Gathering Host Port Information

In most cases Fibre Channel and iSCSI host ports are automatically discovered and are identified by Fibre Channel WWN or iSCSI node name. When registering hosts, the corresponding host ports are selected from a list of WWNs or iSCSI node names. When multiple hosts and ports are involved, it is useful to list port information in order to assign the correct ports when registering hosts.

Before assigning host ports in the interface, ensure you have established initiator/target connections in order to know the iSCSI node name. Have the following information ready:

  • Storage host name
  • Operating system type
  • FC WWNs for installed HBAs
  • iSCSI node names for installed NICs (as shown below)

Example:

Host Name Operating System Fibre Channel WWN iSCSI Node Name

Host1

Windows Server 2012

21000030D9001234

iqn.1991-05.com.microsoft:hostserver1-1

Host2

Solaris

21010030D900ABCC

21010030D900ABCD

 

Host3

Windows Server 2016

 

iqn.2000-08.com.microsoft:hostserver3-2

iqn.2000-08.com.microsoft:hostserver3-3

To find host Fibre Channel WWNs and iSCSI node names:

  • For each FC port, you will need the FC port World Wide Name (WWN) — a unique 16-digit hexadecimal number, such as 21-00-00-30-D9-00-12-34. This identifier is hard-coded into every FC host bus adapter (HBA). These WWNs (similar in concept to the MAC address in Ethernet cards) may be obtained from the HBA BIOS utility or HBA management software.
  • For each iSCSI initiator port, you will need the iSCSI node name (device address). These device addresses are automatically generated by the iSCSI initiator management software. (For example, using Microsoft® iSCSI Initiator, the node name is found in the Properties dialog box.)

After gathering the port information, refer to Registering Hosts and Assigning Ports to register hosts to the SANsymphony configuration and assign ports.