What Is Zoning - SAN Switch Tutorial Part 2

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

Blog Post:
https://www.sannastechie.tk/2018/09/what-is-zoning-san-switch-tutorial-part.html

What are WWNN and WWPN?
WWNN stands for World Wide Node Name and it a unique identifier for each device or nodes connected in the 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.
The FC ports in the device will have WWPN.

What IS fcalias, device-alias and alias?

fcalias and device-alias are CISCO SAN switch terminology. The WWPN is 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, an alias is Brocade SAN switch terminology. We can use an alias for easy reference of WWPN. It is a 64bit address which is unique to each vendor.

Why We Need Zoning?

There are various reasons for zoning. The most important is security. In a SAN network, many devices are connected to the 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 a flow of traffic between a particular initiator and target. Zoning involves 3 to 4 steps which are 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 environments, soft zoning is used. Hard zoning is very rare but as its more secure than soft zoning, it is used for highly secure SAN networks.

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 than soft zoning.

In the case of Hard Zoning If any physical changes in the SAN network like cable swap between SAN switches happen then rezoning needs to be done. In the case of Soft Zoning, any physical changes like cable swap between SAN switches do not impact anything.
Category
Network Storage
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