Dell EqualLogic PS3150X User Manual

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Hardware Mai nte nan ce

Hardware M aint

September 2006

EqualLogic is a registered trademark of EqualLogic, Inc.

All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

Possession, use, or copying of the documentation or the software described in this publication is authorized only under the license agreement.

EqualLogic, Inc. will not be held liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. Information in this document is subject to change.

PS Series Firmware Version 3.0

Part Number: 110-0040-R2

Table of Contents

Preface ........................................................................................................v

Introduction to PS Series Storage Arrays ...................................................1

Steps for Setting Up and Using an Array ...................................................2

Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware ............................................................3

A. Unpack Shipping Box and Gather Hardware ........................3

B. Mount Array in a Stable Rack ...............................................6

C. Connect Power Cables for Grounding ...................................8

D. Connect Array to a Network Switch .....................................9

E. Turn on Power to Array and Check LEDs for Errors ..........12

F. Connect Array to a Console Terminal .................................15

Step 2. Configure the Array and Create a Group ......................................16

Step 3. Set the RAID Policy .....................................................................19

Using the GUI to Set the RAID Policy ....................................19

Using the CLI to Set the RAID Policy .....................................23

Step 4. Create a Volume ...........................................................................25

Using the GUI to Create a Volume ..........................................26

Using the CLI to Create a Volume ...........................................29

Step 5. Connect to the Volume from a Host System ................................30

Advanced Operations and More Information ...........................................31

Index ..........................................................................................................35

iii

Preface

This QuickStart describes how to set up EqualLogic PS Series 3000 storage array hardware and create a PS Series group—a self-managing, iSCSI storage area network (SAN) that is affordable and easy to use, regardless of scale.

After setting up the group, see the PS Series Group Administration manual for information about managing the group.

Audience

This QuickStart is designed for administrators responsible for setting up array hardware and creating a group. Although administrators do not need extensive network or storage system experience, it may be useful to understand:

• Basic networking concepts

• Current network environment

• User disk storage requirements

• RAID configurations

• Disk storage management

Note: This QuickStart describes using PS Series arrays in some common network

configurations. However, detailed information about setting up a network is beyond its scope.

Organization

This QuickStart is organized as follows:

• Introduction to PS Series Storage Arrays

• Steps for Setting Up and Using an Array

Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

Step 2. Configure the Array and Create a Group

Step 3. Set the RAID Policy

Step 4. Create a Volume

Step 5. Connect to the Volume from a Host System

• Advanced Operations and More Information

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Preface

EqualLogic Website

The EqualLogic website, www.equallogic.com, has the latest product firmware and documentation, in addition to warranty information.

Product Documentation and Technical Support

For detailed information about PS Series arrays, groups, and volumes, see the following documentation:

•Release Notes. Provides the latest information about PS Series arrays.

• QuickStart. Describes how to set up the PS Series Model 3000 array hardware and create a PS Series group.

• Group Administration. Describes how to use the Group Manager graphical user interface (GUI) to manage a PS Series group. This manual provides comprehensive information about product concepts and procedures.

• CLI Reference. Describes how to use the Group Manager command line interface (CLI) to manage a PS Series group and individual arrays.

• Hardware Maintenance. Provides information about maintaining the PS Series Model 3000 array hardware.

The QuickStart and the Hardware Maintenance manual are printed and shipped with the product. They are also located on the documentation CD-ROM that is shipped with the product, along with the Group Administration and CLI Reference manuals and the Group Manager online help.

In addition, the Host Integration Tools for Windows

systems are available on the

EqualLogic website and on a CD-ROM that is shipped with the product.

Technical support on EqualLogic products is available for customers with arrays under warranty and customers with a valid support contract. You can obtain technical support in the following ways:

• Visit the EqualLogic Customer Support website to download the latest documentation and firmware. Go to

www.equallogic.com and log in to

your support account. If you do not have an account, register for an account.

• From the EqualLogic Customer Support website, you can submit a service request.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Preface

• In the United States, call 877-887-7337. International customers should call +00 1 919-767-5729. If the issue is urgent, ask to speak with a member of the EqualLogic Customer Support team.

• Send e-mail to

support@equallogic.com and clearly describe the issue or

problem.

Online Help

For help on the Group Manager graphical user interface (GUI) and command lilne interface (CLI), click expand the menu. Then, click

Tools in the bottom left corner of the GUI window to

Online Help.

The Group Manager CLI also provides help at the command line. In addition, the

setup utility provides help for each prompt.

Warranty Information

The license agreement and warranty information are included in the PS Series array shipping box. To register your array, go to

Support, and then click warranty registration.

www.equallogic.com, click

Restricted Access Requirement

PS Series arrays must be installed in a restricted access location. A restricted access location is an area that is intended only for qualified or trained personnel.

vii

Introduction to PS Series Storage Arrays

EqualLogic PS Series storage arrays deliver the benefits of consolidated storage in a storage area network (SAN) that is affordable and easy to use—regardless of its size. With intelligent, automated management and fast, flexible scalability, PS Series arrays greatly reduce storage acquisition and management costs. This QuickStart describes how to start using your PS Series array.

