> # Configuring IP Storage

> Cisco MDS 9000 Family IP storage (IPS) services extend the reach of Fibre Channel SANs by using open-standard, IP-based technology. The switch connects separated SAN islands using Fibre Channel over IP (FCIP), and it allows IP hosts to access Fibre Channel storage using the iSCSI protocol.

> Note FCIP and iSCSI features are specific to the IPS module and are available in Cisco MDS 9200 Switches or Cisco MDS 9500 Directors.
> The Cisco MDS 9216I switch and the 14/2 Multiprotocol Services (MPS-14/2) module also allow you to use Fibre Channel, FCIP, and iSCSI features. The MPS-14/2 module is available for use in any switch in the Cisco MDS 9200 Series or Cisco MDS 9500 Series.

> This chapter includes the following topics:

> - Information About IP Storage
> - Licensing Requirements for IP Storage
> - Guidelines and Limitations
> - Default Settings
> - Configuring IP Storage
> - Verifying IP Storage Configuration
> - Field Descriptions for IP Storage
> - Additional References

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