Dell PowerVault MD3600f Series User manual

Dell PowerVault MD3600f and
MD3620f Storage Array
Configuring Fibre
Channel With Dell
MD3600f Series
Storage Arrays
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Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of
your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if
instructions are not followed.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal
injury, or death.
____________________
Information in this publication is subject to change without notice.
© 2011 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of these materials 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.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this publication to refer to either the entities claiming
the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and
trade names other than its own.
2011—06 Rev. A00
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Contents 3
Contents
Configuring Fibre Channel on Direct- and
SAN-Attached Storage Arrays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Other Information You May Need . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installing Supported Fibre Channel HBAs . . . . . . . . 7
Installing Fibre Channel HBA
on Your Host Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Customizing HBA Drivers and
Firmware Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Using Fibre Channel Switch Zoning. . . . . . . . . . . . 8
World Wide Name Zoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Switch Zoning Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Setting Up Zoning on the
Fibre Channel Switch Hardware . . . . . . . . . . 10
Cabling the Storage Array . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Redundant and Non-Redundant Cabling . . . . . . 11
Direct-Attached Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SAN-Attached Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
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4Contents
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Configuring Fibre Channel 5
This document provides information about configuring Fibre Channel
communication between the host server and the storage array. For basic setup
information such as racking, power cabling, and recommended handling
procedures, see the Dell PowerVault MD3600f and MD3620f Storage Array
Getting Started With Your System at support.dell.com/manuals.
NOTE: Throughout the document, Dell PowerVault MD3600f series storage array
refers to both Dell PowerVault MD3600f and Dell PowerVault MD3620f.
Configuring Fibre Channel on Direct- and SAN-
Attached Storage Arrays
You can cable the host server to the storage array in one of two ways:
• A direct host server-to-storage array connection using a supported Fibre
Channel cable
• A storage array network (SAN) using a compatible Fibre Channel switch
NOTE: For detailed information on supported Fibre Channel hardware, see the
Support Matrix at support.dell.com/manuals.
Table 1 shows the order of configuration steps for both types of connections.
These steps assume you are setting up a Fibre Channel storage for the
first time.
NOTE: If you are adding an additional Fibre Channel storage array or if your host
server is already configured to access Fibre Channel storage, some of the steps in
Table 1 may not apply. Before proceeding, see the
Support Matrix to confirm that
your existing hardware components and host bus adapter (HBA) firmware and
BIOS levels are supported.
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6Configuring Fibre Channel
Other Information You May Need
In addition to this document, see the documentation provided with the HBA
and Fibre Channel switch hardware for vendor-specific information required
to complete Fibre-Channel setup on your storage array.
Table 1. Configuring Fibre Channel
Direct-Attached Storage Arrays SAN-Attached Storage Arrays*
1 Install the supported HBAs on your
host server.
2 Cable the host server to the storage array.
See "Direct-Attached Cabling Examples"
on page 12.
3 Install the required HBA drivers and
firmware versions listed in the
Support
Matrix .
4 Install and configure the MD Storage
Manager software (included with your
storage array) on your host server.
5 Using MD Storage Manager (MDSM),
configure the host servers, storage arrays,
and virtual disks.
6 Activate and configure premium features
(if applicable).
1 Install the supported HBAs on your
host server.
2 Cable the host server to the Fibre
Channel switches. See "SAN-Attached
Cabling Example" on page 18 and
"Remote Replication Cabling Example"
on page 19.
3 Install the required HBA drivers and
firmware versions listed in the Support
Matrix
.
4 Install and configure the MD Storage
Manager software (included with your
storage array) on your host server.
5 Cable the storage array to the Fibre
Channel switches.
6 Configure zoning on all Fibre Channel
switches. See "Switch Zoning
Requirements" on page 10. **
7 Using MDSM, configure the host
servers, storage arrays, and virtual disks.
8 Activate and configure premium
features (if applicable).
* A SAN-attached configuration is required to use the Remote Replication premium feature. Remote
Replication is not supported in direct-attached configurations.
** All equipment attached to the switch must be powered on before establishing zoning. For additional
switch hardware requirements, see the manufacturer’s documentation.
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Configuring Fibre Channel 7
Installing Supported Fibre Channel HBAs
The storage array supports a specific set of Fibre Channel HBAs, each
requiring a unique driver and firmware level. See the Support Matrix at
support.dell.com/manuals for a list of supported HBAs with the software
patches, knowledge bases, drivers, firmware, and BIOS versions.
If an HBA is already installed on your host server, verify that it is supported in
the Support Matrix and is operating at the driver and/or firmware level
specified. If the HBA is not listed in the Support Matrix, it should not be used
to connect to the storage array.
CAUTION: Connecting the storage array to a non-supported host server HBA or
installing non-qualified HBA drivers or firmware can cause instability or loss of
access to your data.
Installing Fibre Channel HBA on Your Host Server
For instructions about physically installing an HBA in your host server and
loading supported drivers and firmware, see the documentation supplied with
your HBA hardware.
