Zoning configuration

At a minimum, zoning configuration entails creating zones and zone members. However, you can also create zone aliases, zone configurations, and zone databases. You can define multiple zone configurations, deactivating and activating individual configurations as your needs change. Zoning configuration can also involve enabling or disabling the default zone.

Configuring zoning

The following procedure provides an overview of the steps you must perform to configure zoning.

Note that for any zoning-related procedure, changes to a zone database are not saved until you click OK or Apply on the Zoning dialog box. If you click Cancel or the close button (X), no changes are saved.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	If you want to show all the discovered fabrics in the Potential Members list, right-click in the Potential Members list and select Display All.

5.	Create the zones.

For specific instructions, refer to “Creating a zone”.

6.	Add members to each zone.

For specific instructions, refer to “Adding members to a zone” and “Creating a new member in an LSAN zone”.

7.	Create a zone configuration.

For specific instructions, refer to “Creating a zone configuration”.

8.	Activate the zone configuration.

For specific instructions, refer to “Activating a zone configuration”.

9.	Set zoning policies, if necessary.

For specific instructions, refer to “Enabling or disabling the default zone for fabrics”.

10.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Creating a zone

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Click New Zone.

A new zone displays in the Zones list.

5.	Type the name for the zone.

For zone name requirements and limitations, refer to “Zone naming conventions”.

6.	(Optional—Fabric OS only) Set the QoS for the zone by right-clicking the zone and selecting QoS > Priority_Level (High, Medium, or Low).

NOTE: QoS priority support is available for zones with WWN or Domain,Index (D,I) members.

QoS zones using D,I notation cannot be created if any of the switches in the fabric are running Fabric OS versions earlier than 6.3.0.

The zone name is automatically renamed to QoSX_Zone_Name, where X is the priority level (H—High, M—Medium, or L—Low) and Zone_Name is the name you entered for the zone.

The new, empty zone is created. You cannot save an empty zone. Refer to “Adding members to a zone” for instructions on adding members and saving the zone.

Viewing zone properties

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Right-click the zone you want to review in the Zones list and select Properties.

The Zone Properties dialog box displays.

5.	Review the zone properties.

Note that when any modifications are made to an active zone, the Zone Properties dialog box continues to show the status as Active until the changes are saved to the zone database.

You can change the zone name by double-clicking the name and then modifying the name in the editable field.

6.	Click OK to close the Zone Properties dialog box.

Adding members to a zone

Use this procedure to add a member to a zone when the member is listed in the Potential Members list of the Zone DB tab.

Enterprise and Professional Plus editions: For instructions to add a member to a zone when the member is not listed in the Potential Members list, refer to the procedure “Creating a member in a zone”.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

If you want to show all the discovered fabrics in your fabric group in the Potential Members list, right-click in the Potential Members list and select Display All.

4.	Select one or more zones to which you want to add members in the Zones list. (Press SHIFT or CTRL and click each zone name to select more than one zone.)

5.	Select an option from the Type list.

By default, the first time you launch the Zoning dialog box for a zoning scope, the Potential Members list displays valid members using the following rules:

•	If you select the WWN type, the valid members display by the Attached Ports.

•	If you select the WWN-Fabric Assigned type, the valid members display by the ports on which FA-PWWN is configured.

•	If you select the Domain,Port Index type, the valid members display by ALL Product Ports (both occupied and unoccupied). This option is available for FC fabrics only.

•	If you select the Alias type, the valid members display by the device Alias.

6.	Select one or more members to add to the zone in the Potential Members list. (Press SHIFT or CTRL and click each member to select more than one member. To add all ports on a device, select the device.)

You cannot add duplicate members to the same zone.

7.	Click the right arrow between the Potential Members list and Zones list to add the selected members to the zone.

A message is displayed if unsupported potential members are moved to the Zones list. Click OK to close the message box. Reconsider your selections and make corrections as appropriate.

