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 © 2016 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and international copyright and intellectual property laws.
Contents 1 Introduction........................................................................................................... 6 System Requirements............................................................................................................................6 Management Station Requirements............................................................................................... 6 Introduction to Storage Arrays...........................................................................
Setting Up Microsoft Host Network Using A DNS server............................................................ 36 Setting Up Microsoft Host Network Using A WINS Server.......................................................... 36 Linux Host Setup................................................................................................................................. 36 Setting Up Linux Host Network Using DHCP...............................................................................
Connecting The Target Storage Array From The Host Server Using Linux ..................................... 50 Step 8: Set Up In-Band Management................................................................................................. 51 7 Using Internet Storage Naming Service......................................................... 52 8 Load Balancing....................................................................................................53 Load Balance Policy.............................
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.
• Host server — On a host server system, MDSM and the storage array communicate management requests and event information using in-band or out-of band-connections. • Management station — On a management station, MDSM communicates with the storage array either through an Ethernet connection to the storage array management port or through an Ethernet connection to a host server. The Ethernet connection passes management information between the management station and the storage array connectivity.
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.
Each PowerVault MD3800i and MD3820i series storage array can be expanded to a maximum of 120 (or 192, if enabled using Premium Feature activation) slots. 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.
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.
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 RAID 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 RAID 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.
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 RAID Controllers NOTE: The SAS host ports in the PowerVault MD3800i and MD3820i storage arrays are recommended to be connected to a secondary host or backup network.
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.
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. NOTE: To connect the MD1200 expansion enclosure to your MD Series RAID storage array, refer to the following diagrams shown here.
Figure 12. Dual expansion cabling diagram Expanding With Previously Configured PowerVault MD1200 Series Expansion Enclosures Use this procedure if your expansion enclosure is directly attached and configured with a Dell PowerEdge RAID Controller (PERC) H800 adapter. Data from virtual disks created on a PERC H800 adapter cannot be directly migrated to a storage array or an expansion enclosure connected to a storage array.
c. Turn off the expansion enclosures in the affected system. 5. Cable the expansion enclosures to the storage array. a. Connect the MiniSAS HD end of the supported SAS cabled to the SAS OUT Port 0 on the MD 1200 series expansion enclosure. b. Connect the other end of the SAS cable to the IN port on the MD 1200 series expansion enclosure. 6. Turn on attached units: a. Turn on the expansion enclosures. Wait for the enclosure status LED to light blue. b.
• If the status LEDs are solid blue, the storage array is ready. c. After the storage array is online and ready, turn on any attached host systems. 5. Using MDSM, update all attached expansion enclosure firmware if it is out of date: a. From the EMW, select the enclosure that you want to update and enter the Array Management Window (AMW). b. Click Advanced → Maintenance → Download → EMM Firmware. c. Select Select All to update all the attached expansion enclosures simultaneously.
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.
• Silent Installation — This installation procedure is useful for users that prefer to create scripted installations. Modular Disk Configuration Utility The PowerVault 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. It is recommended that you use PowerVault MDCU to configure iSCSI on each host server connected to the storage array.
11. If applicable, activate any premium features purchased with your storage array. If you purchased premium features, see the printed activation card shipped with your storage array. NOTE: The MD Storage Manager installer automatically installs the required drivers, firmware, and operating system patches/hotfixes to operate your storage array. These drivers and firmware are also available at Dell.com/support. In addition, see the Dell PowerVault MD34xx/ 38xx Series Support Matrix at Dell.
Enabling Premium Features (Optional) If you ordered premium features, follow the instructions on the Premium Features card to install the additional features. Upgrading MD Storage Software To upgrade from a previous version of the MDSM application, uninstall the previous version (see the Uninstalling MD Storage Software section), and then follow the instructions in this chapter to install the new version.
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 13. IPv4 Settings—Worksheet If you need additional space for more than one host server, use an additional sheet. Table 2. Configuring A Static IP address A Static IP address (host server) Subnet (should be different for each NIC) Default gateway iSCSI port 1 ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ iSCSI port 2 ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ Management port ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ .
B Static IP address (host server) Subnet Default gateway iSCSI controller 1, In 0 ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ iSCSI controller 1, In 1 ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ Management port cntrl 1 ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ Figure 14. IPv6 Settings—Worksheet If you need additional space for more than one host server, use an additional sheet. Table 4.
IP address FE80 : 0000 : 0000 : 0000 : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ Routable IP address 1 ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ Routable IP address 2 ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ Router IP address ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ iSCSI controller 0, In 1 IP address FE80 : 0000 : 0000 : 0000 : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ Routable IP address 1 ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ : ____ Routable IP address 2 ____ : ____ : ____ : _
Automatic Configuration Using the Modular Disk Configuration Utility NOTE: If MDCU is not installed, it can be installed from the MD series resource media. The MDCU provides a consolidated approach for configuring the iSCSI network of host servers and iSCSI-based storage arrays using a wizard‑driven interface. This utility also enables the user to configure 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.
