Dell EqualLogic PS4000E User Manual

PS SERIES STORAGE ARRAYS

Installation and Setup Manual PS4000

Dell is a trademark of Dell, Inc.

EqualLogic is a registered trademark.

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

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell is strictly forbidden.

April 2009

Part Number: F465T Rev. A00

Compliance Model E01J Compliance Type E01J001

Table of Contents

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

Audience ................................................................................................................v

Organization ..........................................................................................................v

Documentation ......................................................................................................vi

Technical Support and Customer Service ............................................................vii

1 Steps for Getting Started............................................................................... 1-1

2 Hardware Installation ................................................................................... 2-1

Protecting Hardware ........................................................................................... 2-1

Network Requirements and Recommendations.................................................. 2-2

Installing a PS4000 Array................................................................................... 2-4

Before You Begin ........................................................................................ 2-4

Environmental Requirements ................................................................ 2-5

Shipping Box Contents and Required Hardware................................... 2-6

Rack Mount Requirements .................................................................... 2-7

Installing the Hardware................................................................................ 2-7

Step 1: Connect the Array to Power ...................................................... 2-8

Step 2: Connect the Array to the Network ............................................ 2-9

Step 3: Turn on Power to the Array..................................................... 2-12

Step 4: Set Up a Serial Connection to the Array ................................. 2-12

Serial Cable Pinout Information................................................................. 2-14

3 Software Configuration................................................................................. 3-1

Step 1: Choose a Configuration Method ............................................................ 3-1

Step 2: Collect Configuration Information......................................................... 3-1

Step 3: Start the Software Configuration............................................................ 3-3

Using the setup Utility to Configure the Software....................................... 3-3

Using the Remote Setup Wizard to Configure the Software ....................... 3-6

Step 4: Set the Member RAID Policy................................................................. 3-7

Using the CLI to Set the RAID Policy......................................................... 3-7

Using the GUI to Set the RAID Policy ........................................................ 3-8

4 Storage Allocation.......................................................................................... 4-1

Step 1: Create a Volume..................................................................................... 4-1

Using the CLI to Create a Volume............................................................... 4-2

Using the GUI to Create a Volume .............................................................. 4-3

Step 2: Connect a Computer to a Volume .......................................................... 4-5

iii

Installation and Setup Table of Contents

5 Where to Go Next .......................................................................................... 5-1

Common Group Customization Tasks................................................................ 5-1

Advanced Group Administration Tasks ............................................................. 5-2

Appendix A Información sobre normativas ...................................... A-1

Información NOM (únicamente para México)...................................................A-1

Equipos portátiles ...............................................................................................A-1

Index............................................................................................................Index-1

Preface

With one or more PS Series storage arrays, you can create a PS Series group—a self-managing, iSCSI storage area network (SAN) that is affordable and easy to use, regardless of scale.

This manual describes how to install PS4000 array hardware, configure the software, and start using the SAN.

Audience

This manual is designed for the administrators responsible for installing array hardware. Administrators are not required to have extensive network or storage system experience. However, it may be useful to understand:

• Basic networking concepts

• Current network environment

• User disk storage requirements

• RAID configurations

• Disk storage management

Note: Although this manual provides examples of using PS Series arrays in some

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

Organization

This manual is organized as follows:

• Chapter 1, Steps for Getting Started, describes the steps for getting started.

• Chapter 2, Hardware Installation, describes how to install the array hardware.

• Chapter 3, Software Configuration, describes how to initialize an array and either create a group with the array as the first member or add the array to an existing group.

Installation and Setup Preface

• Chapter 4, Storage Allocation, describes how to create and connect to a volume.

• Chapter 5, Where to Go Next, describes basic and advanced group administration tasks.

Documentation

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

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

• Dell EqualLogic PS Series Array End User License Agreement (EULA)

• Warranty and Support Information (WSI)

• Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Information (SERI)

• PS Series Hardware Maintenance. Describes how to maintain the array hardware. Use the manual for your array model.

• PS Series 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.

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

• PS Series Online help. In the Group Manager GUI, expand left panel and then click

Documentation for Host Integration Tools for Microsoft

Online Help for help on both the GUI and the CLI.

