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

Application Note
AA–RHH6B–TE Page 15
SAN Fabric Configuration 3 – Two FC Switches, Cascaded, Controller
Transparent Failover Mode, Integrated EBS
SAN Fabric configuration 3 (Figure 4) is a general purpose single Fabric cascaded switch
configuration that provides increased server, disk, and tape storage connectivity capabilities. Up to 22
separate (non-cooperating) servers or up to 11 pairs of clustered (cooperating) servers can be
connected through a 16-port switch providing access from all servers to 2 storage systems. With an 8-
port FC switch up to 10 servers can be connected to 1 storage system. With either switch type the
number of storage systems can be increased if the number of servers is reduced to provide switch
ports for storage. A minimum of 1 ISL is required between the 2 switches, more may be required
based on the specific server and storage configuration and count, and the applications utilized. The
ISL(s) can be up to 10 km allowing connectivity between two remote sites. The HSG80 array
controllers within the RA8000 or ESA12000 storage enclosure are configured in Transparent failover
mode providing full controller redundancy in the unlikely event of either controller failing.
Figure 4 Two Switches, Cascaded Fabric Configuration Example
SAN Configuration 3 Server/Storage Connectivity Rules
• Any mix of Windows NT Intel Servers - standalone or clustered, and storage systems using these
maximums. Assumes 1 FC HBA per server, an even storage port count, and no EBS ports.
• 16-port FC Switches, total number of switch ports available for Servers and Storage is 30
Maximum Server Connectivity,
Up to 22 Servers and 2 Storage Systems (8 storage ports/4 Active, 4 Standby)
Active
ActiveStandby
Standby
FC Switch #1
FC Switch #2
Port 1 A Port 2
Port 1 B Port 2
24 Disks
24 Disks
RA8000 or
ESA 12000 FC
Dual Controller
24 Disks
Active
ActiveStandby
Standby
Port 1 A Port 2
Port 1 B Port 2
24 Disks
24 Disks
RA8000 or
ESA 12000 FC
Dual Controller
24 Disks
Windows NT
Intel
Server
FC HBA
Windows NT
Intel
Server
FC HBA
Windows NT
Intel
Server
FC HBA
Windows NT
Intel
Server
FC HBA
NT Cluster
SHR-1551