ExaSAN Compact User Guide Includes hardware setup information for: PCIe Switch Models: SW04, SW08 PCIe RAID System Models: A08S-PS, A12S2-PS PCIe Switch HBA Model ACS-63200NT External PCIe x4 Cables QSFP PCIe Cables Also includes software setup information for: ExaSAN Compact Xsan Accusys Technology, Inc.
Revision Sheet Revision Sheet Release No. V1.0 User Guide Date 08/30/2011 Revision Description Initial release on CD.
PREFACE Notice The product features and specifications described in this guide are subject to change without notice. The manufacturer shall not be liable for any damage, or the loss of information resulting from the performance or use of the information contained herein. About This Guide Congratulations on your purchase of the ExaSAN (pronounced X-sa-SAN) Compact, a breakthrough turn-key desktop storage solution, specifically designed for small-to-medium-sized Apple Xsan collaborative workgroups.
Xsan, Mac, Mac OS, and Macintosh are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Apple. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or service marks of their respective owners. All contents of this manual are copyrighted by Accusys, Inc. The information contained herein is the exclusive property of Accusys, Inc.
ExaSAN Compact User Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS Page # 1. Introducing ExaSAN Compact ......................................................................................................... 1-1 1.1 System Overview ........................................................................................................................ 1-1 1.1.1 What is the ExaSAN Solution ..............................................................................................................1-1 1.1.
3.1.1 3.1.2 3.1.3 3.1.4 3.1.5 3.2 Powering the System On and Off.............................................................................................. 3-6 3.2.1 3.2.2 3.3 Installing Disk Drives ...........................................................................................................................3-1 Installing the HBA Card .......................................................................................................................
6.2.5 QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) HBA (Host Bus Adapter) ...............................................6-2 6.3 How Xsan Storage Is Organized ............................................................................................... 6-2 6.4 Xsan Storage Breakdown .......................................................................................................... 6-3 6.4.1 6.4.2 6.4.3 6.5 How Xsan Uses Available Storage ..........................................................
Appendix A: Customer Service and Technical Support ............................................................... 8.4-1 A.1 A.2 A.3 A.4 User Guide FAQs ...................................................................................................................................................8.4-1 System Log ..........................................................................................................................................8.4-4 Contact Us ......................................
1. 1.
1. 1. Introduction Introducing ExaSAN Compact 1.1 System Overview Your new ExaSAN (pronounced “X-sa-SAN”) Compact system is a complete SAN (Storage Area Network) solution for the small-to-medium-sized Apple workgroups. Its breakthrough design in workgroup storage implementation boosts collaborative productivity with shared data access and exceptional performance, all without the complexity or cost of conventional FC (Fibre Channel) SANs. 1.1.1 What is the ExaSAN Solution Developed by Accusys, Inc.
1. Introduction SW04/08-G2 package. With the help of your local ExaSAN distributor, any Accusys-supplied equipment that is not part of the switch package should have been ordered and delivered separately. Also note that while items 9 through 12 are necessary for the system, they are not Accusys-supplied equipment and therefore would not have been ordered from Accusys. Again with the help of your local ExaSAN distributor, your other equipment should have been acquired from other vendors. 1.
1. Introduction Accusys currently offers a couple of PCIe storage units which can be integrated with the SW04/08 switch. You may connect any combination of up to three PCIe RAID disk systems to the SW04/08 switch. 1. A08S-PS (desktop tower, 8 hard drives) 2. A12S2-PS (rack mount, 12 hard drives) If you already have one of the earlier ExaSAN RAID HD systems as listed below, you will need to contact Accusys Technical Support for assistance with configuration. 3.
1. Introduction These switch units are designed to work independently and cannot be connected to other SW04/08 for expansion. 1.1.3.4 ExaSAN PCIe Switch Host Bus Adapter (ACS-63200NT) This component is ordered separately from the SW04/08 switch. Make sure that each client system in your workgroup has an available PCIe x4, x8, or x16 slot. Note that the PCIe slots on some motherboards are for graphics cards only.
1. Introduction 1.1.3.6 External PCIe x4 Cable This accessory is included in your Accusys RAID disk system package. It is used to connect the SW04/08 switch to the ExaSAN RAID disk system. 1.1.3.7 Power Cord This accessory is included in your SW04/08 package and your RAID system package. 1.1.3.8 Ethernet CAT-5 Cable This accessory is included in your SW04/08 package. It is used to connect the switch to the private LAN.
1. Introduction 1.1.3.9 Switch Rack Mount Tray (optional) This accessory is optional and needs to be ordered separately. If you are using a rack mount RAID system and a 2U rack to mount it on, you may use this tray to mount your switch on the 2U rack as well. 1.1.3.10 Ethernet Switch for the Private LAN This component is ordered separately from a third-party vendor. Any major brand Ethernet “GigE” switch will do. 1.1.3.
1. Introduction 4. Room to Grow • Scales up with the simple additions of RAID, low-cost switch, HBAs, and cables 5. Highly affordable • Serial architecture and components reduce the cost of workgroup storage by 40 percent compared to conventional FC SANs 1.2 Unpacking the System Your ExaSAN Compact system is shipped in special packaging to provide protection during transportation, as well as to facilitate simple and safe removal from the carton(s).
1. 1.3.1 Introduction The ExaSAN RAID Your ExaSAN RAID disk system carton contains the following items: 1. RAID disk system (1 of A08S-PS or A12S2-PS) 2. External PCIe x4 cable (x1) 3. Rear panel key (x1) 4. Re-drive card (x1) 5. Power cord (x1) 6. Power adapter converter (EUx1, Aux1, UKx1) 7. Installation CD (x1) 8. Quick Start Guide (x1) 9. Screw pack (x1, optional, A12S2-PS 2U rack mount only) 10. Low profile bracket (x2, optional, A12S2-PS rack mount only) 1.3.
1. No. Name Introduction Description 1 Cooling Vents Allow for better air circulation and prevent the unit from overheating. 2 Power LED Indicator Flashing blue while unit is booting, solid blue when boot is complete. 3 Access LED Indicator Flashing blue while switch access is taking place, dim blue when unit is on standby. 4 Fan LED Indicator Solid blue while the fan is operating normally, solid red when the fan fails.
1. No. Name Description 1 Power Supply AC In Single 100W power supply, connects to a power cord and power source. 2 Fan Module Single fan module with speed control. 3 Host Module Ports One row of 4 QSFP connector ports, for connection with host HBA cards. 4 Host Module LED Indicators Flashing blue indicates accessing host. Solid green indicates connected PCIe 2.0 link; flashing green indicates connected PCIe 1.0 link or downgraded speed. Red indicates failure to detect the HBA card.
1. Introduction reach in, press firmly and release to power cycle. Press firmly and hold for five seconds to reset the unit IP to factory-default of 192.168.0.1. If you forgot your switch GUI user password, contact your Accusys distributor or local branch office for assistance. 9 Support Port Use only when instructed by technical support personnel. An RS-232 support cable is required. 10 LAN Port Standard TCP/IP Ethernet port, for use by the private Ethernet network. 1.4.1.
1. 1 QSFP Connector Port Introduction For connection with one of the Host Module Ports on the switch rear panel. Solid amber indicates the jumper pin in question is set to “On” position. In this state, the card is ready for DAS direct connection with a PCIe RAID system. 2 Jumper Switch Pin1 LED Indicator Off (no light at all) indicates the jumper pin in question is set to “Off” position. In this state, the HBA card is ready for connection with the ExaSAN SW04/08 switch. See Section 3.1.
2. 2.
2. 2. Preparation Preparing to Install ExaSAN Compact To ensure safe and smooth operation of your ExaSAN Compact system, it is essential that you choose an appropriate location for the system, and provide an appropriate operating environment and adequate power for all components of the system. As you plan for installation, follow the guidelines below to ensure that the system and its environment are safely and appropriately positioned for efficient operation and service. 2.
2. Preparation 4. When planning for electrical power, make sure you have more power than the total power requirements specified for all components. Also make certain that the power load is distributed evenly among circuits to that location. Consult an electrician or other expert if you need assistance with planning for the power needs of your components. 5. Make sure that the power outlets for all hardware components are grounded according to local and national standards.
3. 3.
3. 3. Installation Installing ExaSAN Compact Follow the steps in this chapter to prepare your ExaSAN Compact system for installation. 3.1 Installing the System Follow the instructions in this section to hook up all your hardware components of the ExaSAN Compact system. Do not turn the power of any individual component on until instructed. When all components are properly connected, follow the instructions in section 3.3.1 “Powering On” to turn the components on in the prescribed order. 3.1.
3. Installation 6. With the handle in lifted position, push the disk tray back in, then pull the handle down to lock it in place. 6. Close and lock the rear panel door. 7. If you have more than one RAID disk systems, repeat this process for all storage systems. Note that the hard drives in a RAID system should match in size and speed. All drives in an array should be of identical model with the same firmware version.
3. Installation 4. Hold the HBA card with mounting plate facing your left. Locate the “mode” jumper switch on the north edge at center-right, as shown and labeled below. 5. Re-position the HBA card so that you are facing the three switch buttons. Locate the switch pin button with the label of “1”; make sure that it is in the “OFF” position as shown below. Note that while there is only the “ON” label, “OFF” is simply at the opposite end of “ON”.
3. Installation 7. Use the screw that you saved in step 2 to secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case. 8. Replace the outer casing cover. 9. Install HBA device driver a. Insert the Installation CD b. Launch the Installation Package (for Mac) c. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver installation 10. Repeat this process for all your host systems. 3.1.3 Connecting Switch to the RAID System The instructions below use the Accusys A08S-PS RAID for illusion purpose. 1.
3. Installation 3. Plug a power cord into the AC power-in port in the storage unit; do not turn power on yet. 4. If you have more than one RAID disk systems, repeat the process for all storage systems. 3.1.4 Connecting Switch to the Host System 1. Connect your workgroup host system #1 to the ExaSAN switch with a QSFP PCIe cable. Insert one end of the QSFP cable into one of the host module ports on the rear panel of the switch. Your cable connector is securely plugged when you hear a click.
3. Installation 3. Repeat this process for all your host systems. 4. Plug a power cord into the AC power-in port on the rear panel of the switch. Do not turn power on yet. 3.1.5 Connecting to the Private LAN In addition to the ExaSAN PCIe network, all computers for the SAN must be connected to a private Ethernet network (the Private LAN). Xsan controllers and clients use this network instead of the ExaSAN network to exchange file system metadata.
3. Installation 4. Turn on host systems one by one. If you have a designated MDC in your system configuration, turn it on first and wait for it to become ready. Subsequently, turn all other clients on, one after another in arbitrary order. If you do not have a designated MDC, turn all clients on one after another in arbitrary order. 3.2.
3. Installation 3.3.1.2 Switch GUI Overview We are now at the switch GUI main menu page. You may toggle between “Config Mode” and “View Mode” by clicking the “Switch Mode” icon (the “ranch” or “eye” icon) at the top-right. You may also select one of the GUI features to administer system function. See Section 4.2, “Switch GUI,” for detailed information. Note that before you perform any system administration function, you should set your system date and time first. See Section 4.2.
3. 2. 3. 4. 5. Installation In the “RAID LEVEL” field, select “R5” from the drop-down list. In the “SAN Software” filed, select “SAN With MetaData” from the drop-down list. Click “Next.” As the result, two logical disks will be created as shown in the screenshot below: 6. Note that once the settings are applied, you will not be able to change RAID settings using Quick Setup again. Click “Apply” only if your configuration is the same as this example.
4. How to Use 4.
4. How to Use 4. Using ExaSAN Compact After you’ve connected all your ExaSAN Compact components and powered the system on, we will need to perform some basic configuration and setup before it is operational. We will first describe briefly what you can use the system for, and follow that with setup instructions. 4.1 Product Functions The ExaSAN Compact is designed with one goal in mind – to serve the storage needs of small-tomedium-sized workgroups.
4. How to Use To simplify system administration, ExaSAN includes embedded management functions for storage monitoring, RAID and LUN (Logical Unit Number) configuration, provisioning, and data protection functions that are accessed through a Java-based, graphical user interface. ExaSAN supports operation with or without popular SAN management software such as Apple Xsan and provides client support for Mac OSX, Windows, and Linux.
4. How to Use d. Help (top-right, four buttons, third button from the left): find explanations of the function for each item on the current screen. This icon shows a “question mark” image. e. About (top-right, four buttons, first button from the right): click this button to see system information such as copyright declaration and the switch serial number. This icon shows the ExaSAN logo. f.
4. How to Use 4.2.2 Switch GUI Features This section explains each of the “Config Mode” features. 4.2.2.1 Quick Setup Note that in order to use Quick Setup to configure your RAID system(s), all the disk trays have to be installed with identical (brand, model, size) blank HDDs.
4. How to Use Read Chapter 5 “RAID Overview” and Chapter 6 “Xsan Overview,” for a better understanding of the related terminologies before you proceed. RAID LEVEL: 1. For Xsan configuration, this field is used to specify the raid level of your data volume. Although “R6” is supported here, it is very rarely used. Accusys recommends using “R5” for your RAID configuration. The following explanation is assumes a “R5” selection of this field. 2.
4. How to Use a. For a single A08S RAID system, two of the eight disks will be designated as the metadata volumes and set to raid level R1. The remaining six of the eight disks will be designated as the data volumes and set to the raid level of your choice in the RAID LEVEL field above. b. For two A08S RAID systems, both systems will be configured as described above. As the result, four volumes will be presented to your SAN management software.
4. How to Use a. Sensor: Displays name of the fan. b. Fan Speed: Displays the current fan speed in RPM (Rounds Per Minute). The higher the temperature, the faster the fan works. The minimum effective operating speed is 2500 RPM. The fan is considered to have failed below the minimum speed. c. Fan Status: Normal/Fail. 2. Temperature. a. Sensor: Either the switch central processing unit (CPU) or the motherboard (BOARD). b.
4. How to Use c. Warning/Error: these two fields are informational only. i. CPU temperature: The normal operating range is below 95ºC (203ºF). The corresponding “Current” field displays “Warning” beyond this threshold and “Error” when temperature reaches 100ºC (212ºF). ii. Motherboard temperature: The normal operating range is below 60ºC (140ºF). The corresponding “Current” field displays “Warning” beyond this threshold and “Error” when temperature reaches 70ºC (158ºF). 4.2.2.
4. How to Use 2. Time: use this option to set the system date and time, it should be set correctly initially to ensure that the system log reflects accurate timing of various events. 3. Security Control: use this option to change the password of your admin or user accounts.
4. How to Use 4. Firmware Update: use this option to download and install switch firmware updates. See Section 4.2.3, “Updating SW04/08 Switch Firmware,” for additional information. 4.2.2.5 Application There is currently only one available option. Client Port Setting: use this option to enable LUN Masking and configure LUN mappings to clients. See Section 4.2.4, “The ExaSAN LUN Masking Function,” and Chapter 8 for additional information. 4.2.
4. How to Use 8. Proceed to the next section to install the firmware update file. 4.2.3.2 Installing the Firmware Update File 1. Launch the switch GUI and log in as your system administrator, see Section 4.2.1, “Accessing the Switch GUI,” for additional information. 2. Once you are logged in, you are in the default “Config Mode.” 3. Select “System Management” from the menu in the left pane. 4. Select “Firmware Update” from the sub-menu in the left pane, below is the screen you will see. 5.
4. How to Use implemented as a protection against misbehaving host systems from corrupting disks belonging to other host systems. 4.2.4.2 What is ExaSAN LUN Masking Accusys’ LUN Masking function takes LUN Masking a step beyond protection of logical disks. LUN Masking offers a convenient and low cost option to accomplish disk storage sharing. Through the use of the SW04/08 switch, physical disk system can be divided into logical partitions (also referred to as “slice”).
5. RAID 5.
5. RAID 5. RAID Overview This chapter gives an overview of RAID storage system within the context of recommended setting of ExaSAN based Xsan to provide fast, shared storage to client computers. 5.1 How RAID Works RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a data-storage technology that spreads data across multiple drives.
5. RAID 5.3 RAID Levels The ExaSAN RAID system supports several RAID levels and configurations. Each level has a different architecture and provides varying degrees of performance and fault tolerance. Each level has characteristics to achieve maximum performance or redundancy depending on the data environment. See Section 4.2.2.1, “Quick Setup,” for information about the available RAID configurations of your metadata and data LUNs on your ExaSAN based shared storage system(s). 5.3.
6. Xsan 6.
6. Xsan 6. Xsan Overview Xsan is Apple Inc.’s workgroup file system for Mac OS X. With the Xsan file system installed, any Mac with appropriate connectivity can read and write to the same storage volume at the same time. Starting with Mac OS 10.7, the Xsan file system is included as part of the standard operating system. There is no longer a need for users to install Xsan software package on OS 10.7 or better. The descriptions of Xsan in this document are within the context of Accusys ExaSAN only.
