Zoning is a conventional SAN security mechanism, which is used to restrict storage access between anticipated targets (typically SANs) and initiators (typically servers). There are two main methods to configure zoning: soft zoning and hard zoning. Hard zoning is more secure compared to soft zoning and is the preferred zoning method. SAN fabric switches from various vendors might support different zoning configurations, so it is always recommended to consult your SAN admin for proper zoning configuration.

In the previous UCS versions including version 2.0, while using Cisco switches for SAN connectivity, zoning needed to be configured on the northbound MDS or Nexus (with native FC ports) switches which propagates down to the directly connected Fabric Interconnects. So, even though SAN direct connectivity to Fabric Interconnects was possible, northbound MDS or Nexus switches were necessary for the zoning configuration..