SAN-Attached Cabling

Figure 7. Four Host Servers With Single-Port HBAs Connected to a Dual-Controller (Duplex) Storage Array Using Cluster Cabling

Figure 7 shows a four-cluster node connected to two RAID controller modules. Since each cluster node has redundant paths, loss of a single path still allows access to the storage array through the alternate path.

SAN-attached cabling configurations provide the highest level of redundancy and alternate-path connectivity between the host server and storage array. A SAN configuration using a Fibre Channel compatible switch fabric allows you to establish multiple redundant paths to data on the storage array.

NOTE: A SAN configuration using a supported Fibre Channel switch hardware is required if the Remote Replication premium feature is activated on the storage array. Remote Replication is not supported in a direct-attached configuration. For specific cabling requirements for Remote Replication, see Remote Replication Cabling Example.

SAN-Attached Cabling Example

The following figure shows a three-server, mixed HBA cabling configuration that uses two separate switch fabrics to establish multiple paths to the storage array. Port-to-port connections in each switch fabric/zone are detailed in the text boxes.