I've been using FC HBA's for a number of years but have never used the built in IP functions. It is not clear to me if the IP functions of say the QLA2200 cards mean that I could use the cards IP rather than the Ethernet card which I have on my blades?

If so, I am guessing that I would need an Ethernet GBIC on my Brocade switches to flow the Ethernet over to an Ethernet hub? Otherwise, IP traffic would be limited to the low speed management port on the switches.

Now, because there is only one low speed management port on these switches, I tend to believe that I am wrong about how IP could be used over HBA's.

Maybe someone can help shed some light on how I might be able to use this to my advantage with Linux.

Mike