EMULEX MODEL 355 SAN STORAGE SWITCH

CHAPTER 3: SWITCH MANAGEMENT

USERS GUIDE

Connecting Ports Through Hard Zoning

A Hard Zone can be used to add a separate 126 AL_PAs that operate in isolation from any other zone. A Hard Zone disables switching functionality and creates a shared connection between the ports in a zone topology, splitting the switch into multiple unique FC-AL zones. When Hard Zoning is enabled, all switch zones must be Hard Zones. A combination of Hard Zones and regular zones on a single switch is not allowed.

Caution: Do not set a Hard Zone for ports in multiple zones or share ports that have the Hard Zone option set. This will cause errors that do not log an event or display a message.

The advantages of Hard Zoning include:

Each Hard Zone contains 126 available AL_PAs.

The switch can be configured to contain up to eleven isolated Hard Zones. The limitations of Hard Zoning include:

2 Gb of shared bandwidth over the entire Hard Zone.

Ports in a Hard Zone cannot use the Stealth Intelligent Change Manager.

Automatic Trunking and route blocking are not allowed in a Hard Zone.

Ports in a Hard Zone cannot be set to a string or tree cascade configuration.

Device AL_PAs on a port in a Hard Zone cannot be displayed.

The Hard Zone setting is available on the One-Step Zoning page. To view the page, click Advanced Functions > One-Step Zoning.

Figure 3-19: Hard Zoning configuration

To set up Hard Zoning:

1.Determine which ports will reside in each Hard Zone and ensure that the ports are in only one Hard Zone.

2.Under Hard Zone, select the check boxes for the appropriate zones.

3.Click Submit.

EMULEX CORPORATION

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PART NUMBER 00041407-002 REV. B

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Emulex 355 manual Connecting Ports Through Hard Zoning, To set up Hard Zoning

355 specifications

The Emulex 355 is a high-performance network interface card (NIC) designed specifically for data centers requiring advanced connectivity, reliability, and speed. With the rapid evolution of data transmission technology, the Emulex 355 stands out due to its robust features and capabilities that cater to the demands of modern IT infrastructures.

One of the key features of the Emulex 355 is its support for 10 Gigabit Ethernet, which allows for significantly faster data transfer rates compared to standard Gigabit connections. This increased bandwidth is essential for handling large volumes of data traffic, particularly in virtualized environments and cloud computing applications. Its high throughput ensures that data can be transmitted rapidly across networks, minimizing latency and improving overall performance.

The Emulex 355 employs advanced technologies such as iSCSI Offload and FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet), which help enhance data processing efficiency. These technologies allow the card to offload processing tasks from the host system's CPU, reducing the load on server resources and optimizing performance. The result is a more efficient system that can handle more concurrent connections and processes without being overwhelmed.

In addition to speed and efficiency, reliability is paramount in data center operations. The Emulex 355 includes features like error detection and correction, ensuring data integrity during transmission. Built-in redundancy and failover capabilities safeguard against potential network disruptions, allowing for continuous availability of services—a crucial aspect in mission-critical environments.

The Emulex 355 also offers support for various robust networking protocols, enabling seamless integration into existing network infrastructures. Its compatibility with multiple operating systems and virtualization platforms, such as VMware and Microsoft Hyper-V, further enhances its versatility.

Another notable characteristic of the Emulex 355 is its energy-efficient design. It is optimized for lower power consumption without sacrificing performance, aligning with contemporary efforts to reduce the carbon footprint in data centers.

In conclusion, the Emulex 355 NIC is a powerful solution equipped with features that address the complex demands of modern data centers. Its combination of speed, reliability, and efficiency, along with advanced technologies, makes it a preferred choice for organizations looking to enhance their network capabilities and ensure smooth, uninterrupted operations.