Customizing HBA Drivers and Firmware Settings
In most cases, the default manufacturer HBA driver and firmware settings are
sufficient to support Fibre Channel communication with the storage array.
However, in the case of certain HBA manufacturers, the Support Matrix may
contain information about specific driver and firmware settings necessary to
optimize storage array. Review the Support Matrix to ensure that you are aware
of any customized settings that may affect the performance of your HBA.
NOTE: Most Fibre Channel HBAs require a link timeout and node timeout value of
10 seconds. This value can be set using the HBA manufacturer's management
utilities, such as Emulex's OneCommand Manager and QLogic's Enterprise
Fabric Suite.
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8Configuring Fibre Channel
Using Fibre Channel Switch Zoning
A Fibre Channel switch allows you to connect multiple devices to the SAN
without compromising bandwidth or data throughput. Switch zoning
implemented on each Fibre Channel switch hardware component using the
manufacturer’s embedded utility, allows you to divide port traffic between
the host server and storage array to maintain the highest level of redundancy.
Figure 1 shows each connection to the host server routed to an individual
logical zone on the SAN. Two physical switches provide an alternate
(redundant) data path to the storage array. If a single HBA, switch or RAID
controller fails, the host server can still access data on the storage array
through one of the alternate paths provided by the switches.
NOTE: For a list of supported Fibre Channel switches, see the Support Matrix at
support.dell.com/manuals.
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Configuring Fibre Channel 9
Figure 1. Example of Switch Zoning on SAN
World Wide Name Zoning
There are several different switch zoning techniques used across various
SANs. When configuring zoning with your storage array, use 64 bit World
Wide Name (WWN) port zoning to uniquely identify each component in
your Fibre Channel switch fabric. An advantage of using WWN port zoning
(also called soft zoning) is that it allows you to remove and/or replace cabling
to and from the fabric without reconfiguring the existing zone logic.
When implemented on the Fibre Channel switch, port WWN zoning causes
the host server to query the World Wide Identifier (WWID) name of all
attached physical disks and/or expansion enclosures each time it access the
switch fabric. By zoning specific ports on the host server, switch and storage
FC HBA 1 FC HBA 2
SAN
Switch 1
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4
Switch 2
PowerVault MD3600f series storage array
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10 Configuring Fibre Channel
array together, the switch allows the host server to see only devices included in
that zone, decreasing the amount of time it would otherwise take for the host
server to query attached, but out-of-zone, devices.
Switch Zoning Requirements
The storage array imposes specific requirements that must be followed when
setting up Fibre Channel switch zoning:
• If a Fibre Channel switch is used to connect your host server and storage
array, it must be zoned. Un-zoned or open switches cannot be used.
• Always use WWN port zoning, not
hard zoning that blocks or grants access
based on the device.
• No more than one HBA may be connected to a single logical switch zone.
• No more than four paths (port-to-port segments) can be established from
a single, physical host server to a single RAID controller.
• A zone can contain multiple targets.
• A zone can span multiple storage arrays.
• If the Remote Replication premium feature is activated, a separate zone
for each replication port is required. Only data traffic related to Remote
Replication can move through that zone. For more details and
requirements regarding Remote Replication, see the
Owner’s Manual at
support.dell.com/manuals .
Setting Up Zoning on the Fibre Channel Switch Hardware
Setting up zoning on Fibre Channel switches varies greatly between
manufacturers. For detailed information on how to set up zoning on your
switch, see the manufacturer’s product documentation or technical support
website.
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Configuring Fibre Channel 11
Cabling the Storage Array
Cabling the storage array depends on a number of factors such as:
• Direct- or SAN-attached storage array
• Required level of redundancy or throughput
• Number of host servers connected to the storage array
• Type of HBAs (dual- or single-port) used in the host server(s)
• Remote Replication premium feature (if applicable)
The cabling diagrams shown here do not represent every supported cabling
scenario but the concepts of redundancy and switch logic can be used to build
your own configuration.
Redundant and Non-Redundant Cabling
Non-redundant cabling configurations provide a single data path from a host
server to the storage array. This type of configuration is only recommended for
non-critical data storage. A path failure from a failed or removed cable, failed
HBA, or failed or removed RAID controller module results in loss of host
access to the storage array.
Redundant configurations establish separate data paths between the host
server and storage array. Each path is connected to separate RAID controller
modules in the storage array. Redundancy protects the host server from losing
access to data in the event of a path failure since both RAID controller
modules can independently access all the physical disks in the storage array.
Direct-Attached Cabling
Direct-attached cabling configurations provide simple, non-switched
connections between the host server and storage array. Redundancy is
achieved in a direct-attached configuration if two RAID controllers are
installed in the storage array and multiple paths between the host sever and
storage array are established.
A single RAID controller, direct-attached configuration is supported, but is
not recommended due to the low level of redundancy offered.
