StorageTek StorageNet 4000 - Manual (Page 12)

Introduction
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One or more switches create the Fibre Channel Fabric. This intelligent infrastructure is the
backbone for deploying and managing IT resources as a network. Fabric connected devices are
arranged into logical groups over the physical Fabric configuration using ZONING. ZONING
is one of the Fabric services that provide management for the SAN both automatically and
transparently.
Increased SAN Control
The Fabric provides a fast, reliable, and seamless information access within the SAN for
anyone, anywhere, at anytime. ZONING allows you to create segmentation or zones within a
Fabric. The zones are comprised of selected storage devices, servers, and/or workstations. It
also enforces access of information to only the devices in the defined zone.
Zones may be configured dynamically. The number of zones and zone membership are
effectively unlimited. Zones vary in size and shape, depending on the number of Fabric
connected devices and device locations. Devices may be members of more than one zone. In
addition, temporary zones can be created, as an example, for enterprise backup.
Zone members see only members in their zones and, therefore, access only one another. A
device not included in a zone is not available to the zone devices.
The Simplicity of ZONING
ZONING involves the following:
• Zone Specification – Telnet commands are used to create, delete, and display zones,
to add or remove zone members, and to configure zone sets.
• Zone Enforcement – the Fabric automatically and transparently restricts access to
only the devices that are defined zone(s) members.
• Zone Management – you create and manipulate the zones.
Fibre Channel Fabric Customization
Uses for ZONING include the following:
• Integrated support for heterogeneous environments by isolating systems that have
different operating environments or uses.
• Creating Fabric functional areas by separating test or maintenance areas from
production areas.
• Designating closed user groups by including certain zone devices for exclusive use by
zone members.
• Simplifying resource utilization by consolidating equipment logically for
convenience.
• Facilitating time sensitive functions by creating a temporary zone used to backup a set
of devices that are members of other zones.