Dell PowerVault MD3800i and MD3820i Series Storage Arrays Deployment Guide
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. Copyright © 2014 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and international copyright and intellectual property laws.
Contents 1 Introduction................................................................................................................7 System Requirements............................................................................................................................7 Management Station Requirements............................................................................................... 7 Introduction to Storage Arrays.......................................................................
Setting Up Microsoft Host Network Using A DHCP server......................................................... 36 Setting Up Microsoft Host Network Using Static IP Addressing................................................. 36 Setting Up Microsoft Host Network Using A DNS server............................................................ 36 Setting Up Microsoft Host Network Using A WINS Server...........................................................37 Linux Host Setup......................................
Connect To The Target Storage Array From the Host Server Using Windows Server Core Version................................................................................................................................................. 52 Connecting The Target Storage Array From The Host Server Using Linux ..................................... 53 Step 8: Set Up In-Band Management................................................................................................
Introduction 1 This guide provides information about deploying Dell PowerVault MD3800i and MD3820i storage arrays. The deployment process includes: • Hardware installation • Modular Disk Storage Manager (MDSM) software installation • Initial system configuration Other information provided includes system requirements, storage array organization, and utilities. NOTE: For more information on product documentation, see dell.com/support/manuals.
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. The physical disks are accessed through the RAID controller modules. One or more host servers attached to the storage array can access the data on the storage array.
• Dell PowerVault MD Series Storage Arrays Administrator's Guide — Provides information about configuring and managing the system using the MDSM GUI. • Dell PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Arrays CLI Guide — Provides information about configuring and managing the system using the MDSM CLI. • Dell PowerVault MD3800i and MD3820i Storage Arrays Deployment Guide — Provides information about deploying the storage system in the SAN architecture.
Hardware Installation 2 Before using this guide, ensure that you review the instructions in the documents: • Getting Started Guide — The Getting Started Guide shipped with the storage array provides information to configure the initial setup of the system. • Owner’s Manual — The Owner’s Manual provides information about important concepts to set up your storage solution. See the Owner’s Manual at dell.com/support/manuals.
Cabling The Storage Array The iSCSI interface enables different host-to-controller configurations.
Figure 1. One Host Connected to a Single Controller The following figure shows four stand-alone hosts supported in a dual controller array configuration with a single data path.
Figure 2. Four Hosts in a Dual-Controller Configuration Using One HBA Each Dual Path Data Configuration In the following figure, up to two servers are directly attached to the RAID controller modules. If the host server has a second Ethernet connection to the array, it can be attached to the iSCSI ports on the array's second controller. This configuration provides improved availability by allowing two separate physical paths for each host, which ensures full redundancy if one of the paths fail.
Figure 3. Two Hosts Connected to Two Controllers In the following figure, up to two cluster nodes are directly attached 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.
Figure 4. Two Hosts Connected in a Dual-Controller Configuration Network-Attached Configurations You can also cable the host servers to the RAID controller module iSCSI ports through industry-standard 10G Ethernet switches. An iSCSI configuration that uses Ethernet switches is frequently referred to as an IP SAN. By using an IP SAN, the PowerVault MD3800i and MD3820i series storage array can support up to 64 hosts simultaneously.
Figure 5. 64 Servers Connected to a Single Controller The following figure shows how the same number of hosts can be similarly attached to a dual RAID controller module configuration.
Figure 6. 64 Servers Connected to Two Controllers The following figure shows up to 64 stand-alone servers attached (using multiple sessions) to a single RAID controller module through a network using a 10G aggregation scheme. The NICs on the servers are 0 G NICs and the uplink ports are 10G. Hosts that have a second Ethernet connection to the network allow two separate physical paths for each host, which ensures full redundancy if one of the paths fails.
Figure 7. 64 Servers Connected to a Single RAID Controller The following figure shows how the same number of hosts can be similarly attached to a dual RAID controller module configuration. Hardware redundancy is achieved in this configuration, in case of any switch failure.
Figure 8. 64 Servers Connected to Two RAID Controllers Mixed Environment The following figure shows a mixed environment, that is direct attachment using SAS to one host connectivity to another host using direct-attached iSCSI or the IP SAN.
