an fcoe vn_port virtualizer where vf_ports are used to connect downstream to host and target vn_ports and a vn_port is used to connect upstream to further fcoe vn_port virtualizers or to an fcf . an alternate embodiment uses an ethernet fabric for an additional purpose . the ethernet fabric devices all act as fcoe vn_port virtualizers , so that the ethernet fabric itself is considered a virtual fcoe vn_port virtualizer .