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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.17



                                                                          , 1999
                                                             Bothell, Washington



                          FULL RECOURSE PROMISSORY NOTE


        FOR VALUE RECEIVED, receipt of which the undersigned hereby
acknowledges, the undersigned, _________________ ("MAKER"), hereby promises to
pay to VIXEL CORPORATION (the "COMPANY"), the principal sum of _____________
__________________________________ dollars ($_________), plus interest at the
rate of five and three quarters percent (5.75%) per annum from the date hereof
until the full amount of principal and interest is paid in full in lawful money
of the United States of America. Interest shall be payable annually.

        The entire amount of unpaid principal of this Note, plus all accrued
interest, shall be due and payable on the earlier of (i) six (6) months after
termination or cessation of Maker's employment with or services to the Company,
or (ii) ________, 2003.

        This Note is delivered in connection with Maker's purchase of ___
_____________________________ (_________) shares of Common Stock of the Company
(the "SHARES") pursuant to that certain Early Exercise Stock Purchase Agreement
by and between Maker and the Company of even date herewith (the "PURCHASE
AGREEMENT"). This Note is full recourse.

        All installments of principal and accrued interest shall be accelerated
and come due six (6) months after the date of termination of Maker's employment
with the Company. In addition, upon the sale, pledge or other transfer by Maker
of any of the Shares purchased by Maker pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, all
accrued interest and a portion of the principal amount hereof shall thereupon
become immediately due and payable, such that the remaining principal amount not
then due shall be equal to the product of $2.05 times the number of Shares
remaining owned by Maker following that sale, pledge or other transfer.

        Amounts, if any, owed to Maker by the Company may be offset against
accrued interest and principal hereunder. In addition, at the election of either
Maker or the Company, unpaid accrued salary or other bonuses owed to Maker by
the Company may be offset against accrued interest and principal hereunder;
provided, however, that the Company may only make such election if, when and to
the extent that (a) Maker demands payment of the accrued salary or (b) amounts
are due and payable hereunder.

        All payments and offsets shall be credited first against accrued
interest to the date of the payment and thereafter to reduce the outstanding
principal amount hereof.



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        Maker reserves the right to prepay the sums due hereunder in whole or in
part without premium or penalty. Maker hereby waives demand, protest,
presentment and notice of non-payment, and shall pay reasonable costs and
expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred by Company in connection with the
collection or enforcement of the indebtedness represented hereby.



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