3

Configuring an EMC Boot Device

Requirements

This section lists supported configurations, hardware and software

 

requirements, and related documentation.

Topologies,

Refer to the EMC Support Matrix.

Configurations, and

 

Revisions

 

Hardware and

Software

Requirements

Refer to the EMC Support Matrix for specific support information. Some general requirements are:

Boot server with a CD-ROM and diskette drives, and support for the Windows version you will install. Refer to the EMC Support Matrix for supported servers.

Latest HBA firmware and drivers for your operating system. Refer to Downloading QLogic Drivers and Firmware on page 2-2.

One or more PCI Fibre Channel host bus adapters, installed in the lowest numbered PCI slot(s), which are the slots first scanned at startup, in the boot server.

If installing in a fabric environment, Fibre Channel switch configured for IP, and with an available zone configuration utility (Telnet-based or Web-based).

If required by the EMC Support Matrix, CLARiiON storage system with Access Logix™ and Access Control enabled (using EMC ControlCenter Navisphere Management software).

Until Windows is fully installed, you must connect only the storage system onto which the operating system will be loaded. Later, you can connect other storage systems.

Cable connections as appropriate for server between server Fibre Channel HBA, switch (FC-SW only), and storage system SPs.

Navisphere Management station with EMC ControlCenter Navisphere Management software or CLI. The station must be separate from the boot server but networked to the storage system (FC4700 and later array models) or connected to the storage system (models earlier than FC4700).

The host system for Windows NT 4 must have less than 4.0 GB of physical RAM. (MSKB Q160392).

3-16

EMC Fibre Channel with QLogic HBAs in the Windows Environment

 

 

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EMC QLogic manual Topologies, Configurations, Revisions Hardware Software Requirements

QLogic specifications

EMC QLogic is a leading provider of advanced networking solutions, primarily known for its high-performance storage area network (SAN) technologies. It specializes in Fibre Channel and Ethernet networking products, offering robust solutions that are essential for modern data center environments.

One of the key features of EMC QLogic is its exceptional performance in high-speed data transfer. QLogic's Fibre Channel products, such as switches and host bus adapters (HBAs), support speeds of up to 32 Gbps, ensuring ultra-fast communication between storage devices and servers. This high throughput is crucial for applications demanding high IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second), particularly in virtualized environments and databases.

Another prominent aspect of EMC QLogic's technology is its support for advanced features like Data Center Bridging (DCB). DCB enables the convergence of storage and traditional Ethernet traffic on a single network, streamlining data center management and reducing costs. By allowing both storage and data networking to coexist on the same infrastructure, EMC QLogic enhances efficiency and simplifies network architecture.

Scalability is another characteristic that sets EMC QLogic apart. The architecture is designed to support a wide range of deployment sizes, from small businesses to large enterprise data centers. This scalability ensures that organizations can grow their IT infrastructure without needing to overhaul their existing deployment.

EMC QLogic also places a strong emphasis on reliability and security. Their products are built with redundancy and failover mechanisms, which minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation even in the event of hardware failure. Additionally, security features such as encryption and access controls are integrated to protect sensitive data as it travels across the network.

Management and monitoring capabilities are also integral to EMC QLogic's offerings. The company provides advanced software tools for managing network resources, allowing administrators to monitor performance, diagnose issues, and optimize configurations efficiently. This helps organizations maintain peak performance and reduces operational complexity.

In summary, EMC QLogic combines high-speed performance, advanced features, and robust reliability in its networking solutions. With a focus on scalability and security, it provides organizations with the tools necessary to build and manage efficient, modern data centers that can adapt to evolving technological demands. Its commitment to innovation positions EMC QLogic as a trusted partner in the storage networking landscape.