By grouping together one or more PS Series arrays connected to an IP network, you can create a PS Series group—a highly-scalable iSCSI SAN with a shared pool of storage space. Integrated virtualization software makes a group easy to manage and provides automatic RAID configuration, data provisioning, and load balancing. To increase SAN capacity and performance, connect another array to the network and add it to the group—data remains online at all times.

To ensure high reliability, PS Series storage arrays include RAID-protected disks, automatic disk sparing, redundant fans and power supplies, and dual high-performance control modules, each with three Gigabit Ethernet interfaces and a battery-backed cache.

A simple setup utility lets you quickly configure an array as a member of a new or existing group. RAID configuration and load balancing (network and data) occur automatically. Both graphical and command line user interfaces are available for group management.

In a multi-member group, you can separate space into storage pools, which allow you to organize storage according to usage, providing more control over resource allocation, while maintaining a single system management view.

Using the Group Manager graphical or command line user interface, you create volumes, assigning to each volume a pool, size, access controls, and other attributes. A volume can be spread across multiple disks and group members and is seen on the network as an iSCSI target. Members and volumes can move between pools to meet business objectives.

To connect to a volume, a host needs only a standards-compliant iSCSI initiator. Volume access can be restricted through IP address, initiator name, or CHAP (Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol) credentials. Once connected, the volume is seen by the host as a regular disk that can be formatted as usual.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Steps for Setting Up and Using an Array

At a minimum, a group consists of one array with one network connection, but you can configure three network interfaces for maximum array bandwidth. Data and network I/O are automatically load balanced across disks and interfaces—with no impact on data availability.

PS Series Group With Multiple Members

You can easily increase group capacity and bandwidth by adding arrays. When an array is added to a group, it obtains the group configuration from the existing members. Once you choose a RAID policy for the member, the pool is automatically expanded, and volume data and network I/O are load balanced across the pool members’ disks and network connections. Volumes continue to be accessible through the same iSCSI targets, and no host modifications are necessary. Management overhead remains the same, regardless of the group size.

Steps for Setting Up and Using an Array

To start using your PS Series array:

Step 1. Set up the array hardware configuration.

Step 2. Configure the array on the network and create a group.

Step 3. Log in to the group and specify the RAID policy for the array.

Step 4. Create a volume.

Step 5. Connect to the volume from a host system.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

A. Unpack Shipping Box and Gather Hardware

The order in which you unpack the shipping box is important for safety:

1. Open the outer shipping box and remove the accessory box.

2. Remove the accessories and ensure that you have the contents shown in the figure Shipping Box Contents.

3. Following the unpacking instructions in the shipping box, lift the array and place it on a flat surface that is protected from electrostatic discharge. Do not remove the plastic bag from the array until you are ready to install it in a rack.

4. Gather the hardware that is not included in the box, as described in the table Required Hardware – Not Supplied.

The array is heavy. Do not attempt to lift or install the array without assistance.

Shipping Box Contents

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

Description of Shipping Box Contents

Component Description

3U storage array chassis

Power cables Connects an array to one or more power sources. The shipping

Serial null modem cable

Four-pole rack assembly kit

Two-pole rack assembly kit

Electrostatic wrist strap Protects sensitive hardware from electrical discharge.

Documentation and CD-ROMs

Contains one or two control modules, two power supply/cooling modules, and eight or 16 disks.

box may contain multiple power cables to meet the electrical requirements of the country in which the array will reside.

Caution: Be sure to use only these enclosed power cables with

this product.

Creates a serial connection between an array and a console or terminal emulator. The cable has two DB9, 9-pin, female connectors and is used only for the initial member and group configuration or if there is no network access to the array.

Enables you to install an array in a four-pole rack. Instructions for assembly are included in the kit.

Enables you to install an array in a two-pole rack. Instructions for assembly are included in the kit.

Printed documentation includes the PS Series QuickStart, Hardware Maintenance, Release Notes, and SAN setup poster.

The Group Administration and CLI Reference manuals and the Group Manager online help are on the documentation CD-ROM, along with the QuickStart and Hardware Maintenance manuals.

Host Integration Tools for Windows documentation are on the HIT CD-ROM.

systems and related

License and warranty information is also included in the shipping box.

Note: Product returns will be accepted only in the original packaging or in

authorized packaging obtained from your PS Series support provider.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

Array installation also requires the hardware described in Required Hardware –

Not Supplied. This hardware is not provided with your array.

Required Hardware – Not Supplied

Component Description

Standard 19” twoor four-pole rack

One or more network cables

Network switch Connects devices to a network. If possible, connect the array to

Computer or a console terminal

Provides easy access to storage arrays and other hardware in your computing environment.

Connects an array to a network switch. Use Category 5E or Category 6 cables with RJ45 connectors. You can also use Category 5 cables if they adhere to the TIA/EIA TSB95 standard.

