Method and system for creating and implementing zones within a fibre channel system

Abstract

In a system comprising a first fabric and a plurality of devices coupled to the fabric by Fibre Channel connections, the devices are logically grouped to form configurations and zones. A configuration includes at least one zone, and each zone includes at least one device as a member of the zone. Communications between the devices is restricted according to the configuration currently in effect. For example, one device may be permitted to communicate with another device only if they are members of a common zone.

1 . In a system comprising a first fabric and a plurality of devices coupled to the first fabric by Fibre Channel connections, the devices otherwise being able to communicate through the first fabric, a method for logically organizing the devices comprising:
 accessing a definition of a first configuration including at least one zone, each zone including at least one device as a member of the zone; and   responsive to the definition of the first configuration, restricting communications between the devices coupled to the first fabric.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first configuration is an effective one of a plurality of stored configurations. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 storing the definition of the first configuration in a non-volatile medium; and   reinstating the first configuration after a loss of power to the first fabric.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein, in the definition of the first configuration, at least one device is identified by a name which is independent of the device's address. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the name includes a Worldwide Port Name. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the name includes a Worldwide Node Name. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein, in the definition of the first configuration, at least one device is identified by an Arbitrated Loop Physical Address. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein:
 the step of accessing the definition of the first configuration includes:   storing the definition of the first configuration in the first fabric, and   the first fabric accessing the definition; and   the step of restricting communications between the devices includes, responsive to the definition of the first configuration, the first fabric restricting communications between the devices coupled to the first fabric.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first fabric comprises one or more interconnected fabric elements to which the devices are coupled, the method further comprising:
 responsive to a coupling of an additional fabric element to the first fabric, modifying the definition of the first configuration to account for the additional fabric element.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 responsive to a merging of the first fabric with a second fabric, modifying the definition of the first configuration to account for the second fabric.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 compiling the definition of the first configuration; and   wherein the step of restricting communications between the devices coupled to the first fabric is responsive to the compiled definition of the first configuration.   
     
     
         12 . A fabric element for use in a system comprising a first fabric and a plurality of devices coupled to the first fabric by Fibre Channel connections, the devices otherwise being able to communicate through the first fabric, the fabric element comprising:
 a plurality of ports, each port adapted to be coupled to a device by a Fibre Channel connection;   a storage medium for storing a definition of a first configuration including at least one zone, each zone including at least one device as a member of the zone; and   a logic device coupled to the plurality of ports and to the storage medium, for, responsive to the definition of the first configuration, restricting communications for devices coupled to the plurality of ports.   
     
     
         13 . The fabric element of  claim 12  wherein the storage medium includes a nonvolatile medium. 
     
     
         14 . The fabric element of  claim 12  further comprising:
 a compiler coupled to the storage medium and to the logic device for compiling the definition of the first configuration for use by the logic device.   
     
     
         15 . A computer readable medium containing software for logically organizing a plurality of devices coupled to a first fabric by Fibre Channel connections, the devices otherwise being able to communicate through the first fabric, the software for instructing a processor to perform the steps of:
 accessing a definition of a first configuration including at least one zone, each zone including at least one device as a member of the zone; and   responsive to the definition of the first configuration, restricting communications between the devices coupled to the first fabric.   
     
     
         16 . The computer readable medium of  claim 15  wherein, in the definition of the first configuration, at least one device is identified by a name which is independent of the device's address. 
     
     
         17 . The computer readable medium of  claim 15  wherein, in the definition of the first configuration, at least one device is identified by an Arbitrated Loop Physical Address. 
     
     
         18 . The computer readable medium of  claim 15  wherein the software is further for instructing the processor to perform the step of:
 storing the definition of the first configuration.   
     
     
         19 . The computer readable medium of  claim 15  wherein the software is further for instructing the processor to perform the step of:
 responsive to a merging of the first fabric with a second fabric, modifying the definition of the first configuration to account for the second fabric.   
     
     
         20 . The computer readable medium of  claim 15  wherein the software is further for instructing the processor to perform the step of:
 compiling the definition of the first configuration; and   wherein the step of restricting communications between the devices coupled to the first fabric is responsive to the compiled definition of the first configuration.