Dell PowerVault 3000i User guide

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Dell™ PowerVault™ Modular Disk 3000i
Systems Installation Guide

Notes, Notices
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of
your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data
and tells you how to avoid the problem.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2008 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly
forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and PowerVault are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel
and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; SUSE is a registered trademark of Novell
Inc. in the United States and other countries; Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Server are either
registeredtrademarksortrademarksofMicrosoftCorporationintheUnitedStatesandothercountries;
Red Hat and Red Hat Enterprise Linux are registered trademarks of Red Hat Inc. in the United States
and other countries.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming
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trade names other than its own.
February 2008

Contents 3
Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Management Station Hardware Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Introduction to Storage Arrays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2 Hardware Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Storage Configuration Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
About the Enclosure Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Cabling the Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Redundancy vs. Nonredundancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Direct-Attached Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Network-Attached Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Attaching MD1000 Expansion Enclosures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Expanding with Previously Configured MD1000 Enclosures . . . . . . . . 16
Expanding with New MD1000 Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3 Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
System Assembly and Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Install the iSCSI Initiator Software (iSCSI-attached Host Servers Only) . . . . 19
Installing the iSCSI Initiator on a Windows Host Server . . . . . . . . . . 20
Installing the iSCSI Initiator on a Linux Host Server . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Installing MD Storage Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Installing MD Storage Software on an iSCSI-attached Host
Server (Windows). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Installing MD Storage Software on an iSCSI-attached Host
Server (Linux) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Installing a Dedicated Management Station (Windows and Linux) . . . . 27

4Contents
Documentation for Windows Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Viewing Resource CD Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Installing the Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Documentation for Linux Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Viewing Resource CD Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Installing the Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4 Array Setup and iSCSI Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Before You Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
iSCSI Configuration Worksheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Configuring iSCSI on your Storage Array. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Using iSNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Step 1: Discover the Storage Array (Out-of-band management only). . . . . . 36
Default Management Port Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Automatic Storage Array Discovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Manual Storage Array Discovery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Set Up the Array . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Step 2: Configure the iSCSI Ports on the Storage Array. . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Step 3: Perform Target Discovery from the iSCSI Initiator . . . . . . . . . . . 40
If you are using Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008
GUI version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
If you are using Windows Server 2008 Core Version. . . . . . . . . . . . 40
If you are using Linux Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
If you are using RHEL 5 or SLES 10 SP1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Step 4: Configure Host Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Understanding CHAP Authentication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
What is CHAP? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Target CHAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Mutual CHAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
CHAP Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
How CHAP Is Set Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Contents 5
Step 5: Configure CHAP Authentication on the Storage Array (optional). . . . 47
Configuring Target CHAP Authentication on the Storage Array . . . . . . 47
Configuring Mutual CHAP Authentication on the Storage Array. . . . . . 48
Step 6: Configure CHAP Authentication on the Host Server (optional) . . . . . 49
If you are using Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008
GUI version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
If you are using Windows Server 2008 Core Version. . . . . . . . . . . . 50
If you are using Linux Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
If you are using RHEL 5 or SLES 10 SP1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
If you are using SLES10 SP1 via the GUI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Step 7: Connect to the Target Storage Array from the Host Server . . . . . . . 54
If you are using Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008 GUI . . . 54
If you are using Windows Server 2008 Core Version. . . . . . . . . . . . 55
If you are using a Linux Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Viewing the status of your iSCSI connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Step 8: (Optional) Set Up In-Band Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Premium Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Troubleshooting Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
5 Uninstalling Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Uninstalling From Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Uninstalling From Linux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
6 Guidelines for Configuring Your Network for iSCSI . . . . . . 63
Windows Host Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Linux Host Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Configuring TCP/IP on Linux using DHCP (root users only) . . . . . . . . 65
Configuring TCP/IP on Linux using a Static IP address
(root users only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

6Contents

Introduction 7
Introduction
This guide outlines the steps for configuring the Dell™ PowerVault™ Modular Disk 3000i
(MD3000i). The guide also covers installing the MD Storage Manager software, installing and
configuring the Microsoft®iSCSI and Linux initiators, and accessing documentation from the
PowerVault MD3000i Resource CD. Other information provided includes system requirements,
storage array organization, initial software startup and verification, and discussions of utilities and
premium features.
MD Storage Manager enables an administrator to configure and monitor storage arrays for optimum
usability. MD Storage Manager operates on both Microsoft®Windows®and Linux operating
systems and can send alerts about storage array error conditions by either e-mail or Simple Network
Management Protocol (SNMP). These alerts can be set for instant notification or at regular intervals.
System Requirements
Before installing and configuring the MD3000i hardware and MD Storage Manager software, ensure
that the operating system is supported and minimum system requirements are met. For more
information, refer to the Dell™PowerVault™MD3000i Support Matrix available on
support.dell.com.
Management Station Hardware Requirements
A management station uses MD Storage Manager to configure and manage storage arrays across the
network. Any system designated as a management station must be an x86-based system that meets
the following minimum requirements:
•Intel
®
Pentium
®
or equivalent CPU (133 MHz or faster)
• 128 MB RAM (256 MB recommended)
• 120 MB disk space available
• Administrator or equivalent permissions
• Minimum display setting of 800 x 600 pixels with 256 colors (1024 x 768 pixels with 16-bit color
recommended)