Only one network connection is required for operation, but as many as six connections (maximum of three active) are possible.

different switches for high availability.

Enables you to perform the initial array and group configuration or manage the group when there is no active network connection. A computer must be running a terminal emulator.

The following table describes the optional hardware that you can use in a storage array installation. This hardware is not provided with your array.

Optional Hardware – Not Supplied

Component Description

One or two UPS systems

Provide a highly available source of power to an array. Each UPS system should be on a different circuit and must provide the correct type of voltage for an adequate amount of time.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

B. Mount Array in a Stable Rack

A PS Series array must be mounted in a two-pole or four-pole 19” rack. Instructions for rack assembly and mounting an array are included with the two-pole assembly kit and the four-pole assembly kit in the array shipping box.

When mounting an array in a rack, you must meet the following recommendations and requirements:

• Be sure there is sufficient space for air flow in front of and behind the array.

• It is recommended that you attach the rack to the floor for added stability.

• Be sure to support the array until it is completely mounted in the rack.

• The location of the array must be properly vented and must meet the environmental, power, and physical requirements described in the following table.

PS Series Storage Array Requirements

Component Requirement

Weight of fully-loaded array 80 pounds or 36.36 kilograms

Operating temperature 41 to 104 degrees F / 5 to 40 degrees C

Storage temperature -22 to 140 degrees F / -30 to 60 degrees C

Maximum altitude 10,000 feet

Operational relative humidity 8 to 90% non-condensing

Thermal output of fully-loaded array 2200 BTU/hour, 660 watts

Shock 30 G for 2 ms

Vibration .1 G @ 10 to 100 hertz

Input voltage 90 to 264 VAC (auto-sensing)

Input current 5.5 amperes (maximum, single power supply)

@ 120 volts

Input frequency 50 to 60 hertz

Input power 660 VA

Power supplies Dual, 450 watts DC output

Height/Width/Depth 5.25” x 17 5/8” x 22.5”

13.33 cm x 44.77 cm x 56.25 cm

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

Four-Pole Rack Example

Be sure to support the array until it is completely mounted in the rack.

Two-Pole, Mid-Mount Rack Example

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

C. Connect Power Cables for Grounding

A PS Series array includes two power supply/cooling modules. It is recommended that you connect both power supplies to different sources of power, preferably on separate circuits for increased availability.

For a highly-available power configuration, connect one power supply to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system, and connect the other power supply to a different source of power. See the table PS Series Storage Array Requirements on page 6 for information about voltage requirements.

Notes: Do not turn on power to the array. At this time, the power cables are only

for grounding purposes.

If your PS Series array was shipped with power cables, use these cables to meet safety requirements.

To connect power cables to an array, refer to the figure shown next. Be sure to use the cable strain relief when securing the power cable in the array.

Connecting Power Cables

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

D. Connect Array to a Network Switch

A PS Series array includes one or two control modules. Only one control module is active (serving network traffic) at one time. The secondary (redundant) control module mirrors cache data from the active control module. If the active control module fails, the secondary will take over network operations.

Each control module has three Ethernet network interface ports, labeled PORT 0, PORT 1, and PORT 2, for up to three active connections to the network.

In addition to the requirements and recommendations described in the following tables, all the usual rules for proper network configuration apply to the group members. General network configuration is beyond the scope of this document.

Network Requirements

Requirement Description

One or more network connections

Correct network cables

An array must have at least one functioning network interface connected to a network (through a network switch, if possible). When you configure the array, as described later in this QuickStart, you assign an IP address and netmask to this interface.

In a dual control module array, to ensure network availability regardless of which control module is active, connect a cable to the network interface port on each control module.

Use Category 5E or Category 6 cables with RJ45 connectors. You can also use Category 5 cables if they adhere to the TIA/EIA TSB95 standard.

Network Recommendations

Recommendation Description

Switched Gigabit Ethernet network

Multiple network connections

Connect arrays and hosts to a switched network and ensure that all network connections between hosts and arrays are Gigabit Ethernet. An array can operate at 10 and 100 Mbits, but performance will be significantly degraded.

For increased bandwidth and availability, connect multiple network interfaces to the network (and different switches, if possible). Connect interfaces in the following order: PORT 0, PO RT 1, and PORT 2.

After the initial setup, use the Group Manager GUI or CLI to assign an IP address and netmask to each additional interface.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

Network Recommendations (Continued)

Recommendation Description

Access to the group IP address

Redundant network paths

For replication, a reliable, adequately sized network link

No STP functionality on switch ports that connect end nodes

Flow Control enabled on switches and NICs

Unicast storm control disabled on switches

Jumbo Frames enabled on switches and NICs

VLANs Configure switches to use VLANs in order to separate iSCSI SAN

In a multi-subnet group, each configured network interface should have access to the subnet on which the group IP address resides.

Using a multipathing solution helps to ensure that no single point of failure exists between hosts and arrays.

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

Do not use Spanning-Tree (STP) on switch ports that connect end nodes (iSCSI initiators or storage array network interfaces).

