.Part 5 Storage Security Best Practices and Support Information HP SAN Design Reference Guide 785355-001

22 Best practices
This chapter describes HP best practices for SAN design and implementation. It describes the
following topics:
• “SAN planning” (page 383)
• “Design specification” (page 383)
• “SAN topology” (page 384)
• “SAN configuration ” (page 385)
• “Storage-based LUN masking” (page 386)
• “Zoning” (page 387)
• “FCoE switch configuration quick-setup instructions” (page 390)
• “SAN scaling” (page 401)
• “SAN fabric merging” (page 402)
For SAN design assistance, see the HP Storage Services website http://www8.hp.com/us/en/
services/services-detail.html?compURI=tcm:245-808667&pageTitle=Storage-Technology-Services.
SAN planning
Allocate adequate time to plan your SAN prior to implementation. Design a SAN that fulfills current
and future requirements for capacity and connectivity.
During the planning phase, consider these design factors and recommendations:
• Deployment strategy
Consider initially implementing entry-level SANs that can be interconnected to increase
capacity. Entry-level SANs are relatively easy to implement. Enterprise SANs offer economy
of scale; however, they are more complex and can take longer to implement.
• Topology design
Choose an initial design that can accommodate expansion without transitioning to a different
topology.
• Experience level
If you have limited experience implementing a SAN, start with an entry-level SAN. As you
gain experience, deploy mid-range or enterprise-level SANs.
• SAN management strategy
Specify the policies, identification schemes, and tools to manage your SAN.
• Technological advances
Anticipate the gradual availability of Fibre Channel switches that have more ports and faster
interconnect speeds.
Design specification
During the planning process, create a specification that describes your decisions and design.
Review and evaluate the design, compare alternatives, make adjustments, and communicate plans
before implementation.
SAN planning 383