Smart zoning to enforce interoperability matrix in a storage area network

摘要

The present invention describes various mechanisms which may be used for improving SAN device interoperability enforcement techniques implemented in SAN or Fiber Channel networks. In one implementation, the technique of the present invention allows a SAN to automatically enforce interoperability requirements between devices connected to a SAN by utilizing SAN zoning technology to implement one or more novel types of “smart” zones having different, customizable attributes. In one implementation, a first device and second device of the SAN may be automatically identified as being non-interoperable. The first device and the second device may then be included as members of a negative zone having a first associated negative zone attribute prohibiting communication between members of the first negative zone.