Dell EqualLogic PS Quick Reference Guide

Dell EqualLogic PS Series iSCSI Storage Arrays With Microsoft Windows Server Failover Clusters

Hardware Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

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Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this publication to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

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Citrix

2012 - 02

Rev. A05

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings...................................................................................................2

1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................5

Cluster Solution.........................................................................................................................................................5

Cluster Hardware Requirements..............................................................................................................................6

Cluster Nodes.....................................................................................................................................................6

Cluster Storage...................................................................................................................................................6

Network Configuration Recommendations........................................................................................................8

Supported Cluster Configurations............................................................................................................................9

iSCSI SAN-Attached Cluster..............................................................................................................................9

Other Documents You May Need.............................................................................................................................9

2 Cluster Hardware Cabling........................................................................................................11

Mouse, Keyboard, And Monitor Cabling Information ............................................................................................11

Power Supplies Cabling Information......................................................................................................................11

Cluster Cabling Information For Public And Private Networks...............................................................................12

For Public Network...........................................................................................................................................13

For Private Network.........................................................................................................................................13

NIC Teaming.....................................................................................................................................................14

Storage Array(s) Cabling Information.....................................................................................................................14

Cabling The Storage For Your iSCSI SAN-Attached Cluster............................................................................14

3 Preparing Your Systems For Clustering.................................................................................27

Configuring A Cluster..............................................................................................................................................27

Installation Overview..............................................................................................................................................28

Additional Information For Installing iSCSI NICs.............................................................................................28

Host Integration Tools......................................................................................................................................28

Installing The Microsoft iSCSI Software Initiator............................................................................................33

Modifying The Registry Settings......................................................................................................................34

Configuration Overview Of Shared Storage Arrays.........................................................................................34

Advanced Storage Features...................................................................................................................................37

Snapshots.........................................................................................................................................................38

Volumes............................................................................................................................................................39

Replication........................................................................................................................................................40

Volume Collections...........................................................................................................................................41

Thin Provisioning..............................................................................................................................................41

Installation And Configuration Of A Failover Cluster..............................................................................................41

4 Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................................43

5 Cluster Data Form......................................................................................................................47

6 iSCSI Configuration Worksheet..............................................................................................49

Introduction

A Dell Failover Cluster combines specific hardware and software components to provide enhanced availability for applications and services that run on your cluster. A Failover Cluster reduces the possibility of any single point of failure within the system that can cause the clustered applications or services to become unavailable. It is recommended that you use redundant components like servers, storage power supplies, connections between the nodes and the storage array(s), and connections to client systems or other servers in a multi-tier enterprise application architecture in your cluster.

This document provides information and specific configuration tasks that enable you to configure your Failover Cluster with Dell EqualLogic PS Series Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) storage array(s).

For more information on deploying your cluster with Microsoft Windows Server 2003 operating systems, see the

Failover Clusters with Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

manuals.

For more information on deploying your cluster with Windows Server 2008 operating systems, see the

Clusters with Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

For a list of supported operating systems, hardware components, and driver or firmware versions for your Failover Cluster, see the

Dell Cluster Configuration Support Matrices

at dell.com/ha.

at support.dell.com/manuals.

at support.dell.com/

Dell Failover

Cluster Solution

Your cluster supports a minimum of two nodes to a maximum of either eight nodes (with Windows Server 2003 operating systems) or sixteen nodes (with Windows Server 2008 operating systems) and provides the following features:

Dell

• Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet iSCSI technologies

• High availability of resources to network clients

• Redundant paths to the shared storage

• Failure recovery for applications and services

• Flexible maintenance capabilities, allowing you to repair, maintain, or upgrade a node or storage array without taking the entire cluster offline

The iSCSI protocol encapsulates iSCSI frames that include commands, data, and status into Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) packets to be transported over Ethernet networks. The iSCSI frames are sent between the Microsoft iSCSI Initiator that resides in the host and the iSCSI target, which is a storage device. Implementing iSCSI in a cluster provides the following advantages:

Geographic distribution

Low cost for availability Redundant connections provide multiple data paths that are available through inexpensive

Connectivity A single technology for connection of storage array(s), cluster nodes, and clients.

Wider coverage of Ethernet technology allows cluster nodes and storage arrays to be located in different sites.

TCP/IP network components.

Cluster Hardware Requirements

Your cluster requires the following hardware components:

• Cluster nodes

• Cluster storage

Cluster Nodes

The following section lists the hardware requirements for the cluster nodes.