However, if you want to use STP or RSTP (preferable to STP), you should 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: The use of Spanning-Tree for a single-cable connection

between switches is encouraged, as is the use of trunking for multi-cable connections between switches.

Enable Flow Control on each switch port and NIC that handles iSCSI traffic. PS Series arrays will 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 each switch and NIC that handles iSCSI traffic to obtain any performance benefit and ensure consistent behavior.

traffic from other network traffic.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

The minimum network configuration for a single control module array is one network connection to PORT 0. The minimum network configuration for a dual control module array is one network connection to PORT 0 on each control module, as shown in the figure Minimum Dual Control Module Network Configuration. This configuration protects against control module failure.

Minimum Dual Control Module Network Configuration

For maximum network bandwidth and availability, connect cables to all network ports and distribute the connections across multiple network switches, as shown in the figure High Performance, High-Availability Network Configuration.

High Performance, High-Availability Network Configuration

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

E. Turn on Power to Array and Check LEDs for Errors

Before turning on power, be sure the array is at room temperature. If an LED indicates a problem, contact the support provider for your PS Series array.

Disk LEDs

Backpanel LEDs

Disk LED Descriptions

Disk LEDs Color Description

Top Off No power or error condition.

Green Power.

Flashing green Disk activity.

Bottom Off No power or normal condition.

Red Error condition.

Operations Panel LED Descriptions

Operations LEDs Color Description

Power (upper right) Off No power.

Green Power.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

Operations Panel LED Descriptions (Continued)

Operations LEDs Color Description

Array locator (upper left)

Warning condition (lower left)

Error condition (lower right)

Off No power or normal condition.

Flashing orange Administrator enabled the array locator function.

Off No power or normal condition.

Flashing orange One or more of the following has occurred:

• RAID set is degraded but still functioning.

• RAID set (volume level) has lost blocks.

• Component temperature is near a limit.

• Fan has failed or RPMs exceed opper or lower limit.

• Power supply is not installed or has no power.

• Only one control module installed or control module has failed over.

• Active control module syncing with secondary.

• No communication between control modules.

• No replication progress for more then 1 hour.

• Installed spare disk does not have enough capacity to replace a disk in a RAID set.

• A non-critical hardware component failed.

Off No power or normal condition.

Flashing orange One or more of the following has occurred:

• RAID is not functioning.

• Lost block table is full.

• Temperature exceeds upper or lower limit.

• Control module cache has lost data.

• One or both fan trays are not installed.

• Both fans on a fan tray have failed.

• Cache battery has less than 72 hours of charge or temperature is too high to charge battery.

• NVRAM coin cell battery has failed.

• Cache contains data that does not belong to any of the installed disks.

• More than one valid RAID set exists in array.

• Control modules are different models.

• A critical hardware component has failed.

• Operations panel failed or not installed.

• Storage enclosure processor that monitors array components has experienced a failure.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

Control Module LED Descriptions

Control Module LEDs Color Description

ACT Off No power, secondary control module is not

synchronized with active control module, or error condition.

Green Active control module (serving network I/O).

Orange Secondary control module; cache is

synchronized with active control module.

ERR Off No power or no error condition.

Red Array is starting up or error condition.

PWR Off No power.

Green Power.

Network Interface LED Descriptions

Network Interface LEDs Color Description

Left Off

Green Connected to network.

Right Off No power or not transmitting.

Green Transmitting.

No power or not connected to network.

Power Supply/Cooling Module LED Descriptions

Power Supply/Cooling Module LED

_ _ _ ____

Color Description

Off No power or normal condition

Orange DC power failure

Off No power or normal condition

Orange Fan failure

Off No power or normal condition

Orange AC power failure

Off No power

Green Normal array operation

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

F. Connect Array to a Console Terminal

Establish a serial connection between the array and a console terminal (or a computer running a terminal emulator) to run the you to configure the array and add it to a group. After setting up the array, the serial connection is not needed, but you should keep the serial cable. You can use a serial connection if there is no network access to the group or array.

Note: If you have a Microsoft

Windows® system, you can use the EqualLogic Remote Setup Wizard to configure an array and create a group instead of using the

setup utility. The wizard does not require the serial cable.

The serial connection must have the following characteristics:

• 9600 baud

•One STOP bit

• No parity

• 8 data bits

• No hardware flow control

To create a serial connection, obtain the null modem cable that shipped with the array and refer to the next figure. The serial cable must always be connected to Serial Port 0 on the active control module (ACT LED will be green).

setup utility, which enables

Connecting the Serial Cable

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 2. Configure the Array and Create a Group

Step 2. Configure the Array and Create a Group

The setup utility enables you to configure a storage array on the network and create a PS Series group with the array as the first member. The utility prompts for the array’s network configuration and the group configuration, including the group IP address.

Note: See the tables Network Requirements and Network Recommendations on

page 9 for additional network information.

After the

setup utility completes, the group is available on the network. Next, log

in to the group using the Group Manager GUI or CLI and set the RAID policy for the first member.

