Storage Area Network Configurations for RA8000/ESA12000 on Windows NT-Intel Application Note

SAN Configurations for RA8000/ESA12000 on Windows NT - Intel
Page 10 AA–RHH6B–TE
Configuration Descriptions
Table 3 lists six SAN Fabric configuration examples for RA8000 and ESA12000 storage systems
when using Windows NT Intel platforms. The configurations are based on the rules listed in the
configuration guideline section. They show the limits with regard to:
• Total number and arrangement of fibre channel switches in a single Fabric, or multiple Fabrics
for high availability
• Maximum number of servers and storage systems per Fabric configuration
• Recommended Fabric switch configurations optimized for general purpose, maximum capacity,
maximum connectivity, highest availability, backup, or highest performance
The configurations are listed in order based on the number of switches in the Fabric. This follows a
logical progression where you may desire to initially configure a small SAN containing a single FC
switch, then add a second switch for high availability or increased connectivity, and additional
switches as capacity and connectivity needs increase.
The maximum server counts and maximum storage counts listed for each configuration show the
upper bound limits - either maximum servers or maximum storage, for that switch arrangement.
Depending on your connectivity or storage capacity needs you may choose to implement your SAN
maximized for one or the other, or a lesser number of either. All configurations allow the flexibility to
trade-off server and storage system count based on total FC switch port availability, however you
cannot exceed the upper bound limits listed or the platform limits in Table 2 for each configuration.
All configurations support a mix of both clustered and non-clustered (MSCS) servers. All
configurations are supported with all Compaq supplied 16-port and 8-port FC switches.
Table 3 RA8000 / ESA12000 SAN Fabric Configurations Windows NT - Index
SAN Fabric
Configuration #
Description Pages
1 One FC Switch, Controller Transparent Failover Mode,
Integrated EBS
11 – 12
2 Two FC Switches, High Availability, Secure Path, Controller
Multiple-Bus Failover Mode, Integrated EBS
13 – 14
3 Two FC Switches, Cascaded, Controller Transparent Failover
Mode, Integrated EBS
15 – 16
4 Four FC Switches, Cascaded High Availability Fault Tolerant
Fabric, Secure Path, Controller Multiple-Bus Failover Mode,
Integrated EBS
17 – 19
5 Three FC Switches, Cascaded Meshed Fabric, Controller
Transparent Failover Mode
20 – 22
6 Four FC Switches, Cascaded Meshed Fabric, Controller
Transparent Failover Mode
23 – 25
Additional Information/References
A table of all available product documentation is included at the end of this application note for
reference. Refer to the documents listed for more details on the product installation and
configuration.