HP ProLiant Cluster F100 Datasheet
HP ProLiant Cluster F100 Installation Guide
September 2006 (Second Edition)
Part Number 364768-002
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September 2006 (Second Edition)
Part Number 364768-002
Audience assumptions
This document is for the person who installs, administers, and troubleshoots servers and storage systems.
HP assumes you are qualified in the servicing of computer equipment and trained in recognizing hazards
in products with hazardous energy levels.
Contents
Overview of the HP ProLiant Cluster F100 ....................................................................................... 4
F100 cluster components............................................................................................................................ 4
Guidelines for multiple clusters .................................................................................................................... 5
HP ProLiant servers .................................................................................................................................... 5
HP StorageWorks storage systems............................................................................................................... 5
HP StorageWorks controllers ......................................................................................................................6
HP StorageWorks SAN switches ................................................................................................................. 6
Host bus adapters .....................................................................................................................................6
Optical transceivers................................................................................................................................... 6
Cluster interconnect ................................................................................................................................... 6
Client network................................................................................................................................. 7
Private or public interconnect ............................................................................................................ 7
Interconnect adapters....................................................................................................................... 7
Redundant interconnects................................................................................................................... 7
Cables ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Microsoft software..................................................................................................................................... 8
HP SmartStart CD...................................................................................................................................... 9
Array Configuration Utility................................................................................................................9
ProLiant Support Packs ..................................................................................................................... 9
HP Modular Smart Array 1000 Support Software CD .................................................................................... 9
Systems Insight Manager............................................................................................................................ 9
Resources for application installation ........................................................................................................... 9
Setting Up the HP ProLiant Cluster F100 ........................................................................................ 11
Preinstallation overview............................................................................................................................ 11
Preinstallation guidelines .......................................................................................................................... 12
Installing the hardware............................................................................................................................. 13
Setting up the nodes ......................................................................................................................13
Installing Host Bus Adapters............................................................................................................ 13
Installing the cluster interconnect...................................................................................................... 13
Setting up the storage system .......................................................................................................... 14
Setting up a dedicated interconnect ................................................................................................. 14
Setting up a public interconnect....................................................................................................... 15
Redundant interconnect .................................................................................................................. 15
Multiple cluster setup...................................................................................................................... 15
Installing the software ..............................................................................................................................15
SmartStart installation ..............................................................................................................................16
Cluster-specific SmartStart installation............................................................................................... 16
SmartStart installation steps............................................................................................................. 16
Validating the cluster ............................................................................................................................... 19
Technical support........................................................................................................................ 20
Before you contact HP.............................................................................................................................. 20
HP contact information............................................................................................................................. 20
Acronyms and abbreviations........................................................................................................ 21
Glossary.................................................................................................................................... 23
Index......................................................................................................................................... 28
Contents 3
Overview of the HP ProLiant Cluster F100
In this section
F100 cluster components........................................................................................................................... 4
Guidelines for multiple clusters................................................................................................................... 5
HP ProLiant servers ................................................................................................................................... 5
HP StorageWorks storage systems ............................................................................................................. 5
HP StorageWorks controllers ..................................................................................................................... 6
HP StorageWorks SAN switches................................................................................................................ 6
Host bus adapters .................................................................................................................................... 6
Optical transceivers.................................................................................................................................. 6
Cluster interconnect .................................................................................................................................. 6
Microsoft software.................................................................................................................................... 8
HP SmartStart CD..................................................................................................................................... 9
HP Modular Smart Array 1000 Support Software CD................................................................................... 9
Systems Insight Manager........................................................................................................................... 9
Resources for application installation.......................................................................................................... 9
F100 cluster components
The F100 cluster includes the following hardware solution components:
• Two ProLiant servers ("HP ProLiant servers" on page 5)
• One or more storage systems ("HP StorageWorks storage systems" on page 5)
• MSA1000
• RA4100
• One storage system controller ("HP StorageWorks controllers" on page 6) per storage system
• MSA1000 Controller
• RA4000 Controller
• One supported switch ("HP StorageWorks SAN switches" on page 6) or hub
• One supported HBA ("Host bus adapters" on page 6, "host bus adapter" on page 24) per server
• NICs
• Optical transceivers (on page 6)
• Cables (on page 8):
• Multi-mode Fibre Channel cable
• Ethernet crossover cable
• Network (LAN) cable
• Software solution components:
• Microsoft® operating system ("Microsoft software" on page 8)
• HP SmartStart CD (on page 9) (included in the Server Setup and Management Pack)
Overview of the HP ProLiant Cluster F100 4
HP Modular Smart Array 1000 Support Software CD (on page 9) (if using the MSA1000
•
storage system)
• Systems Insight Manager (on page 9) (optional)
IMPORTANT: Refer to the MSCS support matrix for the supported hardware, software, cluster-supported
servers, and firmware version levels the cluster requires. To obtain the matrix, access the High Availability
website (http://www.hp.com/servers/proliant/highavailability
), click Cluster configuration support
matrices in the Related Information pane. Select the operating system, then the storage system for your
configuration to display the matrix.
