Meridian Data 16i manual Host Connection Topologies, Network Topologies, Points of Failure

SecurStor16i Installation and Hardware Reference Manual

WARNING!

All cables must be handled with care. Make sure Ethernet cables do not run parallel with power cords. To prevent interference within a rack system, the cable routing path must be carefully planned and they must not be bent.

4.1.2Network Topologies

The iSCSI host ports connect to Ethernet network devices and iSCSI initiators that

comply with the IETF iSCSI standard (RFC 3720). Network connection of the EMD SS16i subsystem’s iSCSI ports is flexible. The use of network connecting devices, subnet, Name Servers, or iSCSI management software can vary from case to case. In the following sections, configuration diagrams will be provided to illustrate the possible uses of the EMD SS16i subsystem in an iSCSI network.

Note that these configurations only recommend but do not intend to impose limitations on the use of subnet settings or networking paths to servers.

4.1.3Points of Failure

The primary concern for configuring host-side topologies is that points of failure should be avoided. It is therefore preferred that the host side be connected to two (2) HBAs and better not the onboard Ethernet. Data flow and access management should therefore be implemented to avoid access contention. MPIO software can be implemented in order to discover a capacity volume through an alternate data link in the event of cabling failure.

4.2 Host Connection Topologies

4.2.1Sample Topology – Direct-Attached, Dual-path Connection

In the configuration shown in Figure 4-1,one (1) EMD SecurStor16i subsystem is connected to two (2) servers. These servers are equipped with iSCSI HBAs and using the subsystem as the shared storage. Multiple arrays or logical partitions can be created and made available separately through different ID/LUNs on the host ports.

Note the following with the configuration as diagrammed below:

1.The RAIDWatch management software accesses a subsystem through its IP address. A management station running RAIDWatch can access the array through the 10/100BaseT management port.

2.Configuration of each port connection into a subnet isolates each iSCSI host link, decreases overheads, and eliminates the impact of link failure.

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