HP StorageWorks Data Replication Manager HSG80 ACS Version 8.7P Configuration Guide (AA-RPHZF-TE, March 2004)

Zoning in the Storage Area Network
184 Data Replication Manager HSG80 ACS Version 8.7P Configuration Guide
Switch Zoning
The Fibre Channel switch zoning feature provides a means to control storage area network
(SAN) access at the node port level. Zoning can be used to separate one physical fabric into
many virtual fabrics consisting of selected server and storage ports. This capability allows you
to:
■ Set up barriers between different operating environments
■ Deploy logical fabric subsets by creating defined user groups
■ Create separate test and maintenance areas within the fabric
■ Flexibly manage a SAN while meeting the different objectives of closed user groups
With B-series switches, you can display a list of switch commands by typing help and
zoneHelp at the switch prompt.
For more information on when to use switch zoning, refer to the HP StorageWorks SAN
Design Guide. For additional information on switch zoning, refer to your particular switch
documentation.
Planning Considerations for Homogeneous and Heterogeneous
Configurations That Require Zoning
Planning is an essential part of the zoning process. The following sections provide guidelines
and instructions for zoning your DRM solution.
Note: The examples in this section are based on B-series switches. Consult the appropriate
documentation if using C- or M-series switches.
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More than 96 Host Connections
A host connection is a data path from one host bus adapter (HBA) to one active controller host
port, even if the host connection uses storage units on that storage system.
The HSG80 controller has a limit of 96 host connections. When a 97th connection is
attempted, the connection name capacity of HSG80 controllers is exceeded. This can result in
a controller fatal error.
In DRM mode, two host ports are active. One server with two HBAs has two data paths, one
for each HBA. Each HBA on the fabric creates one connection per controller pair. Four
connections are also created for initiator-controller-to-target- controller communication.
Switch zoning must be used to prevent more than 96 host connections to a single storage
system. This allows more servers to be attached to the SAN to use other storage systems.