Connecting Data Hosts to the 2540 Array

C H A P T E R 6

This chapter describes Sun StorageTek 2500 Series Array cable connections for hosts. It contains the following sections:

Connecting Data Hosts to the 2540 Array

Next Steps

Connecting Data Hosts to the 2540 Array

The Sun StorageTek 2540 Array connects to data hosts through Fibre Channel (FC) cables.

Note - For maximum hardware redundancy, you must install a minimum of two HBAs in each host. Dual-port HBAs give you two paths into the storage array but do not ensure redundancy if the HBA fails. Single controller and single path configurations are supported but are not recommended.

2540 Array Data Host Connection Topologies

You can connect data hosts to access the Sun StorageTek 2540 Array directly to the array, or through Fibre Channel (FC) switches to the array. The following figures illustrate four possible host connection topologies for the 2540 Array:

Direct connection from a single data host server (FIGURE 6-1)

Direct connection from two data host servers (FIGURE 6-2)

Data host connection through Fiber Channel switch fabric (FIGURE 6-1)

Mixed connection, direct and through switch (FIGURE 6-3)

FIGURE 6-1 Direct Connection from a Single Data Host Server

Figure showing a direct connection from a single data host server.

FIGURE 6-2 Direct Connection from Two Data Host Servers

Figure showing a direct connection from a single data host server.

Figure showing a direct connection from two data host servers.

FIGURE 6-3 Data Host Connection Through a Fibre Channel Switch

Figure showing a data host connection through a Fibre Channel switch.

FIGURE 6-4 Mixed Topology of Data Hosts Connected Directly and Through FC Switches

Figure showing a data host connection through a Fibre Channel switch.

Figure showing a mixed topology of data hosts connected directly and through Fibre Channel switches.

2540 Array Data Host Connections

The Sun StorageTek 2540 Array controller tray has four Fibre Channel (FC) host ports, two per controller module (FIGURE 6-5).

Data transmission from the host to the array controller modules is through fiber-optic cables. The fiber-optic cables connect to the controllers through Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) transceivers (FIGURE 6-6). To maintain redundancy, connect two data paths from each host, one to each controller.

FIGURE 6-5 FC Host Connectors on the 2540 Controller

Figure showing the Fibre Channel host connectors on the 2540 controller.

FIGURE 6-6 Connecting the SFP and Fiber-optic Cable to a 2540 Controller

Figure showing the connection of an SFP and fiber-optic cable to a 2540 controller.

To Connect Data Hosts Using Fibre Channel

1. Locate the host ports at the back of the controller tray (FIGURE 6-5).

2. Plug one SFP transceiver into a host port.

3. Plug one end of the fiber-optic cable into the SFP transceiver.

4. Plug the other end of the fiber-optic cable into one of the HBAs in the host (direct topology) or into a switch (fabric topology).

5. Repeat these steps for each host-to-controller connection.

Relocation Cautions

Use the following guidelines when relocating trays or drives from one storage array to another.

Caution - Potential data loss - Moving a storage array or array components that are configured as part of a volume group can result in data loss. To prevent data loss, always consult a Customer Support representative before relocating configured drives, controller trays, or drive expansion trays.

Do not move controller trays or drive expansion trays that are part of a volume group configuration. If you must move array components, contact a Customer Support representative for procedures. A Customer Support representative might direct you to complete several tasks prior to undertaking the relocation. These tasks might include:

Creating, saving, and printing an array profile of each storage array that is affected by the relocation of a drive or tray.

Performing a complete backup of all data on the drives that you intend to move.

Verifying that the volume group and each of its associated volumes on the affected storage array have an Optimal status.

Determining the location and status of any global hot spares associated with the affected storage array.

Next Steps

After you connect the management and data hosts, you can power on the trays, as described in Chapter 7.