Guidelines for multiple clusters
Multiple-cluster configuration is available for the MSA1000 storage systems. The F100 for MSA1000 can
have the following:
• Two-node clusters for Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Advanced Server
• Eight-node clusters for Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
• Five MSA1000 storage systems per cluster
• Up to five two-node clusters sharing a single MSA1000
• A maximum of 20 total nodes in unique clusters, not to exceed five unique clusters if using two-node
clusters
The F100 for MSA1000 has the following guidelines for multiple-cluster setup:
• Each two-node cluster must use the same model of ProLiant server.
• Each server in a cluster must use the same operating system.
• Each two-node cluster can use a different operating system from the other clusters.
• The MSA1000 must have the appropriate firmware. Use the MSAFlash utility to upgrade the
firmware.
• The ACU and the HBA drivers must be installed or updated to the supported versions. Use the HP
Modular Smart Array 1000 Support Software CD to install or upgrade these items.
• When cabling multiple clusters, it is important to cable the first HBA of each cluster node to the first
switch.
HP ProLiant servers
HP industry-standard servers are a primary component of all models of ProLiant clusters. For more detailed
information, refer to the server documentation provided with the ProLiant server.
To obtain a comprehensive list of cluster-supported servers, refer to the High Availability website
(http://www.hp.com/servers/proliant/highavailability
).
HP StorageWorks storage systems
The F100 must have at least one storage device set up as external shared storage. Consult the F100
ProLiant cluster website to determine the maximum supported cluster configuration.
The supported storage systems for the F100 are:
• MSA1000
• RA4100
Overview of the HP ProLiant Cluster F100 5
For more information on the shared storage system, refer to the shared storage documentation.
HP StorageWorks controllers
Each storage system is shipped with one HP StorageWorks Controller installed. In an F100 cluster, each
controller is connected to the servers through a single switch or Fibre Channel storage hub.
The supported storage system controllers for the F100 are:
• MSA1000 Controller
• RA4000 Controller
For more information, refer to the controller documentation.
For more information about shared storage clustering, refer to the Microsoft® clustering documentation.
HP StorageWorks SAN switches
A StorageWorks SAN Switch is an interconnect component built on Fibre Channel technology and has 2
Gb/s connectivity for an entry-level SAN. It is fully non-blocking and can provide up to 32 Gb/s
switching capacity for uncongested sustained 2 Gb/s full duplex throughput.
For more information, refer to the appropriate SAN switch documentation.
Host bus adapters
The HBA is the interface between the servers and the F100 storage system. At least two HBAs, one for
each cluster node, are required in the ProLiant Cluster F100 configuration.
For more information, refer to the HBA documentation.
Optical transceivers
The F100 cluster uses optical transceivers, which convert data that is transmitted and received over a
fibre-optic cable. The F100 cluster uses either SFP for the MSA1000 or GBIC-SW for the RA4100.
The transceivers hot plug into switches, Fibre Channel storage hubs, array controllers, and HBAs. The SFP
transceiver provides 200 Mb/s performance and the GBIC-SW provides 100-Mb/s performance. The
transceivers support distances up to 500 meters using multimode fiber-optic cable.
For more information, refer to the transceiver documentation.
Cluster interconnect
The cluster interconnect is a data path over which nodes of a cluster communicate. This type of
communication is termed intracluster communication. At a minimum, the interconnect consists of two
network adapters (one in each server) and a crossover cable connecting the adapters.
The cluster nodes use the interconnect data path to:
• Communicate individual resource and overall cluster status
• Send and receive heartbeat signals
• Update modified registry information
Overview of the HP ProLiant Cluster F100 6
IMPORTANT: TCP/IP must be used as the cluster communication protocol. When configuring the
interconnects, be sure to enable TCP/IP.
Client network
Every client/server application requires a LAN over which client machines and servers communicate. The
components of the LAN are no different than with a stand-alone server configuration.
Because clients desiring the full advantage of the cluster will now connect to the cluster rather than to a
specific server, configuring client connections will differ from those for a stand-alone server. Clients will
connect to virtual servers, which are cluster groups that contain their own IP addresses.
Private or public interconnect
There are two types of interconnect paths:
• Private interconnect
• Public interconnect
For more information on recommended interconnect strategies, refer to the white paper, Best Practices
Checklist—Increasing Network Fault Tolerance in a Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003, Enterprise
Edition High Availability Server Cluster, available from the ProLiant High Availability website
(http://www.hp.com/servers/proliant/highavailability
).
Interconnect adapters
Ethernet adapters and switches are supported as interconnects in ProLiant clusters. Either a 10-Mb/s, 100Mb/s, or 1000-Mb/s Ethernet adapter can be used.
Ethernet adapters can be connected together using an Ethernet crossover cable or a private Ethernet hub.
Both of these options provide a dedicated interconnect.
Implementing a direct Ethernet connection minimizes potential single points of failure.
NOTE: An Ethernet crossover cable is provided in the HP ProLiant Cluster Starter kit.
Redundant interconnects
To reduce potential disruptions of intracluster communication, use a redundant path over which
communication can continue if the primary path is disrupted.