8Introduction
Introduction to Storage Arrays
A storage array includes various hardware components, such as physical disks, RAID controller modules,
fans, and power supplies, gathered into enclosures. An enclosure containing physical disks accessed
through RAID controller modules is called a RAID enclosure.
One or more host servers attached to the storage array can access the data on the storage array. You can
also establish multiple physical paths between the host(s) and the storage array so that loss of any single
path (through failure of a host server port, for example) does not result in total loss of access to data on the
storage array.
The storage array is managed by MD Storage Manager software running either on a host server or a
dedicated management station. On a host server system, MD Storage Manager and the storage array
communicate management requests and event information directly via iSCSI ports. On a dedicated
management station, MD Storage Manager communicates with the storage array either through an
Ethernet connection on the RAID controller modules or via the host agent installed on the host server.
Using MD Storage Manager, you configure the physical disks in the storage array into logical components
called disk groups, then divide the disk groups into virtual disks. You can make as many disk groups and
virtual disks as your storage array configuration and hardware permit. Disk groups are created in the
unconfigured capacity of a storage array, while virtual disks are created in the free capacity of a disk
group.
Unconfigured capacity is comprised of the physical disks not already assigned to a disk group. When a
virtual disk is created using unconfigured capacity, a disk group is automatically created. If the only
virtual disk in a disk group is deleted, the disk group is also deleted. Free capacity is space in a disk group
that has not been assigned to a virtual disk.
Data is written to the physical disks in the storage array using RAID technology. RAID levels define the
way in which data is written to physical disks. Different RAID levels offer different levels of accessibility,
redundancy, and capacity. You can set a specified RAID level for each disk group and virtual disk on your
storage array.
You can also provide an additional layer of data redundancy by creating disk groups that have a RAID
level other than 0. Hot spares can automatically replace physical disks marked as Failed.
For more information on using RAID and managing data in your storage solution, see the Dell™
PowerVault™ Modular Disk Storage Manager User’s Guide.

Hardware Installation 9
Hardware Installation
This chapter provides guidelines for planning the physical configuration of your Dell™ PowerVault™
MD3000i storage array and for connecting one or more hosts to the array. For complete information
on hardware configuration, see the Dell™PowerVault™MD3000i Hardware Owner’s Manual.
Storage Configuration Planning
Consider the following items before installing your storage array:
• Evaluate data storage needs and administrative requirements.
• Calculate availability requirements.
• Decide the frequency and level of backups, such as weekly full backups with daily partial backups.
• Consider storage array options, such as password protection and e-mail alert notifications for error
conditions.
• Design the configuration of virtual disks and disk groups according to a data organization plan.
For example, use one virtual disk for inventory, a second for financial and tax information, and a
third for customer information.
• Decide whether to allow space for hot spares, which automatically replace failed physical disks.
• If you will use premium features, consider how to configure virtual disk copies and snapshot
virtual disks.
About the Enclosure Connections
The RAID array enclosure is connected to an iSCSI-enabled host server via one or two RAID
controller modules. The RAID controller modules are identified as RAID controller module 0 and
RAID controller module 1 (see the PowerVault MD3000i Hardware Owner’s Manual for more
information).
Each RAID controller module contains two iSCSI In port connectors that provide direct connections
to the host server or switches. iSCSI In port connectors are labeled In-0 and In-1(see the PowerVault
MD3000i Hardware Owner’s Manual for more information).
Each MD3000i RAID controller module also contains an Ethernet management port and a SAS Out
port connector. The Ethernet management port allows you to install a dedicated management
station (server or standalone system). The SAS Out port allows you to connect the RAID enclosure
to an optional expansion enclosure (MD1000) for additional storage capacity.

10 Hardware Installation
Cabling the Enclosure
You can connect up to 16 hosts and two expansion enclosures to the storage array.
To plan your configuration, complete the following tasks:
1
Evaluate your data storage needs and administrative requirements.
2 Determine your hardware capabilities and how you plan to organize your data.
3 Calculate your requirements for the availability of your data.
4 Determine how you plan to back up your data.
The iSCSI interface provides many versatile host-to-controller configurations. For the purposes of this
manual, the most conventional topologies are described. The figures in this chapter are grouped
according to the following general categories:
• Direct-attached solutions
• Network-attached (SAN) solutions
Redundancy vs. Nonredundancy
Nonredundant configurations, configurations that provide only a single data path from a host to the
RAID enclosure, are recommended only for non-critical data storage. Path failure from a failed or
removed cable, a failed NIC, or a failed or removed RAID controller module results in loss of host access
to storage on the RAID enclosure.
Redundancy is established by installing separate data paths between the host and the storage array, in
which each path is to different RAID controller modules. Redundancy protects the host from losing
access to data in the event of path failure, because both RAID controllers can access all the disks in the
storage array.
Direct-Attached Solutions
You can cable from the Ethernet ports of your host servers directly to your MD3000i RAID controller
iSCSI ports. Direct attachments support single path configurations (for up to four servers) and dual path
data configurations (for up to two servers) for both single and dual controller modules.
Single Path Data Configurations
With a single path configuration, a group of heterogeneous clients can be connected to the MD3000i
RAID controller through a single physical Ethernet port. Because there is only the single port, there is no
redundancy (although each iSCSI portal supports multiple connections). This configuration is
supported for both single controller and dual controller modes.
Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2 show the supported nonredundant cabling configurations to MD3000i RAID
controller modules using the single path data configuration. Figure 2-1 shows a single controller array
configuration. Figure 2-2 shows how four standalone servers are supported in a dual controller array
configuration.