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12 Configuring Fibre Channel
Direct-Attached Cabling Examples
Single Controller Configurations
Figure 2 through Figure 4 show two and four host servers, each connected
to one RAID controller module. The host servers share storage space
without redundant paths. If one path fails, the host server on that path is
disconnected from the storage array.
Figure 2. Two Host Servers With Dual Port HBAs Connected to a Single-Controller
(Simplex) Storage Array
PowerVault MD3600f series storage array
Corporate, public, or
private network
Server 1 Server 2
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Configuring Fibre Channel 13
Figure 3. Two Host Servers With Two Single-Port HBAs Connected to a Single-
Controller (Simplex) Storage Array
PowerVault MD3600f series storage array
Corporate, public, or
private network
Server 1 Server 2
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14 Configuring Fibre Channel
Figure 4. Four Host Servers With Single-Port HBAs Connected to a Single-Controller
(Simplex) Storage Array
Corporate, public, or
private network
PowerVault MD3600f series storage array
Server 1 Server 2 Server 3 Server 4
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Configuring Fibre Channel 15
Dual Controller Configurations
Figure 5 through Figure 7 show two and four host servers, each connected to two
RAID controller modules. Since each host server has redundant paths, loss of a
single path allows access to the storage array through the alternate path.
Figure 5. Two Host Servers With Two Dual-Port HBAs Connected to a Dual-Controller
(Duplex) Storage Array
Corporate, public, or
private network
PowerVault MD3600f series storage array
Server 2
Server 1
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16 Configuring Fibre Channel
Figure 6. Four Host Servers With Single-Port HBAs Connected to a Dual-Controller
(Duplex) Storage Array
PowerVault MD3600f series storage array
Corporate, public, or
private network
Server 1 Server 2 Server 3 Server 4
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Configuring Fibre Channel 17
Figure 7. Four Host Servers With Single-Port HBAs Connected to a Dual-Controller
(Duplex) Storage Array Using Cluster Cabling
Figure 7 shows a four-cluster node connected to two RAID controller
modules. Since each cluster node has redundant paths, loss of a single path
still allows access to the storage array through the alternate path.
SAN-Attached Cabling
SAN-attached cabling configurations provide the highest level of redundancy
and alternate-path connectivity between the host server and storage array. A
SAN configuration using a Fibre Channel compatible switch fabric allows you
to establish multiple redundant paths to data on the storage array.
NOTE: A SAN configuration using a supported Fibre Channel switch hardware is
required if the Remote Replication premium feature is activated on the storage
array. Remote Replication is not supported in a direct-attached configuration. For
specific cabling requirements for Remote Replication, see "Remote Replication
Cabling Example" on page 19.
PowerVault MD3600f series storage array
Corporate, public, or
private network
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18 Configuring Fibre Channel
SAN-Attached Cabling Example
Figure 8 shows a three-server, mixed HBA cabling configuration that uses two
separate switch fabrics to establish multiple paths to the storage array. Port-
to-port connections in each switch fabric/zone are detailed in the text boxes.
Figure 8. Three SAN-Attached Host Servers Connected to a Storage Array Using
Multiple Paths
PowerVault MD3600f series storage array
Switch fabric A Switch fabric B
Server 1 Server 2 Server 3
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Configuring Fibre Channel 19
Remote Replication Cabling Example
Remote Replication is a storage array premium feature that provides online,
real-time replication of data between storage arrays. When this feature is
activated, a dedicated port (port 3) on each RAID controller is reserved
exclusively for Remote Replication traffic. No other data traffic is allowed on
that port until the Remote Replication feature is deactivated. A dedicated
zone on each Fibre Channel switch is also required.
Switch Fabric A Switch Fabric B
Zone_1_Server_1_HBA_0 Zone_5_Server_1_HBA_1
Server1-HBA_0 Server1-HBA_1
Array_Ctrl-0-1 Array_Ctrl-0-0
Array_Ctrl-1-0 Array_Ctrl-1-1
Zone_2_Server_2_HBA_0 Zone_6_Server_2_HBA_1
Server2-HBA_0 Server2-HBA_1
Array_Ctrl-0-3 Array_Ctrl-0-2
Array_Ctrl-1-2 Array_Ctrl-1-3
Zone_3_Server_3_HBA_0-0 Zone_7_Server_3_HBA_0_1
Server3-HBA_0_0 Server3-HBA_0_1
Array_Ctrl-0-1 Array_Ctrl-0-0
Array_Ctrl-1-0 Array_Ctrl-1-1
Zone_4_Server_3_HBA_1_0 Zone_8_Server_3_HBA_1_1
Server3-HBA_1_0 Server3-HBA_1_1
Array_Ctrl-0-3 Array_Ctrl-0-2
Array_Ctrl-1-2 Array_Ctrl-1-3
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20 Configuring Fibre Channel
Figure 9. Remote Replication Cabling
Switch fabric A
Switch fabric B
Switch fabric B
Switch fabric A
PowerVault MD3600f series storage arrays
Server 1 Server 2 Server 3
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