> # CUP In-Band Management

> The CUP protocol configures access control and provides unified storage management capabilities from a mainframe computer. Cisco MDS 9000 FICON-enabled switches are fully IBM CUP standard compliant for in-band management using the IBM S/A OS/390 I/O operations console.

> Note The CUP specification is proprietary to IBM.

> CUP is supported by switches and directors in the Cisco MDS 9000 Family. The CUP function allows the mainframe to manage the Cisco MDS switches.

> Host communication includes control functions such as blocking and unblocking ports, as well as monitoring and error reporting functions.

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