A. Before running the

setup utility, gather the information described in the

Member Configuration and Group Configuration tables shown below. Obtain IP addresses from your network administrator, as needed.

Member Configuration

Prompt Description

Member name Unique, descriptive name (up to 64 alphanumeric characters; no

spaces). First character must be a letter or number. Used to identify and administer the array.

Network interface Name of a network interface (either

connected to a functioning port on a network switch.

IP address Network address for the named network interface.

Note: Each member must have at least one network interface on

the same subnet as the group IP address.

Netmask Combines with the IP address to identify the subnet on which the

named network interface resides (default is 255.255.255.0).

Default gateway (optional)

Network address for the device used to connect subnets and forward network traffic beyond the local network. A default gateway is needed only if you want the named network interface to communicate outside the local network (for example, to allow access to volumes from hosts outside the local network).

Note: The default gateway must be on the same subnet as the

named network interface.

eth0, eth1, or eth2) that is

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 2. Configure the Array and Create a Group

Group Configuration

Prompt Description

Group name Name of the group (up to 54 characters). Valid characters include

letters, number, and dashes. The first character must be a letter or number. Identifies the group for the purposes of adding new

members or setting up replication.

Group IP address

Password for managing group membership

Password for the default group administration account

Network address for the group. The group IP address is used for group administration and host access to data stored in the group.

Password required when adding members to the group. The password must have 3 to 16 alphanumeric characters and is case-sensitive.

Password that will override the factory-set password ( for the default 16 alphanumeric characters and is case-sensitive.

grpadmin account. The password must have 3 to

grpadmin)

B. Using the serial connection you established in Step 1-F on page 15, press the

key. At the login prompt, enter the factory-set password, which is also echoed on the screen.

grpadmin account name and the

grpadmin. Note that passwords are not

Welcome to Group Manager

It appears that the storage array has not been configured. Would you like to configure the array now? (y/n) [n] y

C. If you respond by typing y and pressing the key, the following dialog

appears. You can also enter

n and, at a later time, type setup at the console

prompt (>). The utility prompts for the member and group configuration. Press the key to accept a default value. Enter ? to obtain help.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 2. Configure the Array and Create a Group

An example of running the setup utility is shown next. There may be a short delay after entering the group IP address as the array searches the network.

Example of Configuring an Array and Creating a Group

Group Manager Setup Utility

The setup utility establishes the initial network and storage configuration for a storage array and then configures the array as a member or a new or existing group of arrays.

For help, enter a question mark (?) at a prompt.

Do you want to proceed (yes | no) [no]? yes

Initializing. This may take several minutes to complete.

Enter the network configuration for the array:

Member name []: member01 Network interface [eth0]: eth0 IP address for network interface []: 192.17.2.41 Netmask [255.255.255.0]: Default gateway [192.17.2.1]:

Enter the name and IP address of the group that the array will join.

Group name []: group01 Group IP address []: 192.17.2.40

Searching to see if the group exists. This may take a few minutes.

The group does not exist or currently cannot be reached. Make sure you have entered the correct group IP address and group name.

Do you want to create a new group (yes | no) [yes]? yes

Group Configuration

Group Name: group01 Group IP address: 192.17.2.40

Do you want to use the group settings shown above (yes | no) [yes]: yes

Password for managing group membership: Retype password for verification:

Password for the default group administration account: Retype password for verification:

Saving the configuration ...

Waiting for configuration to become active......Done

Group member member01 now active in the group.

Group group01 has been created with one member.

Use the Group manager GUI or CLI to set the RAID policy for the member. You can then create a volume which a host can connect to using an iSCSI initiator.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 3. Set the RAID Policy

Step 3. Set the RAID Policy

After you create the group, use the Group Manager GUI or CLI to set the RAID policy for the member. This will configure the disks automatically according to the selected RAID policy, with the appropriate number of spare disks.

Once you set the RAID policy, volume data can be stored on the member. Until the RAID configuration completes, performance will not be optimal, but the group is fully operational.

You can convert a member to a different RAID policy only if the new policy requires less disk space than the current policy.

Using the GUI to Set the RAID Policy

To start the GUI, specify the group IP address in a Web browser. When prompted, log in to the group by entering the you specified when creating the group. The Group Summary window appears, displaying the current group configuration and storage pool capacity.

Initially, the Group Summary window will display a message that a member exists with an unconfigured RAID policy. This is normal.

grpadmin account name and the password that

Group Summary – RAID Policy Not Set

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 3. Set the RAID Policy

If you place the mouse over the unconfigured member, the following pop-up is displayed, indicating a normal health status.

Not Configured Pop-Up

To set the RAID policy for the member, expand

Members in the far left panel and

select the member name. The following warning appears.

Warning RAID Not Configured

Yes and the Configure Member – General Settings dialog box appears.

Click

Configure Member – General Settings

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 3. Set the RAID Policy

Click Next to continue. The Configure Member – RAID Set Configuration dialog box appears.

