Fabric Binding - McDATA Sphereon 4500 User Manual

Fabric Binding

Enable/Disable and
Online State Functions
switches. These features are enabled by purchasing a feature key,
then enabling the key through the Configure Feature Key dialog box.
For general instructions in enabling a feature key, refer to
Feature Key on page 3-16.
SANtegrity features include:
• Fabric Binding
• Switch Binding
Enterprise Fabric Mode - Although this is not a keyed feature the
SANtegrity Fabric Binding and Switch Binding must be installed
before you can use Enterprise Fabric Mode function through the EFC
Manager Fabrics menu.
This feature is managed through the Fabric Binding option, available
through the Fabrics menu in the EFC Manager when the Fabrics tab is
selected. Using Fabric Binding, you can allow specific switches to
attach to specific fabrics in the SAN. This provides security from
accidental fabric merges and potential fabric disruption when fabrics
become segmented because they cannot merge.
In order for Fabric Binding to function, specific operating parameters
and optional features must be enabled. Also, there are specific
requirements for disabling these parameters and features when the
director or switch is offline or online. Be aware of the following:
• Because switches are bound to a fabric by world wide name
(WWN) and domain ID, the Insistent Domain ID option in the
Configure Switch Parameters dialog box is automatically enabled if
Fabric Binding is enabled. You cannot disable Insistent Domain
ID while Fabric Binding is active and the switch is online.
• If Fabric Binding is enabled and the switch is online, you cannot
disable Insistent Domain ID.
• If Fabric Binding is enabled and the director or switch is offline,
you can disable Insistent Domain ID, but this will disable Fabric
Binding.
• You cannot disable Fabric Binding or Switch Binding if Enterprise
Fabric Mode is enabled. However, if Enterprise Fabric Mode is
disabled, you can disable Fabric Binding, Switch Binding, or both.
Optional Features
Configure
SANtegrity Features
6
6-3