Component Minimum Requirement

Cluster nodes A minimum of two identical Dell PowerEdge systems are required. The maximum number of

nodes that are supported depend on the variant of the Windows Server operating system used in your cluster.

RAM The variant of the Windows Server operating system that is installed on your cluster nodes

determines the minimum required amount of system RAM.

Microsoft iSCSI Software Initiator

Network Interface Cards (NICs) for iSCSI access

NICs (public and private networks)

Internal disk controller

Help initialize the array(s), configure and manage host access to the array(s). The Host Integration Tools also includes Microsoft iSCSI Software Initiator.

Two iSCSI NICs or two iSCSI NIC ports per node. Configure the NICs on separate PCI buses to improve availability and performance. TCP/IP Offload Engine (TOE) NICs are also supported for iSCSI traffic.

At least two NICs: one NIC for the public network and another NIC for the private network.

NOTE: If your configuration requires more than two iSCSI NIC ports, contact Dell Services.

NOTE: It is recommended that the NICs on each public network are identical and that the NICs on each private network are identical.

One controller connected to at least two internal hard drives for each node. Use any supported Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) controller or disk controller.

Two hard drives are required for mirroring (RAID 1) and at least three hard drives are required for disk striping with parity (RAID 5).

NOTE: It is highly recommended that you use hardware-based RAID or software-based diskfault tolerance for the internal drives.

Cluster Storage

Cluster nodes can share access to external storage array(s). However, only one of the nodes can own any volume in the external storage array(s) at any time. Microsoft Cluster Services (MSCS) controls which node has access to each volume.

The following section lists the configuration requirements for the storage system, cluster nodes, and stand-alone systems connected to the storage system.

Cluster Storage Requirements

Hardware Components Requirement

Storage system One or more Dell EqualLogic PS Series groups. Each Dell EqualLogic PS5000/PS5500/

PS6000/PS6010/PS6100/PS6110/PS6500/PS6510 group supports up to sixteen storage arrays (members) and each PS4000/PS4100/PS4110 group supports up to two storage arrays. For specific storage array requirements, see Dell EqualLogic PS Series Storage Array Requirements

Storage interconnect All nodes must be attached to one or more storage arrays through an iSCSI SAN.

Multiple clusters and stand-alone systems

A Dell EqualLogic PS series storage array includes redundant, hot-swappable disks, fans, power supplies, and control modules. A failure in one of these components does not cause the array to be offline. The failed component can be replaced without bringing the storage array down.

The following section lists hardware requirements for the Dell EqualLogic PS series storage arrays.

Can share one or more supported storage arrays.

Dell EqualLogic PS Series Storage Array Requirements

Dell EqualLogic Array Model Minimum Required Features

PS4000 — PS4000E/PS4000X/PS4000XV

PS4100 — PS4100E/PS4100X/PS4100XV

PS4110 — PS4110E/PS4110X/PS4110XV

PS5000 — PS5000E/PS5000X/PS5000XV

PS5500 — PS5500E

PS6000 — PS6000E/PS6000X/PS6000XV/PS6000S

PS6010 — PS6010E/PS6010X/PS6010XV/PS6010S/PS6010XVS

PS6100 — PS6100E/PS6100X/PS6100XV/PS6100S/PS6100XS

PS6110 — PS6110E/PS6110X/PS6110XV/PS6110S/PS6110XS

PS6500 — PS6500E/PS6500X

PS6510 — PS6510E/PS6510X

Redundant control modules

NOTE: Ensure that the storage array(s) are running a supported firmware version. For specific firmware version requirements, see the

Dell Cluster Configuration Support Matrices

at dell.com/ha.

NICs Dedicated To iSCSI

The NIC controlled by the iSCSI software initiator acts as an I/O adapter to connect the expansion bus of the system and the storage array(s). Failover Cluster solutions that are configured with the EqualLogic PS Series storage arrays require two iSCSI NICs or NIC ports in each PowerEdge system. This provides redundant paths and load balance of the I/O data transfer to or from the storage array(s).

Network Switches Dedicated To iSCSI

The Gigabit or 10 Gigabit switches for iSCSI access function as regular network switches and provide dedicated interconnection between the nodes and the storage array(s).

Network Configuration Recommendations

It is recommended that you follow the guidelines in this section. In addition to these guidelines, all the usual rules for proper network configuration apply to group members.

