merge VNX and ucs kit

second diagram is current connections with no ISL between them, first diagram is the proposed setup alternatively we can have ISL between the switches.

Hi,

We had 2 VNX in different locations connected to UCS via cisco 2 X MDS 9148 switches in each location and we recently moved both VNX and UCS to a new location and at present they are still connected seprately and there is no connectivity between them.

There is ample storage/resources left on one VNX and UCS hence we plan to merge fabric, storage and UCS to load balance across both storage

Goal is that both UCS will need to see both the VNX luns so we can create and assign LUNS from any VNX to these UCS, , I have read that there are different ways you can achieve this however can someone please guide us what is the best practise.

I am thinking of 2 possible ways to

1) Keep the 4 MDS switches  and connections as they are and merge fabric using ISL link between the MDS switches, my only issue is that both have zones configured so unsure if zoning need to be deleted on 1 switch to merge fabric and I am unsure waht will be the benefit of having 4 switches.

2) scenario 2 is to decomission 2 MDS switches and connect VNX and UCS to the other 2 switches and create zones again.

Diagrams attached for current and proposed.

Can someone please let me know if above is the best practise or there is a better way of achieving this and also if I will have to rezone everything?

I have been asked ot keep the downtime to minimum

Thanks in advance.