World Wide Name

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World Wide Name

A World Wide Name (WWN) is a unique identifier assigned to a fiber channel host bus adapter (HBA) or storage device, enabling them to be recognized on a network. It’s a 64-bit hexadecimal number that identifies the device within a large-scale network environment.

What does World Wide Name mean?

A World Wide Name (WWN) is a unique 64-bit identifier assigned to Fibre Channel devices, such as host bus adapters (HBAs), switches, and disk drives. It serves as a Network Address and allows devices to identify and communicate with each other within a Fibre Channel storage network (FC SAN).

A WWN is typically represented as a 16-character hexadecimal string, divided into two parts: a 2-character prefix, and a 14-character unique identifier. The prefix identifies the manufacturer of the device, while the unique identifier is assigned by the manufacturer to each individual device.

WWNs are essential for device identification and addressing in Fibre Channel networks. They enable devices to establish connections, exchange Data, and manage traffic within the storage network. Without WWNs, devices would not be able to identify each other or communicate effectively, resulting in Network Connectivity issues.

Format

A WWN is a 64-bit number expressed as a 16-character hexadecimal string. It is structured as follows:

  • Prefix: The first two characters identify the manufacturer of the device.
  • Unique Identifier: The remaining 14 characters are a unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer to the specific device.

Types of WWNs

There are two types of WWNs:

  • Node World Wide Name (NW WN): Assigned to host bus adapters (HBAs) and end devices (such as disk drives).
  • Port World Wide Name (PW WN): Assigned to each individual port on a Fibre Channel switch.

Applications

WWNs are crucial in Fibre Channel storage networks for various applications:

  • Device Identification: WWNs uniquely identify each device in the network, enabling them to be distinguished from other devices.
  • Addressing: WWNs are used as network addresses for communication between devices. They allow devices to send and receive data efficiently.
  • Zoning: WWNs facilitate the creation of zones within a Fibre Channel network. Zoning involves grouping devices into logical units and restricting access between zones to enhance security and performance.
  • Management: WWNs enable the management and monitoring of devices within a Fibre Channel network using tools such as SAN management software.

WWNs are essential for the seamless operation and management of Fibre Channel storage networks, ensuring reliable data storage and efficient data transfer.

History

The development of WWNs is closely tied to the evolution of Fibre Channel technology:

  • 1988: The Fibre Channel Protocol was developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
  • 1994: The first Fibre Channel standard was published, defining the use of WWNs for device identification.
  • 1997: The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standardized the format of WWNs in RFC 2165.
  • 2001: The Fibre Channel Industry Association (FCIA) published the FC-WWN standard, defining guidelines for the assignment and use of WWNs in Fibre Channel networks.

WWNs have since become an integral part of Fibre Channel technology and are widely used in storage networks today.