Zoning Version 3.1.x/4.1.x - User Guide

Introducing Zoning
14 Zoning Version 3.1.x/4.1.x User Guide
Overview
A zone in a fabric is a set of devices that have access to one another. All devices
connected to a fabric may be configured into one or more zones. Every zone has at
least one member. Empty zones are not allowed. Zoning allows partitioning of a
Storage Area Network (SAN) into logical groupings of devices that access each
other.
Zones can be configured dynamically and can vary in size depending on the
number of fabric-connected devices. Devices can also belong to more than one
zone. Because zone members can access only other members of the same zone, a
device not included in a zone is not available to members of that zone.
Zoning can be used for customizing environments and optimizing resources.
Customizing Environments
Use zones to create logical subsets of the fabric to accommodate closed user
groups or to create functional areas within the fabric. For example, include
selected devices within a zone for the exclusive use of zone members, or create
separate test or maintenance areas within the fabric.
Optimizing Resources
Use zones to consolidate equipment, logically, for IT efficiency, or to facilitate
time-sensitive functions. For example, create a temporary zone to back up
non-member devices.