Configure Member – RAID Set Configuration (RAID-50)

Specify the RAID policy by selecting one of the buttons under RAID policy:

RAID-10 — Striping on top of multiple RAID 1 (mirrored) sets, with two

• spare disks. RAID-10 provides good performance for random writes, in addition to the highest availability. However, since the disks are mirrored, RAID-10 provides the least capacity.

•

RAID-50 — Striping on top of two RAID 5 (distributed-parity) sets, with two

spare disks. RAID-50 provides a good balance of performance (especially for sequential writes), availability, and capacity.

RAID-5 — One RAID 5 set, with one spare disk. RAID-5 is similar to

• RAID-50, with more capacity (two additional disks) but lower availability and performance.

The values in the dialog box table reflect the pool capacity, based on the selected RAID policy. In the preceding dialog box, selecting RAID-50 yields an estimated member capacity of 3.14 TB. Selecting RAID-10 yields an estimated member capacity of 1.83 TB, as shown in the following dialog box.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 3. Set the RAID Policy

Configure Member – RAID Set Configuration (RAID-10)

Select the desired RAID policy and click

Next to continue. The Configure

Member – Summary dialog box appears.

Configure Member – Summary

If the member configuration is satisfactory, click Finish. The following window shows a completed configuration for a one-member group.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 3. Set the RAID Policy

Group Summary – Completed Member Configuration

Using the CLI to Set the RAID Policy

To access the CLI, establish a telnet or SSH connection to the group IP address or use a serial connection to the array, as described in Step 1-F on page 15. When prompted, log in to the group by entering the password that you specified when creating the group.

grpadmin account name and the

To set the RAID policy for a member, use the following command format:

member select member_name raid-policy raid_policy

The raid_policy variable can be one of the following:

RAID-10 — Striping on top of multiple RAID 1 (mirrored) sets, with one or

• two spare disks. RAID-10 provides good performance for random writes, in addition to the highest availability. However, since the disks are mirrored, RAID 10 provides the least capacity.

•

RAID-50 — Striping on top of two RAID 5 (distributed-parity) sets, with

one or two spare disks. RAID-50 provides a good balance of performance (especially for sequential writes), availability, and capacity.

RAID-5 — One RAID 5 set, with one spare disk. RAID-5 is similar to

• RAID-50, with more capacity (two additional disks) but lower availability and performance.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 3. Set the RAID Policy

• raid10-nospares — Striping on top of multiple RAID 1 sets, with no spares, if possible. This policy should be used only at installations where extra disks and personnel are available at all times to replace failed disks.

Note: This option is available only with the CLI.

raid50-nospares — Striping on top of two RAID 5 sets, with no spares,

• if possible. This policy should be used only at installations where extra disks and personnel are available at all times to replace failed disks.

Note: This option is available only with the CLI.

For example, the following command specifies a RAID policy of RAID-50 for a member:

> member select member01 raid-policy raid50

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 4. Create a Volume

Step 4. Create a Volume

After setting the RAID policy for a member, you can create one or more volumes. For each volume, you must specify:

• Name. Unique name used to manage the volume, up to 64 characters. Valid characters include letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and colons.

• Size. Amount of group space to allocate to the volume.

Optionally, you can override the following default snapshot settings for the volume:

• Snapshot reserve. Amount of group space, as a percentage of the volume size, to reserve for snapshots. The default is 100 percent of the volume size.

• Warning alarm. By default, an alarm is generated when the amount of free snapshot space is less than 10 percent of the total reserved snapshot space.

• Snapshot space recovery policy. Action to take automatically when the volume’s reserved snapshot space has been exceeded: either delete the oldest snapshot (default) or put the volume and all its snapshots offline.

In addition, you must create access control records to allow authorized hosts access to a volume, while denying other hosts access. A volume and its snapshots share a list of records (up to 16).

An access control record can apply to the volume, its snapshots, or both. For example, you may want to give one host access to both the volume and its snapshots and give another host access only to the volume snapshots.

In each access control record, you can specify an IP address, iSCSI initiator name or CHAP user name (or any combination of the three). To access a volume or snapshot, a host must exactly meet all the requirements in one access control record.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 4. Create a Volume

Using the GUI to Create a Volume

Group Summary – No Volumes

grpadmin account name and the password that

Note: To obtain GUI and CLI help from the EqualLogic website, click

the bottom left corner of the GUI and then click

Online Help. You can

Tools in

also copy the help files from the PS Series documentation CD-ROM to the system running the Web browser and then specify a local online help location by clicking

To create a volume, click

User Preferences in the Tools menu.

Create volume in the Activities panel. The

Create Volume – General Settings dialog box appears. Enter the following:

•

Volume name — Unique name, up to 64 alphanumeric characters (including

periods, hyphens, and colons).

•

Volume size — Be sure to select the correct unit (by default, gigabytes).

Snapshot reserve — Amount of snapshot space to reserve for the volume

• (by default, 100% of the volume size). To change the snapshot space warning threshold and snapshot space recovery policy, you must modify the volume.

