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Initiator group overview

Initiator groups (igroups) specify which hosts can access specified LUNs on the storage system. You can create igroups manually, or use the optional SnapDrive for Windows software, which automatically creates igroups.

Initiator groups are protocol-specific.

There are many ways to create and manage initiator groups and LUNs on your storage system. These processes vary, depending on your configuration. These topics are covered in detail in the SAN Administration Guide (formerly the Block Access Management Guide for iSCSI and FC) for your version of Data ONTAP.

If you use the optional SnapDrive for Windows software, it creates igroups as needed. Starting with SnapDrive 6.4 for Windows, the SnapDrive software enables ALUA when it detects the Data ONTAP DSM for Windows MPIO. Starting with SnapDrive 6.2 for Windows, the SnapDrive software enables ALUA when it detects the msdsm. For earlier versions of SnapDrive, you need to manually enable ALUA.