Brocade Network OS Administrator’s Guide v4.1.1 - Manual (Page 174)

Considerations for zoning architecture (Continued) TABLE 32
Item Description
Confirming operation After changing or enabling a zone configuration, you should confirm that the nodes and
storage can identify and access one another. Depending on the platform, you might need
to reboot one or more nodes in the fabric with the new changes.
Use of aliases The use of aliases is optional with zoning. Using aliases requires structure when defining
zones. Aliases aid administrators of zoned fabrics in understanding the structure and
context of zoning.
Operational considerations for zoning
Consider the topics discussed below when configuring zoning.
Supported modes for zoning
Zoning is supported only in VCS mode. When you save, enable, or disable a configuration, the
changes are automatically distributed to all switches in the VCS Fabric.
Zoning is not supported in standalone mode and all zoning commands are hidden in this mode. The
zone database is cleared and disabled when you transition from VCS Fabric mode to standalone
mode.
Supported firmware for zoning
Zoning is supported only if all RBridges in the fabric are running Network OS 2.1 or later.
Connecting an RBridge running Network OS 2.0 to an RBridge running Network OS 2.1 or later
merges the two networks only if the RBridge running Network OS 2.1 or later is in Brocade VCS Fabric
mode and no zone database elements are defined or enabled.
A switch running Network OS v3.0.0 will segment if it is attached to a switch running Network OS
v2.0.0 regardless of zoning configuration. A switch running Network OS v3.0.0 will join the fabric with a
2.1.x switch and zones will be merged, but the cluster will not form, so no further zoning commands
will be allowed until all switches are upgraded to the same firmware version and the cluster has
formed.
The Inter-Switch Links (ISLs) connecting the two RBridges will segment if the RBridge running
Network OS 2.1 or later has any zone defined or enabled, or the default zone is set to No Access. Any
such configuration requires automatic distribution of zoning configuration data, which is not compatible
with RBridges running Network OS 2.0.
Firmware downgrade and upgrade considerations for zoning
A firmware downgrade from Network OS 4.1.0 to Network OS 2.1.x is not permitted under the
following conditions:
1. One or more zone aliases are configured on the switch. You must remove all references to zone
aliases prior to a firmware downgrade. Use the no zoning defined-configuration alias command
to delete all zone alias objects. Then issue the zoning enabled-configuration cfg-action{cfg-save
Operational considerations for zoning
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