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 system as a single WWNN system with a WWPN for each port that is zoned to a system. For example, if one of these storage systems has four ports that are zoned to the system, each port appears as a controller with four WWPNs. A given logical unit (LU) must use the same logical unit number (LUN) to be mapped through all controller ports that are zoned to the system.

The controller must be separately zoned to the system ports for exclusivity requirements.

Fabric zoning

For robustness, dual fabrics is the minimum requirement.

Zone controllers individually. The system must have unique access to the LUNs.

Also, for robustness the NetApp E-Series controller fabric zone contains all the system 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 ensure the necessary unique LUN access, use explicit masking with the system.

Host splitting

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

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 the system.

As the system is not aware of any other use of the controller, performance might be affected.