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3 – Planning

Device Access

 

 

 

 

3.4.1

Soft Zones

Soft zoning divides the fabric for purposes of controlling discovery. Members of the same soft zone automatically discover and communicate freely with all other members of the same zone. The soft zone boundary is not secure; traffic across soft zones can occur if addressed correctly. Soft zones that include members from multiple switches need not include the ports of the inter-switch links. Soft zone boundaries yield to ACL and VPF zone boundaries. Soft zones can overlap; that is, a port can be a member of more than one soft zone. Membership can be defined by Fibre Channel address, port ID and domain ID, or worldwide name. Soft zoning supports all port modes.

3.4.2

Access Control List Hard Zones

Access Control List (ACL) zoning divides the fabric for purposes of controlling discovery and inbound traffic. ACL zoning is a type of hard zoning that is hardware enforced. This type of zoning is useful for controlling access to certain devices without totally isolating them from the fabric. Members can communicate with each other and transmit outside the ACL zone, but cannot receive inbound traffic from outside the zone. The ACL zone boundary is secure against inbound traffic. ACL zones can overlap; that is, a port can be a member of more than one ACL zone. ACL zones that include members from multiple switches need not include the ports of the inter-switch links. ACL zone boundaries supersede soft zone boundaries, but yield to VPF zone boundaries. Membership can be defined only by port ID and domain ID. ACL zoning supports all port modes except TL_Ports.

3.4.3

Virtual Private Fabric Hard Zones

Virtual Private Fabric (VPF) zoning divides the fabric for purposes of controlling discovery and both inbound and outbound traffic. This type of zoning is useful for providing security and reserving paths between devices to guarantee bandwidth. VPF zoning is a type of hard zoning that is hardware enforced. Members can only transmit to and receive from members of the same VPF zone. The VPF zone boundary is secure against both inbound and outbound traffic. VPF zones that include members from multiple switches must include the ports of the inter-switch links. VPF zones cannot overlap; that is, a port can be a member of only one VPF zone. VPF zone boundaries supersede both soft and ACL zone boundaries. Membership can be defined only by port ID and domain ID. VPF zoning supports all port modes.

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Q-Logic SANBOX2-8C manual Soft Zones, Access Control List Hard Zones, Virtual Private Fabric Hard Zones

SANBOX2-8C specifications

The Q-Logic SANBOX2-8C is a high-performance Fibre Channel switch designed for enterprise-level storage area networks (SANs). This product stands out due to its remarkable features and technologies that cater to the evolving demands of data center environments. The SANBOX2-8C is specifically engineered to optimize storage efficiency, enhance performance, and provide a robust infrastructure for various applications.

One of the key features of the SANBOX2-8C is its 8-Gbps Fibre Channel ports, which deliver exceptional bandwidth and reduced latency for critical data transactions. The switch supports a non-blocking architecture, ensuring that data can flow seamlessly across all connected devices without bottlenecks. This architecture is crucial for organizations that require high availability and reliability, such as those in the financial sector or healthcare industries.

Another significant characteristic of the SANBOX2-8C is its scalability. With support for multiple interconnectivity options, the switch can easily be expanded to accommodate growing storage needs. Users can integrate additional ports as demand increases without necessitating a complete infrastructure overhaul. This flexibility makes the SANBOX2-8C an attractive investment for organizations looking to future-proof their SAN.

Moreover, the SANBOX2-8C is equipped with advanced management tools that simplify network configuration and monitoring. Features such as automatic zoning and path management enhance the overall performance and security of the storage network. Integrated diagnostic tools help identify and troubleshoot issues swiftly, reducing downtime and optimizing operational efficiency.

The switch also incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities that prioritize critical data traffic. This ensures that mission-critical applications receive the bandwidth they need, regardless of overall network load. Additionally, with support for virtualized environments, the SANBOX2-8C is well-suited for organizations leveraging cloud technologies or virtualization solutions, enabling efficient resource allocation and management.

Overall, the Q-Logic SANBOX2-8C is a robust Fibre Channel switch that combines high performance, scalability, and advanced management features. Its ability to adapt to dynamic environments while ensuring high availability and data integrity makes it an ideal choice for businesses aiming to enhance their storage networks. With these technologies and characteristics, the SANBOX2-8C remains a leading solution in the SAN infrastructure market.