Using the Common Array Manager Software

The Sun StorageTek Common Array Manager (CAM) software suite is your main tool for Sun Storage array enclosure management, monitoring, and service capabilities. The software has both a secure browser interface and a command-line interface (CLI). CAM is supported for use with Solaris, Linux and Windows platforms.

Viewing Sun Storage J4500 Array Information With CAM

CAM provides both a browser and command line interface. When using the browser interface, you set up user accounts to manage your array storage. When an authorized user logs in, information is laid out in pages. A handy navigation tree lists available information, see Example CAM Summary and FRU Information for the J4500 Array.

Figure 2-1 Example CAM Summary and FRU Information for the J4500 Array

Use the navigation tree to move among pages within an application. You can click a link to get details about a selected item (such as alarms, FRUs, events, array health). You can also sort and filter information displayed on a page. When you place your pointer over a button, tree object, link, icon, or column, a tooltip provides a brief description of the object.

Information about using CAM the web interface or CLI is available on the Sun documentation web site. Refer to the appropriate version of CAM documentation for complete details about installing and using CAM:

http://docs.sun.com/app/docs/prod/stor.arrmgr#hic

Problem Resolution

CAM provides two helpful tools for resolving problems that might occur with the array:

• Auto Service Request (ASR) monitors the array system's health and performance and automatically notifies the Sun Technical Support Center when critical events occur. Critical alarms generate an Auto Service Request case. These notifications enable Sun Service to respond faster and more accurately to critical on-site issues.

  To use ASR, you must provide Sun online account information to enroll your CAM software to participate in the ASR service. After you enroll CAM with ASR, you can choose which arrays you want to be monitored and enable them individually.

• Service Advisor is a troubleshooting wizard that provides information and procedures for replacing array components.

Zoning Array Storage Resources Using CAM

Starting with CAM 6.4.1, support for zoning of J4500 array storage has been added. Zoning is a configuration method that takes the available connected storage and allows each host to have its own storage resources. Zoning is done on a per host, per hard disk level. Zoning allows for storage resource segregation, controlled resource sharing, protection, and topology control. The Sun Common Array Manager (CAM) is required to configure the J4500 storage for zoning.

For more information about zoning array storage resources, see Chapter 3, Adding and Zoning Array Storage Using CAM.

Upgrading Sun Storage J4500 Array Firmware Using CAM

The J4500 array enclosure contains upgradable firmware. You may want to upgrade the enclosure firmware to:

• Install the latest bug fixes and performance enhancements

• Add new features and capabilities as they become available

The Sun Common Array Management (CAM) software provides firmware upgrade capabilities for the J4500 array connected to any supported HBA. For more information on using the CAM software, refer to the appropriate version of CAM documentation:

http://docs.sun.com/app/docs/prod/stor.arrmgr#hic

Ensure Both SAS Fabrics are Upgraded to the Same Firmware Revision Level

The J4500 array enclosure contains two SAS fabrics (A and B). Each fabric has its own set of SAS expanders. The firmware upgrade process is only performed on the fabric with the active SAS link to the HBA. When upgrading array enclosure firmware, Sun recommends that you upgrade firmware on both SAS fabrics to ensure they are at the same revision level.

This will require you to take the following steps:

1. Using CAM, perform the upgrade on the enclosure's primary SAS fabric.

2. Then, at a convenient time, move the SAS cable to the enclosure's secondary SAS fabric.

   When performing this action, allow time between the removal of the link from the primary fabric and the reconnection to the secondary fabric for your HBA to recover from the lost and then re-established SAS link. Depending on the HBA, this can take up to 3 minutes for each link state change. For example, wait 3 minutes after the SAS cable is disconnected for the HBA to confirm that the link is lost; wait 3 minutes after the SAS cable is connected for the HBA to discover the drives.

3. Using CAM, perform the upgrade on the enclosure's secondary SAS fabric.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 on any daisy-chained J4500 array.

Obtaining CAM Software

Support for the J4500 array is available starting with CAM version 6.1.2; support for zoning is available with CAM version CAM 6.4.1. To obtain the latest CAM software (which includes J4500 array firmware), go to the Sun software download site.

Refer to the appropriate version of CAM documentation for complete details about installing and using CAM.

http://docs.sun.com/app/docs/prod/stor.arrmgr#hic