Zone Characteristic
VSAN Characteristic
Zones are defined for a set of initiators and targets
not visible outside the zone.
VSANs are defined for larger environments (storage
service providers).
Zones are configured at the fabric edge.
VSANs encompass the entire fabric.
The following figure shows the possible relationships between VSANs and zones. In VSAN 2, three zones
are defined: zone A, zone B, and zone C. Zone C overlaps both zone A and zone B as permitted by Fibre
Channel standards. In VSAN 7, two zones are defined: zone A and zone D. No zone crosses the VSAN
boundary. Zone A defined in VSAN 2 is different and separate from zone A defined in VSAN 7.
Figure 29: VSANS with Zoning
Guidelines and Limitations for VSANs
VSANs have the following configuration guidelines and limitations:
•
VSAN ID
—
The VSAN ID identifies the VSAN as the default VSAN (VSAN 1), user-defined VSANs
(VSAN 2 to 4093), and the isolated VSAN (VSAN 4094).
•
State
—
The administrative state of a VSAN can be configured to an active (default) or suspended state.
Once VSANs are created, they may exist in various conditions or states.
◦
The active state of a VSAN indicates that the VSAN is configured and enabled. By enabling a
VSAN, you activate the services for that VSAN.
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Configuring and Managing VSANs
Guidelines and Limitations for VSANs