HP recommends configuring the client LAN as a backup path for intracluster communication. This provides
a secondary path for the cluster heartbeat in case the dedicated primary path for intracluster
communications fails. This is configured when installing the cluster software, or it can be added later
using the MSCS Cluster Administrator.
HP offers a feature that configures two HP Ethernet adapters (or two ports on a single adapter) so that one
is a hot backup for the other. There are two ways to achieve this configuration, called NIC Teaming, and
the method you choose depends on the hardware. One way is through the use of the Redundant NIC
Utility available on all HP 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet products. The other option is through the use of
the Network Fault Tolerance feature designed to operate with the HP 10/100/1000 Intel® silicon-based
NICs.
For more information on recommended interconnect strategies, refer to the white paper, Best Practices
Checklist—Increasing Network Fault Tolerance in a Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003, Enterprise
Edition High Availability Server Cluster, available from the ProLiant High Availability website
(http://www.hp.com/servers/proliant/highavailability
).
Overview of the HP ProLiant Cluster F100 7
Cables
Three general categories of cables are used for the F100 cluster:
• Server to storage
• Cluster interconnect
Server to storage
Cluster interconnect
• Network interconnect
Shortwave (multi-mode) fiber optic cables are used to connect the servers, switches or Fibre Channel
storage hubs, and storage systems in a Fibre Channel configuration.
When Ethernet cluster interconnect cables are used with Ethernet NICs to implement the interconnect,
there are three options:
• Dedicated interconnect using an Ethernet crossover cable—An Ethernet crossover cable (supplied in
the HP ProLiant Cluster Starter kit) can be used to connect the NICs directly to create a dedicated
interconnect. This option is applies to only two-node clusters.
• Dedicated interconnect using standard Ethernet cables and a private Ethernet hub—Standard
Ethernet cables can be used to connect the NICs through a private Ethernet hub to create another
type of dedicated interconnect. Do not use an Ethernet crossover cable when using an Ethernet hub
because the hub performs the crossover function.
• Shared interconnect using standard Ethernet cables and a public hub—Standard Ethernet cables can
also be used to connect the NICs to a public network to create a non-dedicated interconnect.
Network interconnect
Standard Ethernet cables are used to provide this type of connection.
Microsoft software
Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003, Enterprise Edition and Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Advanced
Server are the operating systems for the HP ProLiant Cluster F100.
The Microsoft® clustering software provides the underlying technology to:
• Send and receive heartbeat signals between the cluster nodes.
• Monitor the state of each cluster node.
Initiate failover and failback events.
Microsoft® Cluster Administrator enables you to:
• Define and modify cluster groups.
• Manually control the cluster.
• View the current state of the cluster.
For more information, refer to the Microsoft® documentation.
Overview of the HP ProLiant Cluster F100 8
HP SmartStart CD
SmartStart is a software package that provides a streamlined process for the installation of operating
systems, and provides key system software, such as drivers, utilities, diagnostic tools, and ROM updates.
SmartStart also provides automated methods for configuring server settings.
HP SmartStart is located on the HP SmartStart CD included in the ProLiant Essentials Foundation Pack
shipped with ProLiant servers. HP recommends using SmartStart to configure the F100 cluster nodes.
SmartStart uses a step-by-step process to configure the operating system and load the system software. For
information concerning SmartStart, refer to the ProLiant Essentials Foundation Pack.
For more information about using SmartStart to install the F100 cluster nodes, refer to SmartStart
Array Configuration Utility
ProLiant Support Packs
installation (on page 16) in this guide.
The ACU is a Web-based configuration utility available for some servers that makes it easy to configure
and expand the disk drive arrays. The ACU is available on the SmartStart CD or the HP Modular SAN
Array 1000 Support Software CD.
PSPs represent operating system-specific bundles of ProLiant optimized drivers, utilities, and management
agents. Refer to the PSP website
(http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/servers/management/psp.html
).
HP Modular Smart Array 1000 Support Software CD
The HP Modular Smart Array 1000 Support Software CD contains drivers and utilities required for the
MSA1000 storage system. The CD contains items, such as the Fibre Channel HBA drivers, which are
required for the HBAs to communicate with the MSA1000 storage system. The CD also contains the ACU,
which enables you to view, set up, and configure HP array controllers and storage systems.
For more information on the HP Modular Smart Array 1000 Support Software CD, refer to the HP
Modular Smart Array 1000 Setup and Management kit.
Systems Insight Manager
Systems Insight Manager is a Web-based application that enables system administrators to accomplish
normal administrative tasks from any remote location, using a Web browser. Systems Insight Manager
provides device-management capabilities that consolidate and integrate management data from HP and
third-party devices.
For additional information, refer to the Management CD in the ProLiant Essentials Foundation Pack.
Resources for application installation
The client/server software applications are among the key components of any cluster. HP is working with
its key software partners to ensure that cluster-aware applications are available and that the applications
work seamlessly on HP ProLiant clusters.
HP provides a number of checklists and white papers to assist you with installing these applications in an
HP ProLiant cluster environment.
Overview of the HP ProLiant Cluster F100 9
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