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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.
If zoning is implemented by port number, a change to the switch fiber-optic cable
CAUTION:
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.
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.
Hardware components
The switch provides a modular design that enables quick removal and replacement of FRUs—small
form factor pluggable SFP optical transceivers, power supplies, and fans. This section describes the
Edge Switch 2/32 main components.
16
Introduction
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