Figure 9. Mixed Environment Cabling for Two Controllers Remote Replication Remote Replication is a storage array premium feature that provides online, real-time replication of data between storage arrays. The diagram below shows an example of how to setup a Remote Replication environment. For more information about Remote Replication, see the MD Administrators Guide at dell.com/support.
Figure 10. Remote Replication Cabling Example Cabling PowerVault MD1200 Series Expansion Enclosures You can expand the capacity of your PowerVault MD3800i and MD3820i series storage array by adding PowerVault MD1200 series expansion enclosures. You can expand the physical disk pool to a maximum of 120 (or 192, if enabled using Premium Feature activation) physical disks using a maximum of seven expansion enclosures.
CAUTION: If a PowerVault MD1200 series expansion enclosure that was previously attached to PERC H800 adapter is used as an expansion enclosure to a PowerVault MD34xx/MD38xx series storage array, the physical disks of the expansion enclosure are reinitialized and data is lost. You must back up all data on the expansion enclosure before attempting the expansion. 1. Back up all data on the expansion enclosures. 2. Upgrade the expansion enclosure firmware to the latest version available at dell.
Expanding With New PowerVault MD1200 Series Expansion Enclosures Perform the following steps to attach new PowerVault MD1200 series expansion enclosures to a PowerVault MD34xx/38xx series storage arrays: 1. Before adding the expansion enclosures, ensure that the storage array software is installed and is up to date. For more information, see the Dell PowerVault MD34xx/38xx Support Matrix at dell.com/ support/manuals.
Installing PowerVault MD Storage Software 3 The Dell PowerVault MD series resource media contains software and drivers for both Linux and Microsoft Windows operating systems. The root of the media contains a readme.txt file covering changes to the software, updates, fixes, patches, and other important data applicable to both Linux and Windows operating systems. The readme.
storage arrays. It is recommended that you use PowerVault MDCU to configure iSCSI on each host server connected to the storage array. Graphical Installation (Recommended) The PowerVault MD Storage Manager software configures, manages, and monitors the storage array. The MD Configuration Utility (MDCU) is a utility that provides a consolidated approach for configuring the management and iSCSI host ports, and creating sessions for the iSCSI modular disk storage arrays.
Console Installation NOTE: Console installation only applies to Linux systems that are not running a graphical environment. The autorun script in the root of the resource media detects when there is no graphical environment running and automatically starts the installer in a text-based mode. This mode provides the same options as graphical installation with the exception of the MDCU specific options. The MDCU requires a graphical environment to operate.
Post Installation Tasks 4 Before using the storage array for the first time, complete the initial configuration tasks in the order shown. These tasks are performed using the MD Storage Manager. NOTE: If Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is not used, initial configuration using the management station must be performed on the same physical subnet as the storage array.
Term Definition iSNS (Microsoft Internet Storage Naming Service) An automated discovery, management and configuration Storage Naming Service) tool used by some iSCSI devices. Management station The system from which you manage your host server/storage array configuration. Storage array The enclosure containing the storage data accessed by the host server. Target An iSCSI port on the storage array that accepts and responds to requests from the iSCSI initiator installed on the host server.
Figure 11. IPv4 Settings—Worksheet If you need additional space for more than one host server, use an additional sheet. A Static IP address (host server) Subnet (should be different for each NIC) Default gateway iSCSI port 1 ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ iSCSI port 2 ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ Management port ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ Management port ___ . ___ . ___ .
B Static IP address (host server) Subnet Default gateway Management port cntrl 1 ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ Figure 12. IPv6 Settings—Worksheet If you need additional space for more than one host server, use an additional sheet. A Host iSCSI port 1 Host iSCSI port 2 Link local IP address ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ Link local IP address ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ Routable IP address ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ Routable IP address ___ . ___ . ___ .
iSCSI controller 0, In 1 IP address FE80 : 0000 : 0000 : 0000 : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ Routable IP address 1 ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ Routable IP address 2 ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ Router IP address ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ iSCSI controller 1, In 0 IP address FE80 : 0000 : 0000 : 0000 : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ Routable IP address 1 ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ Routable IP address
the iSCSI sessions of the host server according to the best practices and to achieve load-balanced paths with the storage array iSCSI host ports. If you select Launch the MDCU after reboot during the installation of the host software, the utility automatically launches after the next host server reboot. This utility can also be launched manually. The utility has a context sensitive online help to guide you through each step of the wizard.
