Dell Equallogic PS5000e User Manual

PS Series Arrays Installation and Setup

Copyright 2008 Dell, Inc. All rights reserved.

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.

July 2008

Part Number: M368H Rev. A00

ii

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

1 Introduction....................................................................................................1-1

PS Series Arrays and Groups.............................................................................. 1-1

Steps for Getting Started..................................................................................... 1-3

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

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

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

PS5000 Hardware Installation............................................................................ 2-3

Before You Begin to Install a PS5000......................................................... 2-3

PS5000 Environmental Requirements................................................... 2-4

PS5000 Shipping Box Contents and Required Hardware..................... 2-5

PS5000 Rack Mount Requirement........................................................ 2-7

Installing the PS5000 Hardware................................................................... 2-7

Step 1: Connect the PS5000 to Power................................................... 2-8

Step 2: Connect the PS5000 to the Network......................................... 2-9

Step 3: Turn on Power to the PS5000.................................................. 2-11

Step 4: Set Up a Serial Connection to the PS5000.............................. 2-11

PS5500 Hardware Installation.......................................................................... 2-12

Before You Begin to Install a PS5500....................................................... 2-12

PS5500 Environmental Requirements................................................. 2-13

PS5500 Shipping Box Contents and Required Hardware................... 2-14

PS5500 Rack Mount Requirement...................................................... 2-15

Installing the PS5500 Hardware................................................................. 2-16

Step 1: Connect the PS5500 to Power.................................................2-16

Step 2: Connect the PS5500 to the Network.......................................2-20

Step 3: Turn on Power to the PS5500.................................................. 2-22

Step 4: Set Up a Serial Connection to the PS5500.............................. 2-23

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

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

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

iii

Installation and Setup Table of Contents

Step 3: Start the Software Configuration............................................................ 3-4

Using the setup Utility to Configure the Software....................................... 3-4

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

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

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

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

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

iv

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 PS5000 and PS5500 array hardware,
configure the software, and start using the SAN.

Audience

This manual is designed for the administrators responsible for installing PS5000
and PS5500 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 PS5000 and PS5500

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, Introduction, describes PS Series groups and the steps for getting
started.

• Chapter 2, Hardware Installation, describes how to install the PS5000 and
PS5500 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.

v

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.

• PS Series Installation and Setup. Describes how to install the array hardware
and configure the software. It also describes how to create and connect to a
volume.

• PS Series Hardware Mainte nance. 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

vi

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.

Contact Us on the left side 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 Introduction

This chapter provides an introduction to PS Series storage arrays and groups and
describes the steps for getting started.

PS Series Arrays and Groups

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.

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

You can quickly configure the PS Series software and initialize an array. Then,
you can create a group with the array as the first member or add the array to an
existing group. When you expand a group, capacity and performance increase
automatically, with no disruption to users. The new member’s storage space is
added to the group storage pool, where it is immediately ready for use.

To manage a group, you use the Group Manager graphical user interface or
command line user interface. Allocate group storage pool space to users and
applications by creating volumes. To each volume, you assign a 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. Data and network
I/O to volumes are automatically load balanced across the disks and network
interfaces—with no impact on data availability. See Figure 1-1.

1-1

Installation and Setup Introduction

Figure 1-1: Group With One Member

To connect to a volume, a computer needs only a standard 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 computer as a regular disk that can be formatted as usual.

In a multi-member group, load balancing across members occurs automatically, as
needed. Management overhead remains the same. Regardless of size, you manage
the group as a single system though a single network address, called the group IP
address.

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. Members and
volumes can move between pools, while data remains online. See Figure 1-2.

Figure 1-2: Expanded Group With Multiple Members and Pools

1-2

Installation and Setup Introduction

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

hardware installation information for the PS5000 array and the PS5500 array.
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 Confi guration.

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.

1-3

2 Hardware Installation

The first step in using your PS Series array is to install the hardware. This chapter
contains installation information for PS5000 arrays and PS5500 arrays.

• Pro tec ting Hardware on page 2-1

• Network Requirements and Recommendations on page 2-2

• PS5000 Hardware Installation on page 2-3

• PS5500 Hardware Installation on page 2-12

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 Installing Array Hardware

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 performan ce 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 ensure
that all network connections between computers and arrays are
Gigabit Ethernet. An array can operate at 10 and 100 Mbits, but
performance will be degraded.

For increased bandwidth and availability, connect all the network
interfaces 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 ensure that no single point of failure
exists between computers 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.

2–2

Installation and Setup Installing Array Hardware

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.

PS5000 Hardware Installation

The following sections describe the PS5000 hardware installation.

Before You Begin to Install a PS5000

You must meet these prerequisites before beginning a PS5000 installation:

• Make sure the array and installation location meet the environmental
requirements. See PS5000 Environmental Requirements on page 2-4.

• Gather all the required hardware. See PS5500 Shipping Box Contents and
Required Hardware on page 2-14

• Rack mount the array. See PS5500 Rack Mount Requirement on page 2-15.

2–3

Installation and Setup Installing Array Hardware

PS5000 Environmental Requirements

You must meet these environmental requirements:

• 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.

• Have sufficient space for air flow in front of and behind the array.

• Make sure the location is properly vented.

• Follow the PS5000 technical specifications shown in Table 2-2.

Table 2-2: PS5000 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
Maximum operating altitude 10,000 feet (3048 meters)
Operational relative humidity 20 to 80% 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)
Height/Width/Depth 5.12” x 19” x 21.7” (13 x 48.26 x 55.1 cm)
Each power supply 450 watts DC output

Maximum input power: 0.7 KVA

Input current: 7 – 3.5A

2–4

Installation and Setup Installing Array Hardware

PS5000 Shipping Box Contents and Required Hardware

See the PS5000 Unpacking Instructions for information about unpacking the array
shipping box.

After unpacking the shipping box, make sure you have the hardware described in
Table 2-3. 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 Shipping Box Contents

Component Description

3U array chassis Contains two control modules, two power supply and cooling

modules, and eight or 16 disks, either Serial Attached SCSI
(SAS) disks or Serial ATA (SATA) disks.

PS5000 arrays support two types of control modules, depending
on the disks installed in the array:

• Type 4 control modules (gray face plate) for use with SAS
disks (black disk release button).

• Type 5 (olive face plate) control modules for use with
SATA disks (gray disk release button).

See the PS Series Release Notes for the latest supported control
modules.

Do not mix control module types in an array. Also, make sure
the disk type is compatible with the control module type.

Note: This manual shows PS5000 arrays with Type 5 control

modules installed. The information is also applicable to
arrays with Type 4 control modules.

Type 4 Control Module

Type 5 Control Module

2–5

Installation and Setup Installing Array Hardware

Table 2-3: Description of Shipping Box Contents (Continued)

Component Description

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

Rail assembly kit for a
two-pole rack

Electrostatic wrist strap Protects sensitive hardware from electrical discharge.
Documentation and

CD-ROMs

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

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

Includes the following:

• Release Notes

• Unpacking Instructions

• Four-Pole Rack Mount Addendum

• Setup poster

• Installation and S e tup manual

• License and warranty information

• Documentation CD-ROM

• Host Integration Tools CD-ROM

• Localization CD-ROM

setup utility or if

Table 2-4: Required Hardware – Not Supplied

Component Description

Standard 19” two- or
four-pole rack

Two to six network
cables

Network switch Connects devices to a network. Multiple switches are

2–6

Provides easy access to 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. Use Category 5 cables
only if they adhere to the TIA/EIA TSB95 standard.

recommended.