Tools in the far

Windows® includes the

following:

• Host Integration Tools Release Notes. Provides the latest information about the Host Integration Tools, including the Remote Setup Wizard.

• Host Integration Tools User Guide. Describes how to install and use the Host Integration Tools.

support.dell.com/EqualLogic for the latest documentation.

See

Installation and Setup Preface

Technical Support and Customer Service

Dell's support service is available to answer your questions about PS Series arrays. If you have an Express Service Code, have it ready when you call. The code helps Dell's automated-support telephone system direct your call more efficiently.

Contacting Dell

Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area.

For customers in the United States, call 800-945-3355.

Note: If you do not have an Internet connection, you can find contact information

on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.

To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues:

1. Visit

2. Verify your country or region in the Choose A Country/Region drop-down

3. Click

4. Select the appropriate service or support link based on your need.

5. Choose the method of contacting Dell that is convenient for you.

support.dell.com.

menu at the bottom of the window.

Online Services

You can learn about Dell products and services on the following websites:

www.dell.com/

•

• www.dell.com/ap/ (Asian/Pacific countries only)

•

www.dell.com/jp (Japan only)

www.euro.dell.com (Europe only)

•

vii

Installation and Setup Preface

• www.dell.com/la (Latin American countries)

www.dell.ca (Canada only)

•

You can access Dell Support through the following websites:

support.dell.com

•

• support.dell.com/EqualLogic

• support.jp.dell.com (Japan only)

support.euro.dell.com (Europe only)

•

viii

1 Steps for Getting Started

To set up a SAN and start using your array, follow these steps:

1. Set up the PS Series array hardware configuration. This manual includes information on connecting a PS Series array to your network and to power.

See Chapter 2, Hardware Installation.

2. Configure the PS Series software. First, initialize an array to make it accessible on the network. Then, either create a group with the array as the first group member or add the array to an existing group. When you expand a group, capacity and performance increase automatically.

There are two methods for configuring the software. If you have a Windows computer and meet the requirements, use the Remote Setup Wizard. The

setup utility is supported in all environments.

See Chapter 3, Software Configuration.

3. Start using the SAN. Allocate group storage space to users and applications by creating volumes. A volume appears on the network as an iSCSI target. Use a computer’s iSCSI initiator to connect to a volume. Once you connect to a volume, it appears as a regular disk on the computer.

See Chapter 4, Storage Allocation.

After getting started, you can customize the group and use its more advanced features. See Chapter 5, Where to Go Next.

1-1

2 Hardware Installation

The first step in using your PS Series array is to install the hardware. This chapter contains the following general electrostatic safety and network information, and installation information for PS4000 arrays.

After installing the array hardware, you can configure the software, as described in Chapter 3, Software Configuration.

Protecting Hardware

Protect a PS Series array from electrostatic discharge. When handling array hardware, make sure you use the electrostatic wrist strap that is shipped with the array or a similar form of protection.

To use the wrist strap:

1. Connect the steel snap on the coil cord to the stud on the elastic band. See Figure 2-1.

Figure 2-1: Using an Electrostatic Wrist Strap

2. Fit the band closely around your wrist.

3. Connect the banana plug to ground, or attach the plug to the alligator clip and connect the clip to a grounded device such as an ESD mat or the metal frame of a grounded piece of equipment.

2–1

Installation and Setup Network Requirements and Recommendations

Network Requirements and Recommendations

The minimum network configuration for a PS Series array consists of a connection between Ethernet 0 on each control module and a computer or a network switch. To increase performance and availability, configure multiple network interfaces on an array and connect them to multiple switches.

Network recommendations are described in Table 2-1. In addition, all the usual rules for proper network configuration apply to PS Series arrays. General network configuration is beyond the scope of this manual.

Table 2-1: Network Recommendations

Recommendation Description

Switched Gigabit Ethernet network

Multiple network connections to different network switches

Access to the group IP address

Redundant network paths between computers and arrays

For replication, a reliable, adequately sized network link

Connect arrays and computers to a switched network and make sure that all network connections between computers and arrays are Gigabit Ethernet. Although an array can operate at 10 or 100 Mbits, performance will be slower than when using a Gigabit Ethernet switch.

For increased bandwidth and availability, connect Ethernet 0 and Ethernet 1 on both control modules to multiple network switches.

