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.
The IBM FlashSystem systems present themselves by default to a SAN Volume Controller system as single controllers with a WWPN for each port that is zoned to SAN Volume Controller. For example, if one of these storage systems has four ports that are zoned to SAN Volume Controller, the IBM FlashSystem appears as a system with four WWPNs. A given logical unit (LU) must be mapped to SAN Volume Controller through all controller ports that are zoned to SAN Volume Controller by using the same logical unit number (LUN).
The controller must be separately zoned to SAN Volume Controller ports for exclusivity requirements.
Fabric zoning
For robustness, each fabric zone to all the SAN Volume Controller backend port 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 SAN Volume Controller and the controller, SAN Volume Controller must have sole access to its LUNs. Explicit host connections for LUNs to SAN Volume Controller are expected to be used in this configuration.
Controller splitting
Controller splitting is supported. SAN Volume Controller does not need exclusive access to the controller. Explicit mapping is required for LUNs to give exclusive use by SAN Volume Controller. As SAN Volume Controller cannot detect any other use of the controller, performance might be affected.