8.	For offline zone databases only, complete the following steps to save the zone configuration into the switch from the offline zone database:

a.	Select Save to Switch from the Zone DB Operation list.

b.	Click Yes on the confirmation message.

The selected zone database is saved to the fabric without enabling a specific zone configuration.

9.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Creating a member in a zone

Use this procedure to add a member to a zone when the member is not listed in the Potential Members list of the Zone DB tab.

For instructions to add a member to a zone when the member is listed in the Potential Members list, refer to the procedure “Adding members to a zone”.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Select one or more zones to which you want to add members in the Zones list. (Press SHIFT or CTRL and click each zone name to select more than one zone.)

5.	Click New Member.

The Add Zone Member dialog box displays.

6.	Select an option from the Member Type list.

and Alias are supportedThe fields in the dialog box vary based on the Member Type option you select.

7.	Fill in the remaining fields in the dialog box.

Click the Help button for additional information on each field.

8.	Click OK to save your changes and close the Add Zone Member dialog box.

OR

Click Apply to save your changes and keep the Add Zone Member dialog box open so you can add more new members. Repeat step 5 through step 8 as many times as needed, and proceed to step 9 when appropriate.

9.	For offline zone databases only, complete the following steps to save the zone configuration into the switch from the offline zone database:

a.	Select Save to Switch from the Zone DB Operation list.

b.	Click Yes on the confirmation message.

The selected zone database is saved to the fabric without enabling a specific zone configuration.

10.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Removing a member from a zone

Use the following procedure to remove one or more members from a zone or zones. Note that the member is not deleted; it is only removed from the zone.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Click the plus sign (+) by the appropriate zone in the Zones list to expand the listing and show the zone’s members.

5.	Perform one of the following actions:

•	Right-click the name of the zone member you want to remove in the Zones list and select one of the following options from the shortcut menu that displays:

•	Remove - To remove the zone member from the selected zone.

•	Remove All - To remove the zone member from all zones to which it belongs.

•	To remove multiple zone members, select the members to be removed from the zone, and click the left arrow between the Potential Members list and the Zones list.

When successful, the zone member is removed from the Zones list.

6.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Renaming a zone

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Right-click the name of the zone you want to change in the Zones list and select Rename.

5.	Type the new name for the zone.

For zone name requirements and limitations, refer to “Zone naming conventions”.

6.	Press Enter to save the new name.

For FC fabrics, if an invalid name is entered for a zone or zone configuration, the application displays a warning message. If there is a naming violation according to the vendor, the switch returns the error message for the exact information along with the zone configuration activation failure message.

7.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Deleting a zone

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Select one or more zones in the Zones list that you want to delete, then right-click and select Delete.

A message displays asking you to confirm the deletion.

5.	Click Yes to delete the selected zones.

The message closes and the zone or zones are removed from the Zones list.

NOTE: If you delete something in error, click Cancel on the Zoning dialog box to exit without saving changes. When you reopen the dialog box, the zone is restored.

6.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Duplicating a zone

When you duplicate a zone, you make a copy of it in the same zone database. The first time a zone is duplicated, the duplicate is automatically given the name <zonelabel>_copy. On subsequent duplications, a sequential number is assigned to the zone name, such as <zonelabel>_copy_1, <zonelabel>_copy_2, and <zonelabel>_copy_3.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Select one or more zones in the Zones list that you want to duplicate, then right-click and select Duplicate.

The duplicated zone or zones display in the Zones list.

5.	(Optional) Type a new name for the zone and press Enter to save the name.

Depending on the characters included in the name you enter, a message may display informing you the name contains characters that are not accepted by some switch vendors. Click OK and enter a different name or accept the default name assigned to the zone. (For zone name requirements and limitations, refer to “Zone naming conventions”.)

6.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Customizing the zone member display

In the Zoning dialog box, you can customize which properties are displayed and in what order.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays, based on the Configure > Zoning menu selection.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Click the plus sign (+) by the appropriate zone in the Zones list to expand the listing and show the zone members.

