HP StorageWorks 4000/6000/8000 .HP StorageWorks SAN Design Reference Guide, Pa - Page 417

19 Best practices This chapter describes HP best practices for SAN design and implementation. It describes the following topics: • SAN planning, page 417 • Design specification, page 418 • SAN topology, page 418 • SAN configuration, page 419 • Storage-based LUN masking, page 420 • Zoning, page 421 • SAN scaling, page 424 • SAN fabric merging, page 425 For SAN design assistance, see the HP Network Storage Services website: http://www.hp.com/hps/storage/ 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. SAN Design Reference Guide 417