Recommendation Description

Network connections between array(s) and hosts

A reliable and adequately sized network link for replication

No Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP) functionality on switch ports that connect end nodes

Connectivity between switches The iSCSI switches must be connected together. Use stacking ports or port trunking

Enable Flow Control on switches and NICs

Disable Unicast storm control on switches

Connect array(s) and hosts to a switched network and ensure that all network connections between hosts and array(s) are Gigabit or 10 Gigabit Ethernet.

For effective and predictable replication, ensure that the network link between the primary and secondary groups is reliable and provides sufficient bandwidth for copying data.

Do not use STP on switch ports that connect end nodes (iSCSI initiators or storage array network interfaces). However, if you want to use STP or Rapid Spanning-Tree Protocol (RSTP) (preferable to STP), enable the port settings available on some switches that let the port immediately transition into STP forwarding state upon link up. This functionality can reduce network interruptions that occur when devices restart and should only be enabled on switch ports that connect end nodes.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use Spanning-Tree and trunking for multicable connections between switches.

to create a high-bandwidth link between the switches. If a single non-stacking link is used, it can become the bottle-neck and negatively affect the performance of the storage system.

Enable Flow Control on each switch port and NIC that handles iSCSI traffic. Dell EqualLogic PS Series arrays correctly respond to Flow Control.

Disable Unicast storm control on each switch that handles iSCSI traffic, if the switch provides this feature. However, the use of broadcast and multicast storm control is encouraged on switches.

Enable Jumbo Frames on switches and NICs

Disable iSCSI Optimization on switches

Enable Jumbo Frames on each switch and NIC that handles iSCSI traffic to obtain performance benefit and ensure consistent behavior.

Disable iSCSI Optimization, if the switch provides this feature, to avoid blocking internal communication between the array members.

Supported Cluster Configurations

iSCSI SAN-Attached Cluster

In an iSCSI switch-attached cluster, all the nodes are attached to a single storage array or to multiple storage arrays through redundant iSCSI SANs for high-availability. iSCSI SAN-attached clusters provide superior configuration flexibility, expandability, and performance.

Figure 1. iSCSI SAN-Attached Cluster

1. public network

2. cluster nodes

3. private network

4. iSCSI connections

5. Gigabit or 10 Gigabit Ethernet switches

6. storage system

Cluster Hardware Cabling

This section provides information on cluster hardware cabling.

Mouse, Keyboard, And Monitor Cabling Information

When installing a cluster configuration in a rack, you must include a switch box to connect the mouse, keyboard, and monitor to the nodes. For instructions on cabling the connections of each node to the switch box, see the documentation included with your rack.

Power Supplies Cabling Information

See the documentation for each component in your cluster solution to ensure that the specific power requirements are satisfied.

The following guidelines are recommended to protect your cluster solution from power-related failures:

• For cluster nodes and storage arrays with multiple power supplies, plug each power supply into a separate AC circuit.

• Use uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

• For some environments, consider having backup generators and power from separate electrical substations.

The following figures illustrate recommended methods for power cabling a cluster solution consisting of two Dell PowerEdge systems and one storage array. To ensure redundancy, the primary power supplies of all the components are grouped into one or two circuits and the redundant power supplies are grouped into a different circuit.

Figure 2. Power Cabling Example With One Power Supply in PowerEdge Systems

1. cluster node 1

2. cluster node 2

3. primary power supplies on one AC power strip

4. EqualLogic PS series storage array

5. redundant power supplies on one AC power strip

Figure 3. Power Cabling Example With Two Power Supplies in the PowerEdge Systems

1. cluster node 1

2. cluster node 2

3. primary power supplies on one AC power strip

4. EqualLogic PS series storage array

5. redundant power supplies on one AC power strip

Cluster Cabling Information For Public And Private Networks

The network adapters in the cluster nodes provide at least two network connections for each node.

The following section describes the network connections.

Network Connection Description

Public network

Private network A dedicated connection for sharing cluster health and status information only.

The following figure shows an example of cabling in which dedicated network adapters in each node are connected to each other (for the private network) and the remaining network adapters are connected to the public network.

– All connections to the client LAN.

– At least one public network must be configured for both client access and cluster

communications.

Figure 4. Example of Network Cabling Connection

1. public network

2. cluster node 1

3. public network adapter

4. private network adapter

5. private network

6. cluster node 2

For Public Network

Any network adapter supported by a system running TCP/IP may be used to connect to the public network segments. You can install additional network adapters to support additional public network segments or to provide redundancy in the event of a faulty primary network adapter or switch port.