5.	Right-click the name of any zone member and select Member Display.

The Zone Member Display dialog box displays.

6.	Select or clear the check boxes for the properties you want to display or hide.

All of the options are selected by default. You cannot clear the WWN/Domain,Port Index check box. It is always selected.

7.	Select a property and click the Up or Down buttons to rearrange the order in which the properties are displayed.

8.

Click OK.

The display is changed for all zone members in the Zones list.

Enabling or disabling the default zone for fabrics

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Select the zoning database you want from the Zone DB list.

5.	Click Zoning Policies.

The Zoning Policies dialog box displays.

6.	Make sure the appropriate fabric is named on the Zoning Policies dialog box.

7.	Perform one of the following actions based on the task you want to complete:

•	To enable the default zone, click Enable, and then click OK.

•	To disable the default zone, click Disable, and then click OK.

The Zoning Policies dialog box closes and the Zone DB tab displays.

8.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Creating a zone alias

An alias is a logical group of port index numbers and WWNs. Specifying groups of ports or devices as an alias makes zone configuration easier by enabling you to configure zones using an alias rather than inputting a long string of individual members. You can specify members of an alias using the following methods:

•	Identifying members by switch domain and port index (D,I) number pair.

•	Identifying members by device node and device port WWNs.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

4.	Select Alias from the Type list.

5.	Click New Alias.

The New Alias dialog box displays.

6.	Type a name for the alias in the Alias Name field.

Refer to “Zone naming conventions” for rules about zone alias names.

7.	(Optional) Select an option from the Type list to choose how to display the objects in the Potential Members list.

8.	(Optional) Show all discovered fabrics in the Potential Members list by right-clicking in the Potential Members list and selecting Display All.

This right-click option is not available if you selected WWN-Fabric Assigned in the Type list.

9.	Select one or more members that you want to add to the alias in the Potential Members list. (Press SHIFT or CTRL and click each member to select more than one member.)

You can also add WWNs not listed in the Potential Members list by entering the WWN in the Detached WWN field and clicking Add.

10.	Click the right arrow between the Potential Members list and the Selected Member(s) list to add the selected members to the alias.

11.	Click OK or Apply on the New Alias dialog box to save your changes.

12.	Click OK or Apply on the Zoning dialog box to save your changes.

Editing a zone alias

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

4.	Select Alias from the Type list.

5.	Select the alias you want to edit in the Alias list and click Edit.

The Edit Alias dialog box displays.

6.	Add members to the alias by completing the following steps.

a.	Select an option from the Type list to choose how to display the objects in the Potential Members list.

b.	Show all discovered fabrics in the Potential Members list by right-clicking in the Potential Members list and selecting Expand All.

This right-click option is not available if you selected WWN-Fabric Assigned in the Type list.

c.	Select one or more members that you want to add to the alias in the Potential Members list. (Press SHIFT or CTRL and click each member to select more than one member.)

You can also add WWNs not listed in the Potential Members list by entering the WWN in the Detached WWN field and clicking Add.

d.	Click the right arrow between the Potential Members list and the Selected Member(s) list to add the selected members to the alias.

7.	Remove members from the alias by completing the following steps.

a.	Select one or more members that you want to remove from the alias in the Selected Member(s) list. (Press SHIFT or CTRL and click each member to select more than one member.)

b.	Click the left arrow between the Potential Members list and the Selected Member(s) list to remove the selected members from the alias.

8.	Click OK or Apply on the Edit Alias dialog box to save your changes.

9.	Click OK or Apply on the Zoning dialog box to save your changes.

Removing an object from a zone alias

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

4.	Select Alias from the Type list.

5.	Show all objects in the Alias list by right-clicking an object and selecting Tree > Expand All.

6.	Select one or more objects that you want to remove from the alias in the Alias list. (Press SHIFT or CTRL and click each member to select more than one member.)

You can select objects from different zone aliases.

7.	Right-click one of the selected objects and select Remove.

The selected objects are removed from the associated zone aliases.