The values in the storage pool space table in the dialog box reflect the specified volume size and snapshot reserve size.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 4. Create a Volume

Create Volume – General Settings

Click

Next to display the Create Volume – iSCSI Access dialog box. Specify the

IP address, CHAP user name, or iSCSI initiator name to which the volume will be restricted. In the following dialog box, volume access is restricted to IP address

172.17.1.40. You can set up more access controls after creating the volume.

Create Volume – iSCSI Access

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 4. Create a Volume

Click Next to display the Create Volume – Summary dialog box. If the volume configuration is satisfactory, click

Finish to create the volume.

Create Volume – Summary

Once you create a volume, you can create snapshots of the volume or perform other tasks. The following window shows a group with volumes and snapshots.

Group Summary – With Volumes

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 4. Create a Volume

Using the CLI to Create a Volume

To create a volume, use the following command format:

volume create volume_name size[GB] [option]

Specify the volume name and size (the default is megabytes).

grpadmin account name and the

Optionally, specify one or more of the following for the

• snap-reserve percent_volume_size

• snap-depletion delete-oldest | volume-offline

• snap-warn percent_reserve_size

• unrestricted

option variable:

The unrestricted option sets no restrictions on host access to the volume, which is not recommended. Instead, to restrict host access to the volume, create one or more access control records using the following command format:

volume select volume_name access create access_control

The access_control variable can be one or more of the following:

•

initiator initiator_name

•

ipaddress ip_address

•

username chap_username authmethod chap

The following example creates a 50 GB volume and two access control records for the volume. Only a host that has IP address 112.15.7.119 or 112.15.12.120 will be able to access the volume and its snapshots.

> volume create staff1 50GB > volume select staff1 access create ipaddress 112.15.7.119 > volume select staff1 access create ipaddress 112.15.12.120

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Step 5. Connect to the Volume from a Host System

Step 5. Connect to the Volume from a Host System

A PS Series group volume is seen on the network as an iSCSI target. When you create a volume, its iSCSI target name is generated automatically. An example of an iSCSI target name for a volume named

iqn.2001-05.com.equallogic.5-4a0900-2f00000-007eca92d654f160-dbvol

To display the iSCSI target name for a volume, do either of the following:

dbvol is as follows:

• In the CLI, enter the command:

volume show volume_name

• In the GUI, select the volume name in the far left panel and then click the

Status tab to display the iSCSI target name at the bottom of the iSCSI

Connections panel.

To connect to a volume, the host must have an iSCSI initiator running and must match the security credentials in one of the volume’s access control records. Hardware and software initiators are available from a variety of vendors. Configure your initiator using the instructions provided by the vendor.

Note: It is strongly recommended that you visit the EqualLogic Customer

Support website to obtain important information about using initiators to access PS Series group volumes.

The exact procedure for connecting to an iSCSI target depends on the initiator. See the initiator documentation for details. In most cases, you use the initiator configuration utility to specify the group IP address as either the target portal or the discovery address. If the initiator supports the discovery process, it will return a list of iSCSI targets (volumes) that the host can access.

If the initiator does not support discovery, you must also specify the target name. The standard iSCSI port number (3260) may also be required.

Using the initiator configuration utility, select the desired target and log in or connect to the target. If the volume’s access control records use CHAP for initiator authentication, enter the CHAP credentials (user name and password or “secret”) at this time. Note that CHAP must already be set up in the group, as described in the PS Series Group Administration manual.

Once the host connects to the iSCSI target, the volume is seen by the host as a regular disk that can be formatted using the normal operating system utilities. For example, you can partition the disk and create a file system, if desired.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Advanced Operations and More Information

Advanced Operations and More Information

After getting started, you can customize a PS Series group and also utilize the full set of product features and host-based solutions.

You can also obtain technical support. For more information, see Product Documentation and Technical Support on page vi.

The following table lists advanced operations. These group, volume, and member tasks are fully documented in the Group Administration manual.

Advanced Operations

Group Task

Add a member. Although a one-member group is fully functional, adding

Modify the date, time, or time zone or configure NTP.

Create administration accounts.

Set up event notification. To be informed of significant events in a timely manner, set

Configure iSNS. To automate iSCSI target discovery, you can configure the

Configure CHAP. You can use CHAP to restrict host access to volumes. Both

Configure SNMP. To monitor traps from the group, you can use SNMP.

Create pools. With multi-member groups, you can create additional pools

Description

more arrays expands storage pool capacity, increases network bandwidth, and improves overall group performance—without disrupting data availability.

Group time is based on the clock on the first member, which is set at the factory. The default time zone is EST. You can also configure the group to use an NTP server.

The

grpadmin account is the default administration

account. You can set up additional accounts.

up e-mail or syslog notification.

group to use an iSNS server.

initiator and target CHAP authentication are supported.

and assign members and volumes to the pools.

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Advanced Operations and More Information

Advanced Operations (Continued)

Volu m e Ta sk

Create access control records for a volume.

Create snapshots of a volume.

Set up replication across different groups.

Clone a volume, snapshot, or replica.

