Switch zoning for FlashSystem™ storage systems

Switch zoning configurations for the FlashSystem™ system include fabric zoning, target port sharing, host splitting, and controller splitting.

The FlashSystem™ system has no zoning limitations.

The FlashSystem™ systems present themselves by default to a Lenovo Storage V series system as single controllers with a WWPN for each port that is zoned to Lenovo Storage V series. For example, if one of these storage systems has four ports that are zoned to Lenovo Storage V series, the FlashSystem™ appears as a system with four WWPNs. A given logical unit (LU) must be mapped to Lenovo Storage V series through all controller ports that are zoned to Lenovo Storage V series by using the same logical unit number (LUN).

The controller must be separately zoned to Lenovo Storage V series ports for exclusivity requirements.

Fabric zoning

For robustness, each fabric zone to all the Lenovo Storage V series backend port must contain a FlashSystem™ storage system port from each controller.

Target port sharing

The FlashSystem™ storage system can support LUN masking to enable multiple servers to access separate LUNs through a common controller port. Explicit zoning is safest. Otherwise, ensure separate exclusive zoning if you are using the default.

Host splitting

Host splitting can be used. For hosts that connect to Lenovo Storage V series and the controller, Lenovo Storage V series must have sole access to its LUNs. Explicit host connections for LUNs to Lenovo Storage V series are expected to be used in this configuration.

Controller splitting

Controller splitting is supported. Lenovo Storage V series does not need exclusive access to the controller. Explicit mapping is required for LUNs to give exclusive use by Lenovo Storage V series. As Lenovo Storage V series cannot detect any other use of the controller, performance might be affected.