HP StorageWorks 2/8-EL HP StorageWorks Zoning V3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide (AA-RS26 - Page 55
Zoning, devices that are returned in the query from the nameserver. HP fabric switches
View all HP StorageWorks 2/8-EL manuals
Add to My Manuals
Save this manual to your list of manuals |
Page 55 highlights
Zoning Concepts and Guidelines Zoning Zoning is essentially a filter that is applied by the nameserver against the query from the initiator which limits the information returned by the nameserver to the initiator. A zone contains the WWN of the initiator and the WWN of any devices that it is allowed to access. When an initiator queries the nameserver for accessible devices in the fabric, the nameserver will look for all zones that contain the WWN of the initiator. Then a list is formed from all the members of the zones and is applied to the contents of the nameserver. Only devices that are in the list and in the nameserver are returned to the initiator as accessible devices. The initiator then uses the list of returned devices, along with the access parameters returned and proceeds to further inquire of the devices for specific operational capabilities. Devices that are not part of the zone are not returned as accessible devices. It is important to note that this process does not prohibit access to the device. If the initiator has prior knowledge of the device, it can access the device. The nameserver does not control access to devices on the fabric. Dependable zoning operation depends on the cooperation of all devices in the fabric to only access devices that are returned in the query from the nameserver. HP fabric switches provide for hardware enforcement of the zoning configuration to prevent unwanted access to devices. Devices can be listed in more than one zone. Thus, overlapping zones are permitted. A concept of most permissible access is used in zoning. When an initiator requests the list of accessible devices, if at least one zone containing the WWN of the initiator exists then any device in that zone is accessible. If the same device exists in another zone that does not contain the WWN of the initiator, the device is still accessible to the initiator. Zoning Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide 55