Switch zoning for IBM FlashSystemstorage systems

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

The IBM FlashSystem system has no zoning limitations.

The IBM FlashSystem systems present themselves by default to a Lenovo Storage V7000 system as single controllers with a WWPN for each port that is zoned to Lenovo Storage V7000. For example, if one of these storage systems has four ports that are zoned to Lenovo Storage V7000, the IBM FlashSystem appears as a system with four WWPNs. A given logical unit (LU) must be mapped to Lenovo Storage V7000 through all controller ports that are zoned to Lenovo Storage V7000 by using the same logical unit number (LUN).

The controller must be separately zoned to Lenovo Storage V7000 ports for exclusivity requirements.

Fabric zoning

For robustness, each fabric zone to all the Lenovo Storage V7000 backend port must contain a IBM FlashSystemstorage system port from each controller.

Target port sharing

The IBM FlashSystemstorage 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 V7000 and the controller, Lenovo Storage V7000 must have sole access to its LUNs. Explicit host connections for LUNs to Lenovo Storage V7000 are expected to be used in this configuration.

Controller splitting

Controller splitting is supported. Lenovo Storage V7000 does not need exclusive access to the controller. Explicit mapping is required for LUNs to give exclusive use by Lenovo Storage V7000. As Lenovo Storage V7000 cannot detect any other use of the controller, performance might be affected.