7 Managing I/O for installation and recovery

This chapter introduces Ignite-UX I/O concepts and describes how multi-path concepts enhance Ignite-UX. This chapter also assists the user moving from the legacy naming model to the agile naming model by touching on changes found in multi-path aware Ignite.

Introducing multipathing

In its current implementation, beginning with C.7.1.x, Ignite-UX is aware of multiple paths to I/O devices. Ignite-UX now supports agile view on HP-UX 11i v3.

One of the features of HP-UX 11i v3 and later is the ability to tolerate I/O path changes. For HP-UX 11i v2 and earlier releases of HP-UX, Ignite-UX is aware that multiple device special files (DSFs) and hardware paths may refer to the same device logical unit (LUN).

Previous to HP-UX 11i v3, I/O addressing looks like Figure 16, where a DSF is specific to one hardware path, which in turn points to an I/O device’s LUN.

Figure 16 Legacy I/O stack addressing model

Legacy DSFs

Legacy Hardware Paths

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/dev/dsk/c9t0d1

 

 

 

0/0/6/0/0.1.18.73.0.0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/dev/dsk/c11t0d1

 

 

0/0/6/0/0.1.19.75.0.0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/dev/dsk/c17t0d1

 

 

0/0/10/0/0.1.18.73.0.0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/dev/dsk/c19t0d1

 

 

0/0/10/0/0.1.19.75.0.0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/dev/dsk/c29t0d1

 

 

1/0/2/0/0.1.19.75.0.0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/dev/dsk/c27t0d1

 

 

1/0/2/0/0.1.18.73.0.0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/dev/dsk/c37t0d1

 

 

1/0/14/0/0.1.18.73.0.0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/dev/dsk/c33t0d1

 

 

1/0/14/0/0.1.19.75.0.0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LUN

Any of the legacy DSFs can be used to access the I/O device. Care must be taken to prevent the simultaneous use of multiple DSFs for conflicting purposes. For example, two DSFs for the same LUN might be used for different volume or disk groups. Ignite-UX will detect such an invalid configuration created with the Ignite user interface and prevent installation. A final validation is also done during sanity checking, which takes place after starting an installation.

Agile view concepts

Starting with HP-UX 11i v3, HP-UX is aware of multiple paths to devices and provides multipathing functionality automatically. Important new concepts related to this functionality are: persistent DSF, LUN hardware path, lunpath hardware path, device identifier, and agile addressing.

Agile view I/O addressing logic looks like Figure 17.

Introducing multipathing

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HP UX System Management Software Managing I/O for installation and recovery, Introducing multipathing, Agile view concepts
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UX System Management Software specifications

HP-UX System Management Software is a robust suite of tools designed to facilitate the administration and management of HP's Unix-based operating system, HP-UX. As organizations increasingly rely on mission-critical applications, the need for a reliable and efficient management solution becomes paramount. HP-UX provides a comprehensive understanding of system performance, resource utilization, and enterprise-wide configuration, all while maintaining high availability and security.

One of the key features of HP-UX System Management Software is its Advanced System Administrator Toolkit. This toolkit includes a wide array of utilities that streamline daily administrative tasks such as monitoring system performance, managing user accounts, and configuring system settings. Tools such as Glance provide real-time monitoring of system resources, enabling administrators to identify bottlenecks and optimize performance.

The software also boasts an advanced security framework, including features such as Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Secure Shell (SSH) for secure data transmission. Security patches and updates can be managed through HP’s Service Pack for HP-UX, which provides a streamlined method for maintaining system integrity and compliance with various regulatory standards.

Another notable aspect is the extensive support for virtualization technologies. HP-UX supports HP’s Integrity Virtual Machines (IVMs) and vPars, allowing administrators to create multiple isolated environments on a single physical server. This not only enhances resource utilization but also improves disaster recovery planning by enabling easier backup and restore processes.

For storage management, HP-UX offers tools that enable easy setup and management of Logical Volume Managers (LVM). This allows simplified disk space allocation and management, ensuring that critical applications have the necessary resources without manual intervention.

Furthermore, HP-UX is designed with compatibility in mind, supporting a wide range of third-party applications and frameworks. Integration with management platforms like HP System Insight Manager enhances the ability to monitor and manage systems from a centralized perspective, providing alerts and reports that help in proactive decision-making.

In summary, HP-UX System Management Software delivers a streamlined approach to system administration, focusing on performance, security, and ease of management. Its advanced features, combined with an emphasis on virtualization and storage management, make it a powerful tool for organizations seeking reliability and efficiency in their Unix-based environments. As businesses continue to evolve, tools like HP-UX will remain crucial for ensuring consistent performance and operational excellence.
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