The switches must be connected using interswitch links. The links must have sufficient bandwidth to handle the iSCSI traffic.

After connecting the network interfaces, use the Group Manager GUI or CLI to assign an IP address and netmask to each interface.

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

Use a multipathing solution to make sure that no single point of failure exists between computers and arrays.

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

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Installation and Setup Network Requirements and Recommendations

Table 2-1: Network Recommendations (Continued)

Recommendation Description

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

VLANs Configure switches to use VLANs to separate iSCSI SAN traffic

If possible, do not use Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP) on switch ports that connect end nodes (iSCSI initiators or array network interfaces).

However, if you must 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 it should only be enabled on switch ports that connect end nodes.

You can use Spanning-Tree for a single-cable connection between switches, and you can use 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 each NIC that handles iSCSI traffic.

from other network traffic.

2–3

Installation and Setup Installing a PS4000 Array

Installing a PS4000 Array

Figure 2-2 shows the front view of a PS4000 array, which is a 3U array with 16 drive slots, two power supply and cooling modules, and two control modules of the same type; either two Type 8 or two Type 9 control modules.

Figure 2-3 shows the rear view, with two Type 8 control modules.

Figure 2-2: PS4000 Array - Front View (without Bezel)

Figure 2-3: PS4000 Array - Rear View

Before You Begin

You must meet these prerequisites before installing a PS4000 array:

• Make sure the array and installation location meet the environmental requirements. See Environmental Requirements on page 2-5.

• Gather all the required hardware. See Shipping Box Contents and Required Hardware on page 2-6.

• Rack mount the array. See Rack Mount Requirements on page 2-7.

2–4

Installation and Setup Installing a PS4000 Array

Environmental Requirements

You must meet these environmental requirements for a PS4000 array:

• Only operate an enclosure from a power source with a voltage range of 100 to 240 VAC.

• Make sure each power source has sufficient electrical overload protection.

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

• Make sure the location is properly vented.

• Review the technical specifications in Table 2-2 to make sure your environment supports its requirements.

Table 2-2: PS4000 Technical Specifications

Component Requirement

Weight of fully-loaded array 77.6 pounds or 35 kilograms

Operating temperature 41 to 95 degrees F / 5 to 35 degrees C

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

Operating altitude 10,000 feet (3048 meters)

Operational relative humidity 20 to 80 percent non-condensing

Thermal output (fully-loaded array) 1700 BTU/hour (SAS disks)

1550 BTU/hour (SATA disks)

Operational shock 5 G for 10 ms 1/2 sin

Operational vibration Random 0.21grms 5 - 500 Hz

Input voltage 100 to 240 VAC (auto-sensing)

Input frequency 48 - 62 Hz

System input power 530 VA (maximum)

Each power supply 450 watts DC output

Maximum input power: 0.7 KVA Input current: 7 – 3.5A

Dimensions 5.12 in. x 19 in. x 21.7 in.

(13 cm x 48.26 cm x 55.1 cm)

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Installation and Setup Installing a PS4000 Array

Shipping Box Contents and Required Hardware

Make sure you have all the items supplied in the shipping box, described in Table 2-3. This information is also listed on the Unpacking document in the shipping box.

You must also provide additional hardware that is specific to your environment and not included in the shipping box. See Table 2-4.

Table 2-3: Description of PS4000 Shipping Box Contents

Component Description

PS Series Array The PS4000 array contains either two Type 8 control modules

(purple face plate) or two Type 9 control modules (yellow face plate).

The array also contains two power supply and cooling modules, and eight or 16 disk drives, either Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or Serial ATA (SATA).

Power cables Connects an array to power sources. The shipping box may

contain different types of power cables to meet the electrical requirements of the country in which the array will reside. Use the cable type that is right for your environment.

If power cables are not included in the shipping box, contact your PS Series array support provider or reseller.

Serial cable Creates a serial connection between an array and a console or

terminal emulator. Use the cable to run the there is no network access to the array or group.

Rail assembly kit for a four-pole rack

Electrostatic wrist strap Protects sensitive hardware from electrical discharge.

Documentation The following documentation is included in the shipping box:

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

• Unpacking Instructions

• Rack Mount Instructions

• Setup poster

• Installation and Setup manual

• License, regulatory, and warranty information

setup utility or if

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