Promote a replica set. Promotion stops replication, creates a new volume, and

Create collections. Collections provide a way to group multiple related

Member Task

Add network connections. Multiple connections provide performance and availability.

Add disks. Adding disks increases capacity.

Description

An access control record specifies the criteria that a host must meet in order to access the volume.

Snapshots are point-in-time copies of volume data that can be used for backups.

Replicas are point-in-time copies of volume data that are stored separately from volumes for disaster recovery.

Cloning creates a new volume in the group where the cloned volume, snapshot, or replica resides.

transforms the replicas into corresponding snapshots.

volumes together for the purpose of creating snapshots or replication. The administrator can the create a multi-volume snapshot or replica in a single operation or through a single schedule.

Description

Index

access control records, using 25

array

adding to a group 16 configuration prompts 16 configuring 16 console connection 15 creating a group 16 documentation vi environment requirements 6 LED descriptions 12 maximum network configuration

11 network address 16 network connection guidelines 9 network recommendations 9 network requirements 9 password for logging in 17 power requirements 6 power supply connections 8 powering on 12 rack mounting 6 serial connection 15 setting the RAID policy 19 steps for setting up and using 2 unpacking 3 warranty vii

CHAP

specifying host credentials 30 using access control records 30

CLI, accessing 23

collections, defined 32

console connection (serial) 15

control modules

connecting cables 9 network connections 9

default gateway (member) 16

documentation, array vi

Flow Control recommendation 10

Gigabit Ethernet recommendation 9

group

accessing the CLI from a host 23 accessing the GUI from a host 19 accessing volumes from a host 30 advanced operations 31 configuration prompts 17 creating 16 creating volumes 25 customizing 31 defined 1 increasing capacity 2 IP address 17 name 17 network recommendations 9 network requirements 9 online help 26 password for adding members 17 password for managing 17

GUI, accessing 19

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Index

hardware

console connection 15 environment requirements 6 LED descriptions 12 network connections 9 power supply connections 8 powering on array 12 rack mounting array 6 required 4, 5 serial connection 15 setting up 3 shipping box contents 3, 4 unpacking 3

hosts

accessing CLI 23 accessing GUI 19 accessing volumes 25 connecting to volumes 30 Flow Control recommendation 10 Jumbo Frames recommendation 10 restricting access 25 specifying CHAP credentials 30

initiator (iSCSI)

accessing a volume 30 defined 1 host requirements 30

member

adding to a group 16 configuring 16 defined 1 increasing bandwidth 9 increasing capacity 2 multipath I/O recommendation 10 network address 16 network cable requirement 9 network connection guidelines 9 network connection requirement 9 setup prompts 16 subnet access recommendation 10

netmask (member) 16

network

array IP address 16 cables 9 connecting arrays 9 connection guidelines 9 group IP address 17 improving performance 9 maximum configuration 11 recommendations 9 requirements 9

network interfaces

connecting 11 description 9

Jumbo Frames recommendation 10

LEDs, location and description 12

online help, accessing 26

PS Series 3000 QuickStart Index

passwords

for adding a member 17 for logging in to group 17

power supplies

connecting array 8 turning on 12 using UPS systems 8

product return requirements 4

rack mounting array

four-pole rack 6 two-pole rack 6

RAID 10, defined 21

RAID 5, defined 21

RAID 50, defined 21

RAID policy, setting 19

serial connection, setting up 4, 15

setup utility

array configuration prompts 16 creating a group 16 example of creating a group 18 group configuration prompts 17

shipping box contents 3, 4

Spanning-Tree recommendation 10

spares

set as part of RAID policy 19

storage pools, defined 1

switches, recommendations

Flow Control 10 Jumbo Frames 10 Spanning-Tree 10 unicast storm control 10 VLAN 10

target (iSCSI)

connecting to 30 defined 1 obtaining name 30

unicast storm control recommendation

UPS systems, using for availability 8

VLAN recommendation 10

volumes

accessing from a host 30 connecting to 30 creating 25 defined 1 requirements 25 restricting access 25 snapshot settings 25 target name for 30

warranty, array vii

Dell EqualLogic PS3150X User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Preface

Audience

Organization

EqualLogic Website

Product Documentation and Technical Support

Online Help

Warranty Information

Restricted Access Requirement

Introduction to PS Series Storage Arrays

Steps for Setting Up and Using an Array

Step 1. Set Up the Array Hardware

A. Unpack Shipping Box and Gather Hardware

B. Mount Array in a Stable Rack

C. Connect Power Cables for Grounding

D. Connect Array to a Network Switch

E. Turn on Power to Array and Check LEDs for Errors

F. Connect Array to a Console Terminal

Step 2. Configure the Array and Create a Group

Step 3. Set the RAID Policy

Using the GUI to Set the RAID Policy

Using the CLI to Set the RAID Policy

Step 4. Create a Volume

Using the GUI to Create a Volume

Using the CLI to Create a Volume

Step 5. Connect to the Volume from a Host System

Advanced Operations and More Information

Index