8.	Click OK or Apply on the Zoning dialog box to save your changes.

Exporting zone aliases

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

4.	Select Alias from the Type list.

5.	Click Export.

The Export Alias dialog box displays.

6.	Browse to the location to which you want to export the zone alias data.

7.	Enter a name for the export file in the File Name field.

8.	Click Export Alias.

9.	Click OK or Apply on the Zoning dialog box to save your changes.

Renaming a zone alias

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

4.	Select Alias from the Type list.

5.	Right-click the zone alias you want to rename and select Rename.

6.	Edit the name and press Enter.

Refer to “Zone naming conventions” for rules about zone alias names.

7.	Click OK or Apply on the Zoning dialog box to save your changes.

Deleting a zone alias

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

4.	Select Alias from the Type list.

5.	Right-click the zone alias you want to delete and select Delete.

6.	Click Yes on the confirmation message.

The selected zone alias is deleted from the Alias list.

7.	Click OK or Apply on the Zoning dialog box to save your changes.

Duplicating a zone alias

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

4.	Select Alias from the Type list.

5.	Right-click the zone alias you want to duplicate and select Duplicate.

The duplicated zone alias displays in the Alias list (for example, <Zone_Alias>_Copy).

6.	Edit the name.

To edit the name, refer to “Renaming a zone alias”.

7.	Click OK or Apply on the Zoning dialog box to save your changes.

Creating a zone configuration

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Click New Configuration.

A new configuration displays in the Zone Configurations list.

5.	Enter a name for the zone configuration.

For zone name requirements and limitations, refer to “Zone naming conventions”.

6.	Press Enter.

Depending on the characters included in the name you enter, a message may display informing you the name contains characters that are not accepted by some switch vendors. Click OK and enter a different name or accept the default name assigned to the zone. (For zone name requirements and limitations, refer to “Zone naming conventions”.)

7.	Add zones to the zone configuration.

For step-by-step instructions, refer to “Adding zones to a zone configuration”.

8.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Viewing zone configuration properties

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Potential Members list.

4.	Right-click the zone configuration you want to review in the Zone Configurations list and select Properties.

The Zone Configuration Properties dialog box displays.

5.	Review the zone configuration properties.

6.	Click OK to close the Zone Configuration Properties dialog box.

Adding zones to a zone configuration

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Select one or more zone configurations to which you want to add zones in the Zone Configurations list. (Press SHIFT or CTRL and click each zone configuration name to select more than one zone configuration.)

5.	Select one or more zones to add to the zone configurations in the Zones list. (Press SHIFT or CTRL and click each zone name to select more than one zone.)

6.	Click the right arrow between the Zones list and the Zone Configurations list to add the zones to the zone configurations.

7.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Removing a zone from a zone configuration

Use the following procedure to remove a zone from a zone configuration. Note that the zone is not deleted; it is only removed from the zone configuration.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Click the plus sign (+) by the appropriate zone configuration in the Zone Configurations list to expand the listing and show the zone configuration members.

5.	Perform one of the following actions:

•	Right-click the name of the zone you want to remove in the Zone Configurations list and select Remove.

•	To remove multiple zones, select the zones to be removed from the zone configuration, and click the left arrow between the Zones list and the Zone Configurations list.

When successful, the zone is removed from the Zone Configurations list.

6.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Activating a zone configuration

When a zone configuration is active, its members can communicate with one another. Only one zone configuration can be active at any given time.

NOTE: Only one server should be run at a time (actual servers performing discovery) or logon conflicts may occur. Also, activation speeds may differ depending on the hardware vendor and type of zoning used.

You cannot activate a zone configuration if any of the following is true:

•	You do not have access privileges to activate zone configurations. You will not be able to activate a zone configuration unless your access privileges are redefined.

•	The fabric is not manageable.

•	You do not have Read/Write or Activate privileges for the selected fabric and the selected zone database (for FC fabrics only).

•	The selected fabric is not supported by the Management application.

