Storage Area Networks

This is a massive subject and a complex one, if you are starting to learn about SANs. However the key is understanding that it is very much like a copper based IPv4 network.

Zoning

SAN Fabrics can be partitioned virtually into "vsans", which are very similar in concept to "vlans". Zoning puts your server on the correct vsan. You need to know the WWN to do this. See the links below for more information or Fibre Channel Zoning.

Masking

This is like a firewall rule, masking allows servers to see certain LUNs, of course a firewall works with IP addresses and this is where the concept is similar. You need to know the WWN to do this. See the links below for more information or LUN Masking.

Further Information

There is however a lot of good information on the internet, some good starting places are as follows: