HP Virtual Connect Fibre Channel Networking Scenarios Cookbook

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Figure 39: Physical view
DP1-A DP1-B1 2 DP1-A DP1-B1 2
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Mgmt
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HP ProLiant
BL460c
12Vdc 12Vdc
HP StorageWorks
4/32B SAN Switch
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HP StorageWorks
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HP 4Gb VC-FC Module
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HP 4Gb VC-FC Module
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Blade Server
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Storage Array
Benefits
This configuration offers the simplicity of managing only one redundant fabric with a single uplink. Transparent
failover is managed by a multipathing I/O driver running on the server Operating System.
This scenario maximizes the use of the VC Fabric uplink ports, reduces the total number of switch ports needed in
the datacenter and saves money (Fabric ports can be expensive).
Considerations
In a fully populated c7000 enclosure, the server-to-uplink ratio is 16:1. This configuration can result in poor
response time and sometimes requires particular performance monitoring attention.
You can use more uplink ports, both for better performance and because doing so provides login-balancing or login-
redistribution. Also, the use of more than one uplink per VC SAN fabric provides uplink failover in case of failure.
A multipathing I/O driver must be running on the server Operating System to prevent server I/O disruption when a
failure occurs somewhere between VC and the external fabric. This automatic failover allows smooth transition
without much disruption to the traffic. However, the hosts have to perform re-login before resuming their I/O
operations. Only a redundant SAN fabric with a properly configured multipathing I/O driver running on the server
Operating System can provide a completely transparent transition.
The SAN switch ports connecting to the VC-FC modules must be configured to accept NPIV logins. Due to the use of
NPIV, special features that are available in standard FC switches such as ISL Trunking, QoS or extended distances are
not supported with VC-FC and VC FlexFabric.
Requirements
This configuration requires:
 Two VC Fabric-Attach SAN fabrics with two SAN switches that support NPIV.
 At least two VC-FC modules.
 A minimum of two VC fabric uplink ports connected to the redundant SAN fabric.
For more information about configuring FC switches for NPIV, see "Appendix C: Brocade SAN switch NPIV
configuration" or "Appendix D: Cisco MDS SAN switch NPIV configuration" or "Appendix E: Cisco NEXUS SAN switch
NPIV configuration" depending on your switch model.