3. Specify the CHAP secret. 4. Select the iSCSI ports the host's initiator uses to log on. 5. Repeat the process starting from step 2 to connect to additional arrays. 6. Repeat these steps on each host that needs access to the storage array(s). 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.
Post Connection Establishment Steps After iSCSI connectivity is established between the host server(s) and the storage array, you can create virtual disks on the storage array using MD Storage Manager and these virtual disks can be utilized by the host server(s). For more information about storage planning and using MD Storage Manager, see the Administrator's Guide at Dell.com/support/manuals.
Setting Up Microsoft Host Network Using A DNS server 1. In the Control Panel, select Network connections or Network and Sharing Center and then click Manage network connections. 2. Right-click the network connection you want to configure and select Properties. 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.
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 7. Host Server Vs.
The default IP configuration for Controller 1 is: Port 0:192.168.129.102 NOTE: No default gateway is set. 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.
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.
Task Purpose configuration or performing a destructive operation. Set up alert notifications Set up e-mail alerts Set up SNMP alerts Configure a storage array To notify individuals (by email) and/or storage enterprise management consoles, such as Dell Management Console (by SNMP) when a storage array component degrades or fails, or an adverse environmental condition occurs. To create virtual disks and map them to hosts.
6. Test the connection by performing a ping command on each iSCSI storage array port. Step 3: Performing Target Discovery From The iSCSI Initiator This step identifies the iSCSI ports on the storage array to the host server. Select the set of steps in one of the following sections (Microsoft Windows or Linux) that corresponds to your operating system. Perform Target Discovery From The iSCSI Initiator Using Windows Server GUI Version 1. Click Start → All Programs → Administrative Tools → iSCSI Initiator.
To use the sample file included on the media: 1. Make a copy of the default /etc/iscsi/iscsid.conf file by saving it to another directory of your choice. 2. Edit the following entries in the /etc/iscsi/iscsid.conf file: 3. a. Edit or verify that the node.startup = manual line is disabled. b. Edit or verify that the node.startup = automatic line is enabled. This enables automatic startup of the service at boot time. c. Verify that the following time-out value is set to 30: node.session.timeo.
Target CHAP In target CHAP, the storage array authenticates all requests for access issued by the iSCSI initiator(s) on the host server using a CHAP secret. To set up target CHAP authentication, you must enter a CHAP secret on the storage array, then configure each iSCSI initiator on the host server to send that secret each time it attempts to access the storage array.
In terms of iSCSI configuration, the term target always refers to the storage array. Configuring Target CHAP Authentication On The Storage Array 1. From MDSM, click the iSCSI tab and then click Change Target Authentication. Select one of the CHAP settings described in table. 2. To configure a CHAP secret, select CHAP and select CHAP Secret. 3. Enter the Target CHAP Secret (or Generate Random Secret). Confirm it in Confirm Target CHAP Secret and click OK.
Step 6: Configure CHAP Authentication On The Host Server (Optional) If you configured CHAP authentication in “Configure CHAP Authentication on the Storage Array (Optional)", complete the following steps. If not, skip to "Connect to the Target Storage Array From the Host Server". Select the set of steps in one of the following sections (Windows or Linux) that corresponds to your operating system. Configure CHAP Authentication On The Host Server Using Windows GUI Version 1.
5. Remove the target portal that you configured on the storage array during target discovery: iscsicli RemoveTargetPortal . 6. Add the target portal with CHAP defined: iscsicli QAddTargetPortal [CHAP_username] [CHAP_password]. where, [CHAP_username] is the initiator name and [CHAP_password] is the target CHAP secret. If you require a discovery session failover, repeat step 5 for all iSCSI ports on the storage array.
• If you are not using CHAP authentication, select No Authentication. Go to step 8. Or • 8. If you are using CHAP authentication, enter the CHAP user name and password. To enable Mutual CHAP, select and enter the Mutual CHAP user name and password. Repeat step 7 for each target until at least one connection is logged in for each controller. 9. Go to Connected Targets. 10. Verify that the targets are connected and displays a status of true.
Connect To The Target Storage Array From the Host Server Using Windows Server Core Version 1. Set the iSCSI initiator services to start automatically (if not already set): sc \\ config msiscsi start=auto. 2. Start the iSCSI service (if necessary): sc start msiscsi. 3.
• Are all cables securely attached to each port on the host server and storage array? • Is TCP/IP correctly configured on all target host ports? • Is CHAP set up correctly on both the host server and the storage array? To review optimal network setup and configuration settings, see "Configuring iSCSI on Your Storage Array". Step 8: Set Up In-Band Management Enter a short description of your task here (optional).
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.
If more than one data path to the virtual disk has the same weight value, the round robin with subset path 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 .
Getting help 10 Contacting Dell Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. If you do not have an active internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical assistance, or customer-service issues: 1. Go to Dell.com/support. 2.
