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

Application Note
AA–RHH6B–TE Page 5
NOTE
Fibre channel switch and ISL performance limits are
theoretical. Actual measured performance is lower due to
limits unrelated to the switch.
SAN Configuration Guidelines
The following sections provide information about configuring SANs including the base Fabric design
selection, fibre channel Fabric rules, platform and disk storage connectivity rules, Enterprise Backup
integration rules and Compaq Secure Path for Windows NT rules. The configuration information is
presented in the form of rules to provide for flexibility and customization depending on the specific
customer need. In addition to the listed rules, also shown are examples of recommended SAN
configurations based on the number and arrangement of fibre channel switches in a Fabric. The
example “SAN Fabric Configurations” illustrates proper application of the listed rules with regard to
fibre channel switch arrangement, switch interconnection in a Fabric, and platform/storage
connections. The exact SAN Fabric configuration used for your specific application should begin
with one of the base SAN configurations shown. In choosing a Fabric configuration you should
consider capacity, connectivity, availability, distance, backup, and performance needs as well as
future growth requirements.
It is not required that you configure server and storage in the SAN exactly as depicted in the
illustrations, however it is strongly recommended that the switch interconnection rules and platform
connectivity rules be strictly adhered to.
This application note describes homogeneous Windows NT SAN configurations. It is expected that
customers may desire to implement a heterogeneous SAN consisting of many different operating
system platforms. Whether implementing a homogeneous or heterogeneous SAN, it is necessary to
adhere to the platform specific rules and maximums for each given platform within the SAN.
SAN Design Selection Process
It is suggested that the following general steps be followed when initially designing a SAN.
1. Considering capacity, connectivity, availability, distance, performance, and backup requirements,
select the SAN Fabric configuration that best fits your needs. Refer to the configuration
illustrations, notes, Fabric rules, and platform server and storage connectivity rules. Using the
maximum server and maximum storage counts shown as the upper bound limits determine the
specific number of servers or storage required number for your particular installation.
• If you want a lower server count than the maximum listed: You may increase the storage
count, but only to the upper limit indicated for maximum storage, and provided you do not
exceed the platform limits listed in Table 2 for HBAs/Server and Controller Ports/HBA
• If you want a lower storage count than the maximum listed: You may increase the server
count, but only to the upper limit indicated for maximum servers, and provided you do not
exceed the platform limits listed in Table 2 for Servers/Storage System
• If capacity or connection needs are greater than provided in a 4 switch Fabric, consider
implementing multiple 4-switch Fabrics (future releases will support inter-connection of
multiple Fabrics into a single Fabric to provide for growth and scaling of the SAN).
2. If you are configuring a homogeneous Windows NT Intel SAN, refer to the Windows NT Intel
Server/Storage configuration rules in this document to determine how best to configure servers
and storage. Line 1 in Table 2 lists the configuration maximums for Windows NT Intel platforms
in a homogeneous SAN configuration.
3. If you are configuring a heterogeneous SAN, refer to the appropriate platform application note(s)
and the heterogeneous SAN application note referenced in Table 3 to ensure platform interaction