For Private Network

The private network connection to the nodes is provided by a different network adapter in each node. This network is used for intra-cluster communications. The following table describes the two possible private network configurations.

Method Hardware Components Connection

Network switch Gigabit or 10 Gigabit Ethernet

network adapters and switches

Depending on the hardware, connect the CAT5e CAT6, CAT6a, or CAT7 cables, the multi-mode optical cables with Local Connectors (LCs), or the twinax cables from the network adapters in the nodes to a switch.

Point-to-Point (two-node clusters only)

Copper Gigabit network adapters with RJ-45 connectors

Copper 10 Gigabit Ethernet network adapters with RJ-45 connectors

Copper 10 Gigabit Ethernet network adapters with SFP+ connectors

Connect a CAT5e or better (CAT6, CAT6a, or CAT7) Ethernet cable between the network adapters in both nodes.

Connect a CAT6 or better (CAT6a or CAT7) Ethernet cable between the network adapters in the nodes.

Connect a twinax cable between the network adapters in both nodes.

Method Hardware Components Connection

Optical Gigabit or 10 Gigabit Ethernet network adapters with LC connectors

Connect a multi-mode optical cable between the network adapters in both nodes.

Dual-Port Network Adapters Usage

You can configure your cluster to use the public network as a failover for private network communications. If dual-port network adapters are used, do not use both ports simultaneously to support both the public and private networks.

NIC Teaming

NIC teaming combines two or more NICs to provide load balancing and fault tolerance. Your cluster supports NIC teaming, but only for the public network; NIC teaming is not supported for the private network or an iSCSI network.

NOTE: Use the same brand of NICs in a team, and do not mix brands of teaming drivers.

Storage Array(s) Cabling Information

This section provides information for connecting your cluster to one or more storage arrays.

Connect the cables between the iSCSI switches and configure the iSCSI switches. For more information see, Network Configuration Recommendations.

Connect the iSCSI ports from the servers and array(s) to the Gigabit switches, using proper network cables.

For Gigabit iSCSI ports with RJ-45 connectors: use CAT5e or better (CAT6, CAT6a, or CAT7)

For 10 Gigabit iSCSI ports:

• With RJ-45 connectors: use CAT6 or better (CAT6a or CAT7)

• With LC connectors: use fiber optic cable acceptable for 10GBASE-SR

• With SFP+ connectors: use twinax cable

Cabling The Storage For Your iSCSI SAN-Attached Cluster

An iSCSI SAN-attached cluster is a cluster configuration where all cluster nodes are attached to a single storage array or to multiple storage arrays using redundant iSCSI switches.

The following figures show examples of a two-node iSCSI SAN-attached cluster and a sixteen-node iSCSI SANattached cluster.

Similar cabling concepts can be applied to clusters that contain a different number of nodes.

NOTE: The connections listed in this section are a representative of one proven method of ensuring redundancy in the connections between the cluster nodes and the storage array(s). Other methods that achieve the same type of redundant connectivity may be acceptable.

Figure 5. Two-Node iSCSI SAN-Attached Cluster

1. public network

2. cluster node

5. Gigabit or 10 Gigabit Ethernet switches

6. storage system

3. private network

4. iSCSI connections

Gigabit NICs can access the 10 Gigabit iSCSI ports on the EqualLogic PS4110/PS6010/PS6110/PS6510 storage systems if any one of the following conditions exist:

• The switch supports both Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet.

• The servers connected to a Gigabit Ethernet switch are cascaded to the 10 Gigabit Ethernet that is attached to the storage system.

+ 35 hidden pages

Dell EqualLogic PS Quick Reference Guide

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

Contents

Introduction

Cluster Solution

Cluster Hardware Requirements

Cluster Nodes

Cluster Storage

Cluster Storage Requirements

Dell EqualLogic PS Series Storage Array Requirements

NICs Dedicated To iSCSI

Network Switches Dedicated To iSCSI

Network Configuration Recommendations

Supported Cluster Configurations

iSCSI SAN-Attached Cluster

Other Documents You May Need

Cluster Hardware Cabling

Mouse, Keyboard, And Monitor Cabling Information

Power Supplies Cabling Information

Cluster Cabling Information For Public And Private Networks

For Public Network

For Private Network

Dual-Port Network Adapters Usage

NIC Teaming

Storage Array(s) Cabling Information

Cabling The Storage For Your iSCSI SAN-Attached Cluster