C H A P T E R  1

Overview

This chapter provides an overview of managing the Sun Storage J4200, J4400, and J4500 arrays using the Sun StorageTek Common Array Manager (CAM) software. It contains the following sections:


Overview of the Management Software

The Sun StorageTek Common Array Manager software consists of a software suite that provides management, monitoring, and servicing capabilities.

The software provides a:

The Local Command Line Interface (CLI) performs the same control and monitoring functions as the full CAM installation with the browser interface. The Remote Command Line Interface provides a small client CLI which depends on a full or Command Line only instance of CAM to be installed on the same host or a remote host. When the Remote Command Line Interface is used with a remote host, communication is accomplished via HTPPS.

For most new users, managing the J4000 Array Family with the browser interface is recommended.

This chapter will focus on the recommended management solution using the browser interface.

For experienced users, use of the CLIs are discussed in Appendix B.


Local Management of an Array

For the simplest management solution for new users, install the full CAM software on a host attached via SAS to the array, as seen in FIGURE 1-1. The host can act as both a management and a data host. You can then use a browser to access the software and manage the array.

FIGURE 1-1 Recommended Configuration for New Users


Illustration showing hardware and software components of a simple configuration.


Figure Legend

1

Host running web browser

2

Host with full CAM installation and data to store

3

In-band SAS connection

4

J4000 Array Family



Remote Management of Arrays

Experienced users may want to have a central management server or host to manage multiple arrays.

Since the Sun Storage J4000 Array Family can communicate only over the in-band SAS data path, CAM software on a central host can not use the Ethernet network to communicate directly with the array. Instead, CAM communicates with a CAM proxy agent you install on a data host attached to the array.

FIGURE 1-2 illustrates this configuration.

FIGURE 1-2 Using a Central Management Server to Manage an Array



Figure Legend

1

Management host(s) with full CAM installation

2

Out-of-band IP network

3

One or more data hosts with CAM proxy agent enabled

4

In-band SAS connection

5

J4000 Array Family


Illustration showing hardware components of a central management server configuration.

More Information on Using a Central Management Server

There are two types of management paths:

In-band communicates the management and control commands on the same path as the data being processed.

Out-of-band uses a management path such as Ethernet that is separate from the data path.

Since the J4000 Array Family can only be managed from the host directly attached to the storage array, management would be limited to a single host unless a method is used. In this case, each host directly connected to the storage is used as a relay (proxy) to a centralized instanced of CAM which can aggregate and delegate as needed in order to provide a single point of monitoring and control for all the storage arrays.

The software and the arrays can communicate by converting out-of band communication to in-band and vice-vera. This is accomplished by installing a proxy agent on a data host attached to the array. The proxy agent receives communication from the management software over Ethernet and delivers the information over an in-band SAS connection between the data host and the array. Likewise, the proxy agent receives in-band communications from the array and sends it to the software over the Ethernet network.


Overview of the Software Installation

The Sun StorageTek Common Array Manager software is delivered by download or CD.

Prerequisites

Before you install the Common Array Manager software, do the following:

Installing CAM on a Data Host

To install CAM using the recommended management solution for new users, you will have to run the installation tool (Chapter 2) once on the host attached to the array using the typical (full) Installation.

TABLE 1-1 provides a checklist for this option.

Installing CAM on a Central Management Server

To install CAM on a central management server for use with Sun Storage J4000 Array Family, you will have to run the installation tool (Chapter 2) once on the management server and once on the data host:

1. A typical (full) installation on the management server.

2. An installation of CAM CLI (with proxy mode) on all data hosts attached to J4000 storage.

TABLE 1-2 provides a checklist for this option.

The following checklists (TABLE 1-1 and TABLE 1-2) outline the tasks required for installing the Sun StorageTek Common Array Manager software locally or centrally and tells you where you can find detailed procedures.


TABLE 1-1 Installation Checklist for Installing CAM on a Local Data Host

Step

Installation Task

Where to Find Procedure

  1.  

Prepare for the installation

Chapter 2 Installing the Common Array Manager Software

  1.  

Review Users and Roles

Chapter 2 Make sure the following user names are defined on your systems:

  1.  

Install the management software on the data host.

Chapter 2 To Install CAM on a Local Data Host:

  1.  

Start and log in to the management software.

Chapter 3 Starting the Management Software

  1.  

Enter the site and contact information.

Chapter 3 Providing Site Information

  1.  

Sign up for the Auto Service Request service.

Chapter 3 Subscribing to Auto Service Request

 

  1.  

Register the array.

Chapter 3 Registering the Array

  1.  

Install the firmware baseline.

Chapter 3 Installing New Firmware

  1.  

Enter the array administration information.

Chapter 3 Configuring Array Administration Functions

  1.  

Add additional users and roles (storage, guest).

Chapter 3 Adding Users And Assigning Roles

  1.  

Set up notification

Chapter 4 Setting Up Notification for Fault Management

  1.  

Monitor the array health and fault management.

Chapter 4 Monitoring the Sun Storage J4000 Array Family



TABLE 1-2 Installation Checklist for Installing CAM on a Central Management Server

Step

Installation Task

Where to Find Procedure

  1.  

Prepare for the installation

Chapter 2 Installing the Common Array Manager Software

  1.  

Review Users and Roles

Chapter 2 Make sure the following user names are defined on your systems:

  1.  

Install the management software on the management server.

Chapter 2 To Install CAM on a Central Management Server and a Proxy Agent on the Data Host

  1.  

Install the proxy agent on a data host attached to the array.

Chapter 2 To Install CAM on a Central Management Server and a Proxy Agent on the Data Host

  1.  

Start and log in to the management software.

Chapter 3 Starting the Management Software

  1.  

Enter the site and contact information.

Chapter 3 Providing Site Information

  1.  

Sign up for the Auto Service Request service.

Chapter 3 Subscribing to Auto Service Request

  1.  

Register the array.

Chapter 3 Registering the Array

  1.  

Install the firmware baseline.

Chapter 3 Installing New Firmware

  1.  

Enter the array administration information.

Chapter 3 Configuring Array Administration Functions

  1.  

Add additional users and roles (storage, guest).

Chapter 3 Adding Users And Assigning Roles

  1.  

Set up notification

Chapter 4 Setting Up Notification for Fault Management

  1.  

Monitor the array health and fault management.

Chapter 4 Monitoring the Sun Storage J4000 Array Family



Next Steps

You are now ready to install the Common Array Manager software.