Zoning; Multiswitch Fabrics - HP storageworks 2/32 Installation Manual

Introduction

Zoning

The switch supports a name server zoning feature that partitions attached devices
into restricted-access groups called zones. Devices in the same zone can recognize
and communicate with each other through switched port-to-port connections.
Devices in separate zones cannot communicate with each other.
Zoning is configured by authorizing or restricting access to name server
information associated with device N_Ports that attach to switch fabric ports
(F_Ports). A zone member is specified by the port number to which a device is
attached, or by the eight-byte (16-digit) World Wide Name (WWN) assigned to
the host bus adapter (HBA) or Fibre Channel interface installed in a device. A
device can belong to multiple zones.
Zones are grouped into zone sets. A zone set is a group of zones that is enabled
(activated) or disabled across all switches in a multiswitch fabric. Only one zone
set can be enabled at one time.

Multiswitch Fabrics

A Fibre Channel topology that consists of one or more interconnected switches or
switch elements is called a fabric. Operational software provides the ability to
interconnect switches (through expansion port (E_Port) connections) to form a
multiswitch fabric. The data transmission path through the fabric is typically
determined by fabric elements and is user-transparent. Subject to zoning
restrictions, devices attached to any interconnected switch can communicate with
each other through the fabric.
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Caution: If zoning is implemented by port number, a change to the switch
fiber-optic cable configuration disrupts zone operation and may incorrectly
include or exclude a device from a zone.
If zoning is implemented by WWN, removal and replacement of a device HBA
or Fibre Channel interface (thereby changing the device WWN) disrupts zone
operation and may incorrectly include or exclude a device from a zone.
In Open Fabric mode, only zoning by WWN is supported. Zoning by port
numbers is not.
Edge Switch 2/32 Installation Guide