To meet the storage administrator’s requirement for the WWPN (World Wide Port Name) for servers that are in transit, the best approach is to create a profile in advance for each server and assign it once the server is discovered. This method aligns with the use of Virtual Identities on the SAN, which allows for flexibility in case a server needs to be replaced.
Here’s how this can be accomplished:
Create Virtual Identity Profiles: Before the servers arrive, create a Virtual Identity profile for each server within the management software that handles SAN configurations.
Assign WWPNs: Within each profile, assign a unique WWPN that will be used by the server’s Fibre Channel ports when connecting to the SAN.
Deploy Servers: Once the servers are deployed and discovered by the management system, the pre-created profiles can be assigned to them.
Activate Profiles: Activating the profiles will apply the Virtual Identities, including the WWPNs, to the servers, allowing them to be identified on the SAN.
This proactive approach ensures that the WWPNs are ready to be used as soon as the servers are online, facilitating a smooth integration into the SAN environment. It also adheres to company policy regarding the use of Virtual Identities, providing a seamless process for replacing servers if necessary1.
For more information on managing WWPNs and Virtual Identities in a SAN environment, administrators can refer to documentation and best practices provided by the SAN management software vendors1.