Before Starting the Configuration Process Before you start configuring the storage array or host connectivity, it is recommended that you fill out the iSCSI configuration worksheet to help you plan your configuration. You may need to use several worksheets depending on your configuration. Keep the following guidelines in mind for the storage array and host configuration: • For optimal performance, ensure your network configuration. See the storage array's Support Matrix at dell.com/support/manuals.
host server(s). For more information about storage planning and using MD Storage Manager, see the Administrator's Guide at dell.com/support/manuals. Guidelines For Configuring Your Network For iSCSI This section provides general guidelines for setting up your network environment and IP addresses for use with the iSCSI ports on your host server and storage array.
3. On the General tab (for a local area connection) or the Networking tab (for all other connections), select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click Properties. 4. Select Obtain DNS server address automatically or enter the preferred and alternate DNS server IP addresses and click OK. Setting Up Microsoft Host Network Using A WINS Server NOTE: If you are using a DHCP server to allocate WINS server IP addresses, you do not need to add WINS server addresses. 1.
Setting Up Linux Host Network Using A Static IP Address If you are using a static IP address (root users only) 1. Edit the /etc/sysconfig/network file as follows: NETWORKING=yes HOSTNAME=mymachine.mycompany.com GATEWAY=255.255.255.0 2. Edit the configuration file for the connection you want to configure, either /etc/sysconfig/networkscripts/ifcfg-ethX (for Red Hat Enterprise Linux) or /etc/sysconfig/network/ifcfg-eth-idXX:XX:XX:XX:XX. (for SUSE Enterprise Linux). BOOTPROTO=static BROADCAST=192.168.1.
Uninstalling MD Storage Software 5 Uninstalling MD Storage Software From Windows 1. From the Control Panel, double-click Add or Remove Programs. 2. Select MD Storage Software from the list of programs. 3. Click Change/Remove. The Uninstall Complete window is displayed. 4. Follow the instructions on screen. 5. Select Yes to restart the system, and then click Done. Uninstalling MD Storage Software From Windows Server GUI Versions 1. From the Control Panel, double-click Programs and Features. 2.
Manual Configuration Of iSCSI 6 The following sections contain step-by-step instructions for configuring iSCSI on your storage array. However, before beginning, it is important to understand where each of these steps occurs in relation to your host server or the storage array environment. The following table shows each iSCSI configuration step and where it occurs. Table 3. Host Server Vs.
NOTE: If DHCP is not used, perform the initial configuration using the management station on the same physical subnet as the storage array. Additionally, during initial configuration, configure at least one network adapter on the same IP subnet as the storage array’s default management port. After initial configuration (management ports are configured using MD Storage Manager), you can change the management station’s IP address back to its previous settings.
Automatic Storage Array Discovery NOTE: Make sure port 3260 is open in your firewall for array discovery. 1. Launch MD Storage Manager (MDSM). If this is the first storage array to be set up, the Add New Storage Array window is displayed. 2. Select Automatic and click OK. It may take several minutes for the discovery process to complete. Closing the discovery status window before the discovery process completes cancels the discovery process.
3. Click the Initial Setup Tasks option to see links to the remaining postinstallation tasks. For more information about each task, see the Owner’s Manual. Perform these tasks in the order shown in the following table. NOTE: Before configuring the storage array, check the status icons on the Summary tab to ensure that the enclosures in the storage array are in an Optimal status. For more information on the status icons, see the Owner’s Manual at dell.com/support/manuals. Table 4.
3. Configure the iSCSI ports on the storage array. NOTE: Using static IPv4 addressing is recommended, although DHCP is supported. The following settings are available (depending on the configuration) by clicking the Advanced button: – Virtual LAN (VLAN) support—A VLAN is a network of different systems that behave as if they are connected to the same segments of a local area network (LAN) and are supported by the same switches and routers.
7. To exit the Discovery tab, click OK. – If you plan to configure CHAP authentication, do not perform discovery on more than one iSCSI port at this point. Go to "Configure Host Access". – If you do not plan to configure CHAP authentication, repeat step 1 thorough step 6 for all iSCSI ports on the storage array. Perform Target Discovery From the iSCSI Initiator Using Windows Server Core Version 1. Set the iSCSI initiator service to start automatically using sc \\ config msiscsi start=auto.
