Installing HP 3PAR Cluster Extension Software

2 Installing HP 3PAR Cluster Extension Software

This chapter describes the installation of HP 3PAR Cluster Extension Software in Microsoft clustering environments with HP 3PAR storage systems.

NOTE:

•You can install, uninstall, modify, and repair HP 3PAR Cluster Extension on all of the nodes in a cluster by running the installer from one node in the cluster.

•For information on configuring HP 3PAR Cluster Extension in a Microsoft clustering environment, see the HP 3PAR Cluster Extension Software Administrator Guide.

Prerequisites

Before installing HP 3PAR Cluster Extension, perform the following tasks:

1.Check “General installation prerequisites” (page 6) to ensure that your setup meets the general pre-installation requirements.

2.Perform the required Windows pre-installation procedures. For instructions, see “Pre-installation procedures” (page 8).

3.Download the HP 3PAR Cluster Extension Software installer.

a.Browse to https://h20392.www2.hp.com/portal/swdepot/displayProductInfo.do? productNumber=CLX.

b.Click HP Storage > Storage Software in the product category list.

c.Follow the on-screen instructions to download the installer.

Pre-installation procedures

This section describes the procedures you must perform to prepare the data centers for HP 3PAR Cluster Extension installation and configuration. Perform these procedures before you install HP 3PAR Cluster Extension.

1.“Checking the IP network setup and SAN configuration” (page 8)

2.“Installing the multipath software” (page 9)

3.“Installing and configuring the JRE” (page 9)

4.“Installing HP 3PAR Command Line Interface (CLI)” (page 9)

5.“Configuring the HP 3PAR storage system” (page 9)

6.“Creating hosts and setting host persona” (page 9)

7.“Creating virtual volumes and adding a LUN presentation” (page 10)

8.“Creating Remote Copy volume groups” (page 10)

9.“Installing Microsoft Failover Cluster (MSFC) on all nodes” (page 10)

Checking the IP network setup and SAN configuration

Verify that your IP network setup and SAN configuration meet the following requirements:

•HP 3PAR Cluster Extension requires a cluster environment in which one location failure will not cause the entire cluster to shut down.

•In a Node Majority quorum cluster, all nodes must be distributed so that an equal number of nodes are located in the local and remote data centers and an additional node in a third location functions as a tiebreaker or arbitrator.

The third location can be a separate room in a separate fire protection zone with separate power connections. The arbitrator node can act as a regular cluster node and can be connected

8Installing HP 3PAR Cluster Extension Software

Cluster Software specifications

HP Cluster Software is a robust solution designed to enhance the reliability, availability, and scalability of computing environments in enterprise settings. This software is instrumental in managing clusters of servers, providing a unified framework that allows for efficient resource management, workload distribution, and high availability.

One of the main features of HP Cluster Software is its ability to deliver high availability through failover mechanisms. In the event of a hardware or software failure, the software automatically shifts workloads from the affected node to a standby node within the cluster, minimizing downtime. This feature is critical for organizations that require continuous access to their data and applications.

Scalability is another significant characteristic of HP Cluster Software. Organizations can easily add or remove nodes from the cluster without disrupting ongoing operations. This flexibility ensures that enterprises can adapt to changing workloads and resource demands efficiently, making it suitable for environments ranging from small businesses to large data centers.

Load balancing is a key technology employed by HP Cluster Software. It intelligently distributes workloads across the available nodes, optimizing resource utilization and ensuring that no single server is overwhelmed. By balancing the load, organizations can achieve better performance and enhance the response times of applications, which are essential for user satisfaction.

HP Cluster Software supports various clustering topologies, including active-active and active-passive configurations. This versatility allows organizations to choose the architecture that best fits their operational requirements. Additionally, the software integrates seamlessly with various HP and third-party hardware and software solutions, thus providing a holistic environment for managing IT resources.

Moreover, HP Cluster Software offers centralized management tools that simplify cluster administration. Administrators can monitor cluster performance, manage workloads, and configure settings all from a single interface. This ease of use reduces the complexity often associated with managing large clusters and empowers IT teams to respond rapidly to issues.

In summary, HP Cluster Software is an essential tool for organizations looking to enhance their IT infrastructure's availability, reliability, and performance. With its failover capabilities, scalability options, load balancing technology, and centralized management features, it stands out as a comprehensive solution for modern computing challenges.