Switch zoning for IBM FlashSystem storage 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.

By default, IBM FlashSystem systems present themselves a as single controllers with a WWPN for each port that is zoned to the system. For example, if one of these storage systems has four ports that are zoned to the system, the IBM FlashSystem is shown as a system 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, each fabric zone to all the backend ports on the system must contain a IBM FlashSystem storage system port from each controller.

Target port sharing

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

Controller splitting

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