6. Xsan 6.2.1 Shared Xsan Volume A user or application on a client computer accesses shared network Xsan volumes, just like they would with a local volume. Xsan volumes are logical disks made up of storage pools of LUNs. The elements which you combine to create an Xsan volume are described in Section 6.3 “How Xsan Storage Is Organized” and Section 6.4 “Xsan Storage Breakdown.” 6.2.
6. Xsan 6.4 Xsan Storage Breakdown Below are more detailed explanations of each Xsan storage element and how you combine them to create a shared Xsan volume. 6.4.1 LUNs The smallest storage element you work with in Xsan is a logical storage device called a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) LUN (logical unit number). A LUN represents a group of drives combined into a RAID array. You create a LUN when you create a RAID array on a RAID storage device.
6. Xsan 6.4.3 Volumes Storage pools are combined to create the volumes that users see. From the user’s perspective, the Xsan volume looks and behaves like a large local disk, except that: 1. the size of the volume can grow as you add underlying arrays or new storage pools 2. multiple users on the SAN can access files on the volume at the same time In the illustration in Section 6.3, two storage pools (a metadata pool and a data pool) are combined to create a single shared Xsan volume.
6. Xsan 6.5.2 Striping at a Higher Level When a RAID system writes a file using a RAID 0 (striping) scheme, it breaks the file into segments and spreads them across disk drives in the RAID array. This improves performance by writing parts of the file in parallel (instead of one part at a time) to disks in the array. Xsan applies this same technique in the storage hierarchy. Within each storage pool in a volume, Xsan stripes file data across the individual LUNs that make up the storage pool.
6. Xsan You should perform this check on all computers in the ExaSAN network. If the LUNs do not properly show in System Profiler, you should troubleshoot the adaptor and driver installation, cable connects to the ExaSAN switch, and the ExaSAN RAID. Also refer to Section 3.3, “ExaSAN Setup,” to verify that proper setup procedure was followed. 6.6.
6. Xsan Insert the Install Disc. Double click the “Install Xsan” icon to start the installation process as shown in the screenshot above. Follow the on-screen instructions to continue the process. For “Installation Type,” select “Xsan Admin” on metadata controllers and “Xsan” on clients as shown in the screenshot below. Upon completion of the Xsan software installation, you should select “Software Update” to download and apply Xsan updates as shown below.
6. Xsan Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Click “OK” and restart the computer. You are done with the Xsan software update. 6.6.5 Configuring the Xsan Use the Xsan Admin to configure your ExaSAN-enabled Xsan. • Starts Xsan Admin (in /Applications/Server/). • The first time you use Xsan Admin on a computer, it automatically launches the “Xsan Setup” assistant. Click “Continue.
6. Xsan In the “Initial SAN Setup” pane, select “Configure new SAN.” In the “SAN Settings” pane, enter a name for the SAN, also enter your SAN administrator’s name and email address. In the “Add Computers” pane, make sure that all the computers you want to include in the Xsan are selected.
6. Xsan In the “Authenticate SAN Computers” pane, check “Use same authentication information for all Xsan computers.” This option instructs Xsan Admin to authenticate all computers using the administrator’s “User Name” and “Password” you enter in this pane. In the “Serial Numbers” pane, enter your Xsan serial numbers. You can click “Add Serial Number” and enter a number, or drag a text file containing serial numbers to the list.
6. Xsan In the “Choose Metadata Controllers” pane, select your primary and standby controllers and deselect client-only computers that appear in the list. If the “Private Metadata Network” pane appears, you can choose to have Xsan Admin manage the private network addresses for all SAN computers. If the “SAN Network” pane appears, choose your private network from the Metadata Network pop-up menu.
6. Xsan You will not be able to go back for corrections beyond this point. Make sure that the information in the summary is correct, click “Continue.” In the “Create Volume” pane, select the “Create one or more volumes later” option. Click “Continue.
6. Xsan Upon completion of Setup, you are presented with the SAN overview as shown below. 6.6.6 Creating an Xsan Volume 6.6.6.1 Labeling LUNs In Xsan Admin, select “LUNs” in the “SAN Assets” list, choose “Change LUN label” from the Action (gear) pop-up menu and enter a label.
