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Overview
Zoning
The director 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 director 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 directors and edge switches in a multi-switch
fabric. Only one zone set can be enabled at one time.
Multi-Switch Fabrics
A Fibre Channel topology that consists of one or more interconnected directors or
switch elements is called a fabric. Operational software provides the ability to
interconnect directors (through expansion port (E_Port) connections) to form a
multi-switch 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 director can communicate
with each other through the fabric.
Because a multi-switch fabric is typically complex, maintenance personnel should
be aware that several factors can degrade fabric performance or cause
connectivity failures. These factors include:
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Caution:
If zoning is implemented by port number, a change to the director
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 supported.
Director 2/64 Installation Guide
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