HP Mainframe Connectivity Design Guide

Label each end of the cable to identify the connection points of the other end. Use terms such
as To and From.
• Unused ports
Use port protectors to protect unused ports on all equipment (directors, storage devices, and
mainframe). Do not leave any ports exposed.
• Cable management
Plan the installation to keep to a minimum the number of cables that need to be disconnected
or moved when replacing components in the directors. Use the model-specific cable
management systems (some of which are optional add-on features) to route cables in the
cabinets. Do not route cables from one interface card over the front of another interface card.
• Cable dressing
Use care when routing fiber optic cable. Ensure that cables conform to the minimum bend
radius requirements. See Table 32 (page 72). Use hook-and-loop tie wraps to group and
support the cables.
CAUTION: Plastic tie wraps can damage the internal fiber core if overtightened.
• Cable symmetry
When connecting cables, use corresponding slot and port numbers. For example, connect an
ISL from slot 1, port 4 in one director to slot 1, port 4 in the other director.
Zoning guidelines
Typically, all FICON ports in the fabric are located in the same zone or VSAN. This isolates the
FICON ports from the FCP ports in the fabric. If there are no FCP ports in the fabric, you need to
configure only one zone or VSAN that includes all ports. Do not use the default zone or VSAN.
NOTE: You can further isolate FCP ports from the mainframe by using the PDCM on the mainframe.
To do this, you must enable and configure CUP on the FICON directors.
For more information about FICON zoning, see:
• “B-series FICON directors and fabric rules” (page 29)
• “C-series FICON directors and fabric rules” (page 46)
• “McDATA FICON directors and fabric rules” (page 63)
FICON SAN scaling
When you expand a fabric, avoid making changes that will impact the original design goals.
IMPORTANT: HP recommends that you stop all I/O activity and back up all data before adding
directors to the fabric.
To expand a FICON SAN:
• Add interface cards to an existing director.
• Replace current directors with directors that have a higher port count.
• Increase the number of directors in the fabric.
Zoning guidelines 157