•	The selected fabric is no longer discovered.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	(Optional) Select a zone database from the Zone DB list (Enterprise and Professional Plus editions only).

5.	Select the zone configuration you want to activate in the Zone Configurations list.

6.	Click Activate.

7.	Review the information in the Activate Zone Configuration dialog box.

a.	Make sure the selected zone configuration is the one you want to activate.

b.	(Optional) Select the Generate a report with the activation of new zone configuration check box to generate the Zone Configuration Activation report.

c.	If you are activating a zone configuration from the offline zone database, select or clear the Save only the selected zone configuration to the existing zone database in the fabric check box.

•	If the check box is cleared (default), the entire offline zone database is saved to the switch and replaces the existing online zone database.

•	If the check box is selected, only the selected zone configuration and any TI zones in the offline zone database are saved to the switch and are added to the existing online zone database.

8.	Click OK to activate the zone configuration.

A message displays informing you that the zones and zone configurations you change will be saved in the zone database and asking whether you want to proceed. Click Yes to confirm the activation, or click No to cancel the activation.

When you click Yes, a busy window displays indicating the activation is in progress. A status field informs you whether the activation succeeded or failed. When it succeeds, icons for the active zone configuration and its zones display green. When it fails, the message includes the reason for the failure.

9.	Click OK to continue.

The Activate Zone Configuration dialog box is closed and the Zone DB tab displays.

10.

Click OK.

The zone configuration is activated and the entire zone database is sent to the fabric.

Deactivating a zone configuration

Use this procedure to deactivate the active zone configuration.

There are several conditions that could cause the Deactivate button to be unavailable. They include the following:

•	There is no active zone configuration in the selected fabric.

•	The fabric is not manageable.

•	You do not have Read/Write or Activate privileges for the selected fabric and the selected zone database (for FC fabrics only).

•	The selected fabric is not supported by the Management application.

•	The selected fabric is no longer discovered.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Active Zone Configuration tab.

3.	Select a fabric from the Active Zone Configuration list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Click Deactivate.

5.	Click Yes on the confirmation message.

If the deactivation succeeded, the zone configuration no longer displays in the Active Zone Configuration tab.
If the deactivation failed, the zone configuration still displays in the Active Zone Configuration tab.

6.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Renaming a zone configuration

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Right-click the name of the zone configuration you want to change in the Zone Configurations list and select Rename.

5.	Type the new name for the zone configuration.

For zone configuration name requirements and limitations, refer to “Zone naming conventions”.

6.	Press Enter to save the new name.

7.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Deleting a zone configuration

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Select one or more zone configurations in the Zone Configurations list that you want to delete, then right-click and select Delete.

A message displays asking you to confirm the deletion.

5.	Click Yes to delete the selected zone configuration.

The message closes and the selected zone configurations are removed from the Zone Configurations list.

NOTE: If you select “Do not show me this again.” on the confirmation message, the next time you delete a zone configuration, it will be deleted without requesting confirmation from you. If you delete something in error, click Cancel on the Zoning dialog box to exit without saving changes since the last operation (Apply or Activate). When you reopen the dialog box, the zone configuration is restored.

6.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Duplicating a zone configuration

When you duplicate a zone configuration, you make a copy of it in the same zone database. The first time a zone configuration is duplicated, the duplicate is automatically given the name <zonesetlabel>_copy. On subsequent duplications, a sequential number is assigned to the zone configuration name, such as <zonesetlabel>_copy_1, <zonesetlabel>_copy_2, and <zonesetlabel>_copy_3.

Note that these naming conventions apply to both duplicate and deep duplicate operations.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

4.	Select one or more zone configurations in the Zone Configurations list that you want to duplicate, then right-click and select one of the following options:

•	Duplicate - To duplicate the zone configuration or configurations.

•	Deep Duplicate - To duplicate the zone configuration or configurations and all included zones.

The duplicated zone configuration or sets display in the Zone Configurations list.

5.	(Optional) Type a new name for the zone configuration and press Enter to save the name.

