University IT has its storage subsystems and fabric switches distributed throughout the campus. Each college and department provides their own systems and staff. Central IT provides fabric, storage an

Node authentication verifies the identity of host HBAs, but it does not protect the fabric itself from unauthorized switches joining the network.

Switch authentication, often implemented using protocols like DH-CHAP, is critical in shared or distributed Fibre Channel fabrics. It ensures that only authorized and trusted switches are allowed to join the fabric, preventing rogue switches from being introduced that could disrupt or compromise fabric services and data integrity.

Port authentication validates the device connected to a specific switch port but does not prevent an entire unauthorized switch from integrating into the SAN fabric.

Link encryption protects data confidentiality and integrity over physical links but does not authenticate the fabric switches or control which switches can participate in the fabric.