Switch zoning for NetApp E-Series storage systems

Switch zoning configurations for the NetApp E-Series system include fabric zoning, target port sharing, host splitting, and controller splitting.

The NetApp E-Series system has no zoning limitations.

The NetApp E-Series systems present themselves by default to a Lenovo Storage V series system as a single WWNN system with a WWPN for each port 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, each port appears as a controller 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, dual fabrics is the minimum requirement.

Zone controllers individually. Lenovo Storage V series must have unique access to the LUNs.

Also, for robustness the NetApp E-Series controller fabric zone contains all the Lenovo Storage V series ports and at least one port from each of the NetApp E-Series storage systems controllers.

Target port sharing

The NetApp E-Series storage system supports LUN masking to enable multiple servers to access separate LUNs through a common controller port. To guarantee the necessary unique LUN access, use explicit masking with Lenovo Storage V series.

Host splitting

Host splitting can be used. With hosts that connect to Lenovo Storage V series and the controller, Lenovo Storage V series must have sole access to its LUNs. There might be MPIO interaction considerations. For details about the supported host multipathing, see the following sites:

Controller splitting

Controller splitting is supported. Lenovo Storage V series does not need exclusive access to the controller. Explicit mapping is required for LUN exclusive use by Lenovo Storage V series.

As Lenovo Storage V series is not aware of any other use of the controller, performance might be affected.