6. Xsan 6.6.6.2 Creating a Volume In Xsan Admin, click “Volumes” and then click the “Add volume“ (+) button to start creating an Xsan volume. Follow the steps below to create a volume: 1. In the “Volume Name and Type” pane, enter a name for the volume and choose a volume type that matches the type of work the volume will support. Optionally, you may click “Advanced Settings” and adjust the following volume settings: a. Block Allocation Size: Set to “4KB”. b. Allocation Strategy. Choose “Round Robin”. c.
6. Xsan 2. In the “Configure Volume Storage” pane, drag LUNs from the left column to the corresponding custom storage pool in the right column. a. Drag the special metadata LUN you created to the MetadataAndJournal custom storage pool. b. Drag your other LUNs to the other storage pools. To avoid wasting storage, all LUNs assigned to a storage pool should be of the same size. c. When you finish, click “Continue.” 6.6.
6. Xsan The next illustration shows the logical connection of a sample Xsan volume, which is made of two LUNs - one RAID 1 for Metadata and one RAID 5 for user data, from the ExaSAN RAID. 6.6.7.1 Checking LUNs from the Xsan Admin Before labeling LUNs, verify that the “Parallel SCSI” pane shows two LUNs, then, start Xsan Admin from MDC and check to see if these two LUNs are there.
6. Xsan Enter the LUN label name “Meta-LUN” for it in the subsequent dialogue box; click the “Label” button to confirm the entry. Next, right-click on the larger LUN, the options menu displays, select “Change LUN label.” Enter the LUN label name “Data-LUN” for it in the subsequent dialogue box; click the “Label” button to confirm the entry. Upon completion, you will have successfully labeled both LUNs as shown below. 6.6.7.
6. Xsan Optionally, you may click “Advanced Settings” and adjust the following volume settings: d. Block Allocation Size: Set to “4KB”. e. Allocation Strategy. Choose “Round Robin”. f. Take the default setting for all the other setting options. In the “Configure Volume Storage” pane, drag LUNs from the left column to the corresponding custom storage pool in the right column.
6. Xsan Follow the on-screen instructions, drag the “Meta-LUN” from left pane to the “MetadataAndJournal” storage pool in right pane; drag the “Data-LUN” from left pane to the “Data” storage pool in right pane. When you finish, click “Continue.” Next, click “Continue” in the “Volume Failover Priority” pane.
6. Xsan Wait for volume creation to complete. Upon completion of volume creation, they appear in the “Volume” tab as shown below. 6.6.7.4 Mounting or Un-mounting a Volume In Xsan Admin, click the “Mounts” tab to check if the volume was mounted or not. Select and right click a volume if you want to mount or un-mount it.
6. Xsan At this point, you have created an Xsan volume and mounted it properly. All host systems may now access it as if it were a local disk. 6.7 Managing Xsan Storage This section shows how you can expand an existing Xsan volume to provide more free space. It also contains information about advanced volume and storage pool setting, and shows how to optimize and verify the performance of Xsan volume. 6.7.1 Expanding the Capacity of Xsan Volume Currently, ExaSAN can configure up to 3 RAID systems.
6. Xsan e. Click “Continue” to un-mount and stop the volume, add the new storage pool, and re-mount the expanded volume. 4. Repeat this process if necessary. You may add up to 3 RAID storage systems in an ExaSAN network, as illustrated below. You may change the allocation strategy of a volume, and choose how storage for new files or additional storage for existing files is allocated on the storage pools that belong to the volume.
6. Xsan You may verify performance by using the method described below (refer to Section 6.7.3). 6.7.3 Measuring the Total Xsan Volume Bandwidth The total “Xsan volume bandwidth” is the combined achievable performance of Xsan volumes for connected workstations. In an Xsan environment, since multiple users share the same storage pool, the access pattern is typically in multi-thread sequential form. There are many factors which may affect the aggregated throughput of the Xsan volumes.
6. Xsan To add a client computer to an Xsan: 1. Connect the client to the ExaSAN’s PCIe and Ethernet networks. Follow the procedures outlined in Section 3, “Installing ExaSAN Compact,” to power off the system, connect the new client computer and power every component back on. 2. Install the Xsan software on the client. Refer to Section 6.6.4, “Install Xsan Software on Xsan Metadata Controllers and All Clients,” for more information. 3.