For zone name requirements and limitations, refer to “Zone naming conventions”.

6.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Creating an offline zone database

Offline zone databases are supported only in Enterprise and Professional Plus editions. Use this procedure to create a zone database and save it offline.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a zone database from the Zone DB list.

4.	Select Save As from the Zone DB Operation list.

The Save Zone DB As dialog box displays.

5.	Enter a name for the database in the Zone DB Name field and click OK.

6.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning database for the selected entity.

If you want to show all discovered fabrics in the Potential Members list, right-click in the Potential Members list and select Display All.

7.	Create the desired zones.

For specific instructions, refer to “Creating a zone”.

8.	Add members to each zone.

For specific instructions, refer to “Adding members to a zone” and “Creating a member in a zone”.

9.	Create a zone configuration.

For specific instructions, refer to “Creating a zone configuration”.

10.	Activate the zone configuration.

For specific instructions, refer to “Activating a zone configuration”.

11.	Set zoning policies, if necessary.

For specific instructions, refer to “Enabling or disabling the default zone for fabrics”.

12.	Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Deleting an offline zone database

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Select a fabric from the Zoning Scope list.

This identifies the target entity for all subsequent zoning actions and displays the zoning databases for the selected entity.

3.	Select the offline zone database you want to delete in the Zone DB list.

NOTE: Only offline databases can be deleted.

4.	Select Delete from the Zone DB Operation list.

5.	Click Yes on the confirmation message.

The message closes and the selected zone configurations are removed from the Zone Configurations list.

6.	Click OK to save your work and close the Zoning dialog box.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Refreshing a zone database

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Click the Zone DB tab if that tab is not automatically displayed.

3.	Select a zone database from the Zone DB list.

4.	Select Refresh from the Zone DB Operation list.

A message displays informing you that refresh will overwrite the selected database. Click Yes to continue.

5.

Click OK.

Any zones or zone configurations you have changed are saved in the zone database.

Merging fabrics

When you merge fabrics, the defined and active zone configurations in both fabrics must match.

1.	Compare and merge the two zone databases, and save the database to the offline repository.

Refer to “Merging two zone databases”.

2.	Ensure that the active zone configurations in each fabric are the same, including the same name.

Refer to “Renaming a zone configuration”.

3.	Load the newly merged zone database from the offline repository.

4.	Activate the zone configuration.

5.	If the active zone configuration names are the same in each fabric, then load the offline repository, and activate the zone configuration on each fabric.

6.	If the active configuration names are different in each fabric, rename the zone configurations to be the same, and copy the zones.

7.	Ensure that the active configurations are the same.

a.	Load the newly created offline zone database.

b.	Add the active zones to the zone configuration that is the active configuration on the other fabric.

c.	Rename the inactive configuration.

Merging two zone databases

If a zone or zone configuration is merged, the resulting zone or zone configuration includes all members that were marked for addition or removal as well as all members not otherwise marked.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Select Compare from the Zone DB Operation list.

The Compare/Merge Zone DBs dialog box displays, as shown in Figure 339.

Figure 339 Compare/Merge Zone DBs dialog box

3.	Select a database from the Reference Zone DB list.

4.	Select a database from the Editable Zone DB list.

The Reference Zone DB and Editable Zone DB areas display all available element types (zone configurations, zones, and aliases) for the two selected zone databases. In the Editable Zone DB area, each element type and element display with an icon indicator (Table 69) to show the differences between the two databases.

5.	(Optional) Merge elements (zone configurations, zones, or aliases) by completing the following steps:

a.	Select one or more of the same element type from the Reference Zone DB area.

You can select zone configurations, zones, or aliases, but do not mix element types.

b.	Select the same type of element in the Editable Zone DB area.

If you selected a zone configuration in the Reference Zone DB area, you must select a zone configuration in the Editable Zone DB area.

c.	Click Merge.

If the Merge button is inactivated, check that you have selected similar element types in both the Reference Zone DB area and the Editable Zone DB area. You can merge elements only with similar elements. You cannot merge a zone with a zone configuration, for example.

