> # Enabling N Port Identifier Virtualization

> You must globally enable NPIV for all VSANs on the MDS switch to allow the NPIV-enabled applications to use multiple N port identifiers.

> Note All of the N port identifiers are allocated in the same VSAN.

> ## Detailed Steps

> To use DCNM-SAN and Device Manager to configure NPV, follow these steps:

> 1. Launch Device Manager from the core NPV switch to enable NPIV on the core NPV switch. From the Admin menu, select Feature Control. Select enable for the NPIV feature.
> 2. Click Apply.
> 3. From the Interface menu, select FC All to configure the NPIV core switch port as an F Port.
> 4. In the Mode Admin column, select the F port mode and click Apply.
> 5. Launch Device Manager from the NPV device to enable NPV on the NPV device. From the Admin drop-down menu, select Feature Control. Select enable for the NPV feature and click Apply.
> 6. From the Interface drop-down menu, select FC All to configure the external interfaces on the NPV device.
> 7. In the Mode Admin column, select the NP port mode and click Apply.
> 8. From the Interface drop-down menu, select FC All to configure the server interfaces on the NPV device.
> 9. In the Mode Admin column, select F port mode and click Apply.
> 10. The default Admin status is down. After configuring port modes, you must select up Admin Status to bring up the links.

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