&ab_channel=Cisco 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmq0VKCcyN8&pp=ygUSYXV0b3pvbmUgbWRzIGNpc2Nv 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnhuMqJZefw&list=PLKfXVOXwfVDcawI6FapbTo021_AUspvRP 

You can also do initial setup / quick config using built-in Device Manager (DM): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWusDubVTJs&pp=ygURem9ubmluZyBtZHMgY2lzY28%3D 

You really don't need VM setup or anything. Any windows / MAC - terminal/ssh programs can help connect using the cable that comes with SN6610C switch. Every C-series switch ships with console / serial cable for initial config.