• In a mesh topology, each switch is directly connected to other switches by using ISL'S. This topology promotes enhanced connectivity within SAN. When the number of ports on a network the number of nodes that can participate & communicate also increases.

There are two types of mesh topology

a) Full mesh & b) Partial mesh

• In a full mesh, every switch is connected to every other switch in the topology.

• Full mesh topology may be appropriate when the number of switches involved in are small.

• A typical deployment would involve up to four switches or directors, with each of them serving highly localized host to storage traffic.

• In a full mesh topology, a maximum of one ISL or hop is required for host to storage traffic.

• In a partial mesh topology, several hops or ISL'S may be required for the traffic to reach its destination.

• Hosts & storage can be located anywhere in the fabric, & storage can be localized to a director or a switch in both mesh topologies

• Thus for high availability solution, full mesh topology is used.

• In mesh one ISL (Inter sochet link) for each host to strage.

17 X 16 = 272 ports

Total ports available = 17 X 16 = 272

So ISL required are 136 i.e 272/2

• Each ISL require / consume two ports availabe ports 272 ports.

Thus 'zero' / '0' number of ports available for hosts.

free ports = total port - (total switch - ISL)

            = 16-(17-1)
            = 0