Configuration: Device Mapper Multipath for Linux 185
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Configuration: Device Mapper Multipath for Linux

Overview

The MD3600i Series storage array uses a Linux operating system software
framework, known as Device Mapper (DM), to enable multipath capabilities
on Linux Host Servers. The DM multipath functionality is provided by a
combination of drivers and utilities. This chapter describes how to use those
utilities to complete the process of enabling MD3600i Series storage array on
a Linux system.
The Device Mapper technology replaces an earlier, proprietary technology,
known as MPP. MPP was used to enable multipathing for the previous MD
generation MD3000 Series storage arrays.
NOTE: The required Device Mapper software components are installed on a Linux
host server by running the MD3600i Series resource media installation program on
the server, and selecting either the Full or Host install option. For detailed
installation procedures please refer to the Dell PowerVault MD3600i and MD3620i
storage arrays
Deployment Guide
.
Benefits of using DM Multipath include:
• Detects path failure and re-routes I/O to other available paths
• Revalidates failed paths after path restoration
• Utilizes multiple available paths to maximize performance
• Reconfigures path usage based on path states and error conditions
• Unifies multiple device nodes into a single logical multipath device node
• Indentifies a new multipathed LU and automatically configures a new
multipath node
• Provides device name persistency for DM devices under
/dev/mapper/
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