Switch zoning limitations for the EMC CLARiiON systems

There are limitations in switch zoning for Lenovo Storage V7000clustered systems and EMC CLARiiON systems.

FC4500 and CX200 models

The EMC CLARiiON FC4500 and CX200 systems limit the number of initiator HBAs to only allow 15 connections for each storage system port. This limit is less than the 16 initiator ports that are required to connect to an 8-node clustered system (system) in a dual fabric configuration. To use EMC CLARiiON FC4500 and CX200 systems with an 8-node system, you must zone the system to use one Lenovo Storage V7000 port for each node in each fabric. This reduces the initiator HBA count to eight.

FC4700 and CX400 models

EMC CLARiiON FC4700 and CX400 systems provide 4 target ports and allow 64 connections. Using a single SAN fabric, a 4-node system requires 64 connections (4 × 4 × 4), which is equal to the number of connections that are allowed. If split support with other hosts is required, this can cause issues. You can reduce either the number of initiator ports or target ports so that only 32 of the available 64 connections are used.

CX600 models

EMC CLARiiON CX600 systems provide 8 target ports and allow 128 connections. A 4-node system consumes all 128 connections (4 × 4 × 8). An 8-node system exceeds the connection limit and no reduction methods can be used.