> # Auto Mode

> Interfaces configured in auto mode can operate in one of the following modes: F port, FL port, E port, TE port, or TF port. The port mode is determined during interface initialization. For example, if the interface is connected to a node (host or disk), it operates in F port or FL port mode depending on the N port or NL port mode. If the interface is attached to a third-party switch, it operates in E port mode. If the interface is attached to another switch in the Cisco MDS 9000 Family, it may become operational in TE port mode (see "Configuring Trunking").

> TL ports and SD ports are not determined during initialization and are administratively configured.

> Note Fibre Channel interfaces on Storage Services Modules (SSMs) cannot be configured in auto mode.

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