What is the purpose of WWN in FC SAN?

In a Fibre Channel (FC) SAN, the World Wide Name (WWN) serves as a unique identifier for devices within the network. The WWN is used in several critical functions:

Identification of zone members (Option A): WWNs are used to define and manage zones within a SAN. Zoning is a method of grouping devices, such as servers and storage arrays, to control access and ensure data security. By identifying zone members via their WWNs, administrators can control which devices can communicate within the SAN.

Identification of entities via Storage Name Server (SNS) (Option C): The WWN is registered with the Storage Name Server (SNS) in the SAN fabric. The SNS maintains a database of all devices within the SAN and their associated WWNs, enabling efficient routing of data frames to the correct destination.

These features make the WWN a fundamental element in the operation and management of a Fibre Channel SAN.

References:

HPE SAN and Zoning Overview

HPE Fibre Channel Networking Solutions