6.	(Optional) Merge all elements by clicking Merge All.

7.	(Optional) Add elements (aliases, zones, and zone configurations) to the editable database by completing the following steps.

a.	Select one or more of the same element type in the Reference Zone DB area.

These are the elements that are added to the editable zone database.

b.	Select an element in the Editable Zone DB area.

You can add zone aliases and zone members to a zone. You can add zones to a zone configuration. And you can add zone configurations to the zone database.

c.	Click Add.

If the Add button is inactivated, check that you have selected appropriate element types in both the Reference Zone DB area and the Editable Zone DB area.

8.	(Optional) Remove elements from the editable zone database by selecting an available element (one that you have added) from the Editable Zone DB area and clicking Remove.

Note that if a zone is removed from a zone configuration, it is removed only from that single zone configuration. However, if the zone is removed from the list of zones, it is removed from all zone configurations.

9.	Click Save As to save the editable zone database in the offline repository (for Enterprise and Professional Plus editions only).

Creating a common active zone configuration in two fabrics

Before you can merge two fabrics, the defined and active zone configurations in both fabrics must match. Refer to “Merging two zone databases” for instructions on how to merge the zone databases in two fabrics.

After you merge the two zone databases, you create a common active zone configuration before physically merging the fabrics.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Select Compare from the Zone DB Operation list.

The Compare/Merge Zone DBs dialog box displays, as shown in Figure 339.

3.	Select the database for the first fabric from the Reference Zone DB list.

4.	Select the database for the second fabric from the Editable Zone DB list.

5.	Set up a zone configuration that contains the active zones in both fabrics:

a.	Select the name of the active zone configuration from the Reference Zone DB area.

b.	Select the name of the active zone configuration in the Editable Zone DB area.

c.	Click Merge.

All of the active zones from both fabrics are now in one zone configuration.

6.	Click Save As to save the editable zone database in the offline repository for the second fabric.

7.	Click Save As again, and select the name of the first fabric from the Fabric list to save the editable zone database in the offline repository for the first fabric.

8.	Click Close to close the Compare/Merge Zone DBs dialog box and return to the Zoning dialog box.

9.	In both fabrics, load the offline repository and activate the zone configuration from step b.

Refer to “Activating a zone configuration” for instructions.

Saving a zone database to a switch

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Select a zone database from the Zone DB list.

3.	Select Save to Switch from the Zone DB Operation list.

4.	Click Yes on the confirmation message.

The selected zone database is saved to the fabric without enabling a specific zone configuration.

5.	Click OK to save your work and close the Zoning dialog box.

Exporting an offline zone database

NOTE: You cannot export an online zone database.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Select an offline zone database from the Zone DB list.

3.	Select Export from the Zone DB Operation list.

The Export Zone DB dialog box displays.

4.	Browse to the location where you want to export the zone database file (.xml format).

5.	Click Export Zone DB.

6.	Click OK to save your work and close the Zoning dialog box.

Importing an offline zone database

NOTE: You cannot import an online zone database. You cannot import a zone database that contains zones with duplicate members.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Select an offline zone database from the Zone DB list.

3.	Select Import from the Zone DB Operation list.

The Import Zone DB dialog box displays.

4.	Browse to the zone database file (.xml format).

5.	Click Import Zone DB.

6.	Click OK to save your work and close the Zoning dialog box.

Rolling back changes to the offline zone database

Use this procedure to reverse changes made to an offline zone database.

1.	Select Configure > Zoning > Fabric.

The Zoning dialog box displays.

2.	Select the zone database you want to roll back from the Zone DB list.

You must select an offline zone database that has a value in the Last Saved to Fabric column. You cannot roll back changes for zone databases that were never saved to the fabric.

3.	Select Roll Back from the Zone DB Operation list.

The selected zone database reverts back to what it was before the changes were applied.

4.	Click OK to save your work and close the Zoning dialog box.