Step 4: Configuring Host Access This step specifies which host servers access virtual disks on the storage array. You should perform this step before mapping virtual disks to host servers or any time you connect new host servers to the storage array. 1. Launch MDSM. 2. Navigate to the AMW and click Manually define hosts. 3. At Enter host name, enter the host server for virtual disk mapping. This can be an informal name, not necessarily a name used to identify the host server to the network. 4.
NOTE: When using CHAP authentication, you should configure it on both the storage array (using MDSM) and the host server (using the iSCSI initiator) before preparing virtual disks to receive data. If you prepare disks to receive data before you configure CHAP authentication, you lose visibility to the disks once CHAP is configured. CHAP Definitions To summarize the differences between target CHAP and mutual CHAP authentication, see the following table: Table 5.
4. Click OK. Table 6. CHAP Setting Option Description None This is the default selection. If None is the only selection, the storage array allows an iSCSI initiator to log on without supplying any type of CHAP authentication. None and CHAP The storage array allows an iSCSI initiator to log on with or without CHAP authentication. CHAP If CHAP is selected and None is deselected, the storage array requires CHAP authentication before allowing access.
6. Under Target Portals, click Add and re-enter the IP address or DNS name of the iSCSI port on the storage array (removed above). 7. Click Advanced and set the following values on the General tab: – Local Adapter — Should always be set to Microsoft iSCSI Initiator. – Source IP — The source IP address of the host you want to connect with. – Data Digest and Header Digest — Optionally, you can specify that a digest of data or header information be compiled during transmission to help with troubleshooting.
5. Set a user name and password for a discovery session CHAP authentication of the initiator by the target(s) by editing the following lines: discovery.sendtargets.auth.username = discovery.sendtargets.auth.password = . 6. To set the user name and password for discovery session CHAP authentication of the target(s) by the initiator for Mutual CHAP, edit the following lines: discovery.sendtargets.auth.username = discovery.
6. Click Advanced and configure the following settings under the General tab: – Local Adapter—Must be set to Microsoft iSCSI Initiator. – Source IP—The source IP address of the host server you want to connect from. – Target Portal—Select the iSCSI port on the storage array controller that you want to connect to. – Data Digest and Header Digest—Optionally, you can specify that a digest of data or header information be compiled during transmission to assist in troubleshooting.
3. Log on to the target:iscsicli PersistentLoginTarget * * * * * * * * * , where – is the target name as displayed in the target list. Use the iscsicli ListTargets command to display the target list. – is T, which exposes the LUN to the operating system as a storage device.
Step 8: Set Up In-Band Management Enter a short description of your task here (optional). Out-of-band management (see "Discover the Storage Array (Out-ofband Management Only)" ) is the recommended method for managing the storage array. However, to optionally set up in-band management, follow the procedure given below. The default iSCSI host port IPv4 addresses are shown below for reference: • Controller 0, Port 0: IP: 192.168.130.101 Controller 0, Port 1: IP: 192.168.131.
Using Internet Storage Naming Service 7 Internet Storage Naming Service (iSNS) server, supported only on Microsoft Windows iSCSI environments, eliminates the need to manually configure each individual storage array with a specific list of initiators and target IP addresses. Instead, iSNS automatically discovers, manages, and configures all iSCSI devices in your environment. For more information on iSNS, including installation and configuration, see microsoft.com.
Load Balancing 8 Load Balance Policy Multi-path drivers select the I/O path to a virtual disk through a specific RAID controller module. When the multi-path driver receives a new I/O to process, the driver tries to find a path to the current RAID controller module that owns the virtual disk. If the path to the current RAID controller module that owns the virtual disk cannot be found, the multi-path driver migrates the virtual disk ownership to the secondary RAID controller module.
selection policy is used to route I/O requests between the paths with the same weight value. The least path weight load balance policy is not supported on Linux operating systems.
Stopping iSCSI Services In Linux 9 Follow the procedure given below to manually stop the iSCSI services in Linux. To shut down iSCSI services: 1. Stop all I/O. 2. Unmount all correlated file systems. Stop iSCSI services by running the following command: /etc/init.d/open-iscsi stop .
