Q-Logic 8100 SERIES manual Single-Path Configuration, Single-Path Topology

7–Configuring FCoE in a Windows Environment Boot from SAN

Single-Path Configuration

Asingle-path configuration is the simplest configuration for boot-from-SAN for QLogic 8100 Series Adapters. The single-path configuration consists of a single adapter port connected to a converged networking switch (FCoE switch), which is then connected to the storage controller (SP) of a storage array. A single-path configuration does not use redundant components, and therefore, is not recommended for mission-critical servers.

However, single-path configuration does offer some degree of fault tolerance because the QLogic 8100 Series Adapter can configure alternate boot LUNs. As shown in Figure 7-6, if the primary boot device (LUN1) fails, or if it is not available at boot time, the QLogic adapter automatically tries to boot from the alternate boot device (LUN2). Up to four alternate boot devices can be configured, which provides failover protection by redirecting the boot device without user intervention.

Server
Adapter Port 1
Converged
Networking Switch
Controller A
Storage Array
LUN 1 Primary Boot Device	LUN 2 Alternate Boot Device
LUN 3 Alternate Boot Device	LUN 4 Alternate Boot Device

Figure 7-6. Single-Path Topology

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