A Storwize family system is in the storage layer by default, but the layer can be changed. For  example, you might want to change a Storwize V7000 to a replication layer if you want to  virtualize other Storwize systems. Note:  Before you change the system layer, the following conditions must be met: The layer can be changed during normal host I/O. In your IBM Storwize system, use the  lssystem  command to check the current system layer,  as shown in Example 11-2. Note:  Consider the following rules for creating remote partnerships between the IBM SAN  Volume Controller and Storwize Family systems: Each IBM Spectrum Virtualize system can maintain up to three partner system relationships,  which enables as many as four systems to be directly associated with each other. This  system partnership capability enables the implementation of DR solutions.  Note:  For more information about restrictions and limitations of native IP replication, see  11.8.2, “IP partnership limitations” on page 577. 542  Implementing the IBM System Storage SAN Volume Controller with IBM Spectrum Virtualize V8.2.1 11.6.2 Multiple IBM Spectrum Virtualize systems replication  GLYPH<SM590000> No host object can be configured with worldwide port names (WWPNs) from a Storwize  family system. GLYPH<SM590000> No system partnerships can be defined. GLYPH<SM590000> No Storwize family system can be visible on the SAN fabric. GLYPH<SM590000> An IBM SAN Volume Controller is always in the replication layer. GLYPH<SM590000> By default, the IBM Storwize systems are in the storage layer, but can be changed to  the replication layer. GLYPH<SM590000> A system can form partnerships only with systems in the same layer. GLYPH<SM590000> Starting in V6.4, an IBM SAN Volume Controller or Storwize system in the replication  layer can virtualize an IBM Storwize system in the storage layer. IBM_Storwize:mcr-fab2-cluster-07:superuser>lssystem id 00000100298056C2 name mcr-fab2-cluster-07 ... code_level 8.2.1.0 (build 147.4.1809270757000) ... layer  storage ... Example 11-2 Output from the lssystem command showing the system layer