7
Chapter 1: General information
Zoning feature
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)
worldwide 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 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.
Because a multiswitch 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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