What Is Zoning - SAN Switch Tutorial Part 2

What Is Zoning - SAN Switch Tutorial Part 2

This videos explains what is Zoning why we need zoning and what are the types zoning and difference between them In SAN Switch.

What Is Zoning - SAN Switch Tutorial Part 2

What is WWNN and WWPN ?

WWNN stands for World Wide Node Name and it a unique identification for each device or nodes connected in SAN network.

WWPN  stands for World Wide Port Name. If any devices like or SAN storage array in SAN network has FC ports on it. Then it will have a unique identification which is WWPN.

Each device in a fiber channel Network will have a unique WWNN for each vendor and the Ports under it will have WWPN.

What Is fcalias, device-alias and alias?

fcalias and device-alias are CISCO SAN switch terminology. The WWPN are hard to remember hence an alias name is created for WWPN for easy reference. We can use fcalias within a single VSAN but devices alias are span across VSAN.

Similarly alias is Brocade SAN switch terminology. We can use alias for easy reference of WWPN. It is a 64bit address which is unique to each vendor.

Why We Need Zoning ?

There are various reason for zoning. The most important is security. In a SAN network many devices are connected to SAN switch. In order to make sure that the traffic flows between the intended device we create zoning. Zoning provides a secure path between an initiator and a storage array.

What Is Zoning ?

Zoning is binding or grouping of initiator port and target ports which ensures flow of traffic between a particular initiator and target. Zoning involves 3 to 4 steps which is performed in SAN Switch.

What are the types of Zoning ?
In simple terms there are two types of Zoning Hard Zoning and Soft Zoning.In most environment soft zoning is used. Hard zoning is very rare but as its more secure then soft zoning it is used for highly secure SAN network.

Difference between Hard Zoning and Soft Zoning ?

In Hard Zoning Domain ID and Port number of Switch are used to do zoning but in soft zoning WWPN of the Port or fcalies are used for zoning. Hard Zoning is highly secure then soft zoning.

In case of Hard Zoning If any physical changes in SAN network like cable swap between SAN switches happens then rezoning needs to be done. In case of Soft Zoning any physical changes like cable swap between SAN switches does not impact anything.

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