Sun Cluster 3.1 - 3.2 with StorageTek RAID Arrays Manual for Solaris OS

Installing Storage Arrays

This section contains the procedures listed in Table 2–1.

Table 2–1 Task Map: Installing Storage Arrays


Task	Information
Install a storage array in a new cluster, before the OS and Sun Cluster software are installed.	How to Install Storage Arrays in a New Cluster
Add a storage array to an existing cluster.	How to Add Storage Arrays to an Existing Cluster

Storage Array Cabling Configurations

You can install your storage array in several different configurations; see Figure 2–1 through Figure 2–4 for examples.

Figure 2–1 StorageTek Array Direct-Connect Configuration

Illustration: Each node has 2 connections to the service
panel. These 2 connections reside on both I/O boards.

The StorageTek 6140 array houses two controllers; each controller has four host ports. The cabling approach is the same as shown in Figure 2–1, but it can support up to four nodes in a direct-attach configuration.

Figure 2–2 StorageTek Array Switched Configuration

Illustration: Each node connects to 2 switches. Each
switch has 2 connections to service panel. Switch connections reside on both
I/O boards.

Figure 2–2 shows a switched configuration for a two-node storage array.

Figure 2–3 Direct Connections from Three Data Hosts with Dual HBAs

Illustration: Each node connects to 3 switches.

You can connect one or more hosts to a storage array. Figure 2–3 shows an example of a direct host connection from each data host with dual HBAs.

Note –

For maximum hardware redundancy, you should install a minimum of two HBAs in each host and distribute I/O paths between these HBAs. A single, dual-port HBA can provide both data paths to the storage array but does not ensure redundancy if the HBA fails.

Figure 2–4 Mixed Topology-Three Hosts Connected Through a Switch or Connected Directly

Figure 2–4 shows that three hosts can be connected directly or through a switch.

How to Install Storage Arrays in a New Cluster

Use this procedure to install a storage array in a new cluster. To add a storage array to an existing cluster, use the procedure in How to Replace a Host Adapter in Sun Cluster 3.1 - 3.2 With Sun StorEdge A3500FC System Manual for Solaris OS.

This procedure relies on the following assumptions:

You have not installed the Solaris Operating System.
You have not installed the Sun Cluster software.
You have enough host adapters to connect the nodes and the storage array.

Install and Cable the Hardware

Unpack, place, and level the storage array.

For instructions, see the StorageTek online documentation.

If necessary, install the Fibre Channel (FC) switch for the storage array (if the switch is not already installed).

For the procedure about how to install an FC switch, see the documentation that shipped with your FC switch hardware.

Connect the nodes to the storage array.
- SAN Configuration — Connect the FC switches to the storage array
- Direct-Attached Configuration — Connect each node directly to the storage array
- SAS Direct-Attached Configuration
- iSCSI Direct-Attached Configuration
- iSCSI Switched Configuration
For instructions, see your storage array documentation and the Related Documentation section.

Hook up the cards for the storage array.

For instructions, see your storage array documentation.

Power on the storage array and the nodes.

For instructions, see your storage array documentation.

Configure the storage array, if needed.

For instructions, see Configuring Storage Arrays and consult your storage array documentation.

Install the Solaris Operating System and Configure Multipathing

On all nodes, install the Solaris operating system and apply the required Solaris patches for Sun Cluster software and storage array support.

For the procedure about how to install the Solaris operating environment, see How to Install Solaris Software in Sun Cluster Software Installation Guide for Solaris OS.

Install any required patches or software for Solaris I/O multipathing software support to nodes and enable multipathing.

For the procedure about how to install the Solaris I/O multipathing software, see How to Install Sun Multipathing Software in Sun Cluster Software Installation Guide for Solaris OS.

How to Add Storage Arrays to an Existing Cluster

Use this procedure to add a new storage array to a running cluster. To install a new storage array in a Sun Cluster configuration that is not running (the nodes are in noncluster mode), use the procedure in How to Install Storage Arrays in a New Cluster.

Before You Begin