FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet) requires a lossless Ethernet network to ensure that no frames are dropped, which is crucial for storage traffic. DCBXP (Data Center Bridging Exchange Protocol) is part of the DCB (Data Center Bridging) suite of protocols that help to create a lossless Ethernet by providing a means to exchange parameters between peers to ensure consistent configuration across the network. For FCoE to function correctly on a Cisco Nexus switch, it is essential that LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol) transmit and receive capabilities are enabled on the interface where FCoE is configured. This allows the switch to advertise and receive configuration information for parameters like priority-based flow control (PFC) and Enhanced Transmission Selection (ETS), which are critical for the lossless operation required by FCoE.
References: The information is based on the Cisco Data Center Core Technologies (DCCOR) course, which covers the implementation of data center technologies including network, compute, storage network, automation, and security. More details can be found in the course material and official Cisco documentation on FCoE and DCBXP implementation