6. Xsan 1. 2. 3. 4. In Xsan Admin, select “Mounts” in the “SAN Assets” list. Select the client in the list. Select the volume in the “Volume” pop-up menu. To allow the client to modify files on the volume, click the “Mount Read & Write” button. A volume remains mounted until you un-mount it. 6.9 Get Xsan Help While ExaSAN is a product of Accusys, the Xsan software is a product of Apple, Inc.
7. DAS Migration 7.
7. DAS Migration 7. Migrating from PCIe DAS to ExaSAN With the outstanding price-performance mark, Accusys’ PCIe RAID is well accepted in the DAS (Direct Attached Storage) market for Video Editing. A DAS user can easily advance from the single-user environment to the collaboration workgroup with ExaSAN-enabled Xsan. This chapter explains the conceptual procedures of such migration. Please refer to Chapter 6, “Xsan Overview,” for the proper steps to carry out the migration.
7. DAS Migration 7.3 Copying Files from DAS Volume to Xsan Volume Now you can start the standard file copy from your DAS volume to the Xsan volume as shown below, and get ready to retire your DAS volume. Note that once the file transfer process starts, you should no longer modify data on the DAS and only work with files that are relocated to the Xsan volume. 7.
7. DAS Migration 7.5 Expanding the Xsan Clients Now that the conversion from DAS to Xsan is complete, you may add workstations to expand your collaboration workgroup as shown below. Start enjoying the benefits of high-speed file sharing across workstations. Refer to Section 6.8, “Managing Xsan Clients,” for more information about adding Xsan Clients.
8. 8.
8. 8. LUN Masking ExaSAN LUN Masking Overview This chapter explains what ExaSAN LUN Masking is, and how to configure LUN Masking to allow sharing of storage system without installing Xsan management software.
8. LUN Masking 1. Click the LUN Masking check box to enable it. 2. Select the desired Client Port from the drop-down list, “Client Port 1” in the example below. 3. Click the “Mask” check box of any available LUN that you do not want the currently selected Client Port to see. In the example above, Client Port 1 has four partitions (LUN0 on Storage Port 1, LUN 1 & 2 on Storage Port 2, and LUN1 on Storage Port 3) which are “masked out.
8. LUN Masking corruption. In other words, if you allow LUN0 on Storage Port 1 to be seen by Client Port 1, you should mask that same partition out from all other Client Ports, unless you have installed and configured Xsan management software. Un-managed sharing of the same partition among clients can cause data corruption. 5. Click the “Apply” button at the lower-right to continue. You may take turn configuring all Client Ports and apply your settings together with just one click to “Apply.” 6.
Appendices Appendices User Guide
Appendices Appendices Appendix A: Customer Service and Technical Support A.1 FAQs 1. Q: Why is it that I have turned on my host system(s), the ExaSAN SW04/08 switch, and the ExaSAN RAID system(s), but I cannot see any of the newly created Volume on disk? A: There are two likely probable causes: a. You did not follow the proper procedures when you turned on your system components. Please first follow the instructions in Section 3.2.2, “Powering Off,” to turn off all your system components.
Appendices a. The host system in question is a Mac Pro. All Mac Pro systems that were manufactured after year 2008 have at least two PCIe 2.0 slots. There was only PCIe 1.0 support prior to 2008. b. The host system in question is a PC. Check the PC manufacturer’s website for hardware specifications. Alternatively, you may obtain a Hardware Compatibility List from Accusys for verification. 4. Q: Why is it that my system is generating warning beeps? A: There are two possible scenarios: a.
Appendices http://www.accusys.com.tw/support/download_new.htm Follow the file path of /Download/ExaSAN/SW-04_08/installer package to locate and download the “installer package.” It includes the RAIDGuard X utility and the ExaSAN driver. The ExaSAN driver should have been installed on your host computers during your initial system setup. You may ignore it and install the RAIDGuard X utility only.
Appendices A: Please refer to Section 1.4.1.2, “Switch SW04 Rear Panel,” of this guide, locate and read description of item 8 (Reset Button). You cannot reset your password without the assistance from Accusys or its authorized distributors. A.2 System Log When you contact us for technical support, our support staff might ask for your system log file for troubleshooting purpose. Go to the ExaSAN switch GUI, select the “Event Management” icon. Follow instructions there to download the log file. A.
