Dell EqualLogic PS4000 Manuel utilisateur

Dell EqualLogic

Configuration Guide

Dell EqualLogic

Storage Infrastructure and Solutions

Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3

Revision History

Revision

Date

Changes

v11.1

April 2010

Updated content. Applied new template.

v11.2

July 2010

Quarterly version cycle update: content additions and edits.

V11.3

Oct 2010

Quarterly version cycle update: content additions and edits.

THIS WHITE PAPER IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, AND MAY CONTAIN TYPOGRAPHICAL

ERRORS AND TECHNICAL INACCURACIES. THE CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS, WITHOUT EXPRESS OR

IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND.

the express written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. For more information, contact Dell.

Dell, the DELL logo, and the DELL badge, PowerConnect™, Dell™ EqualLogic™, PowerEdge™and

PowerVault™are trademarks of Dell Inc. Broadcom™is a registered trademark of Broadcom

Corporation. Intel™is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

Microsoft™, Windows™, Windows Server™, and Active Directory™are either trademarks or registered

trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3

Table of Contents

1Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Audience....................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Document Structure ......................................................................................... 1

2PS Series Storage Arrays .......................................................................................... 2

2.1 Array Models .................................................................................................. 2

2.2 Feature Comparison ......................................................................................... 3

2.3 Controllers .................................................................................................... 4

2.3.1 Controller Types ........................................................................................ 4

2.3.2 Controller Redundancy................................................................................. 5

2.3.3 Controller Failover ..................................................................................... 5

2.3.4 Firmware ................................................................................................. 7

2.4 RAID Policies .................................................................................................. 9

2.4.1 RAID 5..................................................................................................... 9

2.4.2 RAID 6.................................................................................................... 10

2.4.3 RAID 10 .................................................................................................. 11

2.4.4 RAID 50 .................................................................................................. 12

3Peer Storage Operations......................................................................................... 14

3.1 Groups ........................................................................................................ 14

3.2 Pools........................................................................................................... 14

3.3 Volumes....................................................................................................... 15

3.3.1 Volume Attributes ..................................................................................... 16

3.3.2 Volume Features ....................................................................................... 17

3.3.3 Thin Provisioning....................................................................................... 17

3.3.4 Snapshots ............................................................................................... 18

3.3.5 Cloning .................................................................................................. 18

3.3.6 Replication.............................................................................................. 19

3.3.7 Clustering ............................................................................................... 24

4SAN Design ......................................................................................................... 25

4.1 Implementation of Standards ............................................................................. 25

4.2 General Requirements and Recommendations ......................................................... 25

4.2.1 Quality of Service (QoS) .............................................................................. 26

Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3

iii

4.3 Ethernet Switches and Infrastructure.................................................................... 27

4.3.1 Connecting SAN Switches in a Layer 2 Network................................................... 28

4.3.2 Sizing Inter-Switch Connections ..................................................................... 30

4.3.3 Comparing Inter-Switch Connection Types ........................................................ 31

4.4 Host Configuration Guidelines ............................................................................ 32

4.4.1 Recommendations for Host Connectivity in Redundant SANs................................... 32

4.4.2 Multi-Path I/O .......................................................................................... 33

4.5 EqualLogic iSCSI SAN Design ............................................................................... 35

4.5.1 Redundant SAN Configuration ....................................................................... 35

4.5.2 Partially Redundant SAN Configurations ........................................................... 36

4.6 Integrating 1GbE and 10GbE SANs ........................................................................ 38

5M1000e Blade Chassis Integration.............................................................................. 40

5.1 Guidelines for Stacking Switches in a Blade Chassis................................................... 40

5.2 Single M1000e Enclosure Integration..................................................................... 41

5.3 Multiple M1000e Enclosure Integration .................................................................. 41

5.4 M1000e Ethernet Pass-Through I/O Module ............................................................. 43

5.5 External Tier Stacking ...................................................................................... 43

5.6 Stack to Stack Interconnect ............................................................................... 43

5.6.1 10GbE Uplink Recommendations .................................................................... 43

5.6.2 1GbE Uplink Recommendations ..................................................................... 44

Appendix A Network Ports and Protocols ...................................................................... 47

A.1 Required Ports and Protocols ................................................................................ 47

A.2 Optional Ports and Protocols................................................................................. 47

Appendix B Recommended Switches ........................................................................... 49

B.1 Recommended 1GbE Switches ............................................................................... 49

B.2 Recommended 10GbE Switches.............................................................................. 50

Appendix C Supported iSCSI Initiators.......................................................................... 51

C.1 Hardware iSCSI Initiators (HBAs) ............................................................................ 51

C.2 Software iSCSI Initiators ...................................................................................... 52

C.3 Network Interface Controllers ............................................................................... 53

Appendix D PowerConnect 54xx Switch Configuration ...................................................... 54

D.1 Disabling iSCSI Optimization Setting ........................................................................ 54

D.2 Enabling the PortFast Option to Configure STP Edge Ports ............................................. 55

D.3 Configuring Flow Control ..................................................................................... 55

Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3

D.4 Disabling Unicast Storm Control ............................................................................. 56

D.5 Configuring Jumbo Frames ................................................................................... 57

Appendix E PowerConnect 62xx Switch Configuration ...................................................... 58

E.1 Interface Naming Convention ................................................................................ 58

E.2 Enabling the PortFast Option to Configure STP Edge Ports ............................................. 59

E.3 Configuring Flow Control ..................................................................................... 59

E.4 Disabling Unicast Storm Control ............................................................................. 59

E.5 Configuring Jumbo Frames ................................................................................... 60

Appendix F Cisco IOS based Switch Configuration ........................................................... 61

F.1 Enabling the PortFast Option to Configure STP Edge Ports ............................................. 62

F.2 Configuring Flow Control ..................................................................................... 62

F.3 Disabling Unicast Storm Control ............................................................................. 63

F.4 Configuring Jumbo Frames ................................................................................... 63

Related Publications................................................................................................... 66

Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3

1Introduction

With the Dell™ EqualLogic™ PS Series of storage arrays Dell provides a storage solution that delivers the

benefits of consolidated networked storage in a self-managing, iSCSI storage area network (SAN) that is

affordable and easy to use, regardless of scale. By eliminating complex tasks and enabling fast and

flexible storage provisioning, these solutions dramatically reduce the costs of storage acquisition and

ongoing operations.

To be able to leverage the advanced features provided by an EqualLogic array, a robust, standards-

compliant iSCSI storage area network (SAN) infrastructure must be created. While almost any industry

standard, enterprise class Ethernet switch can be used to connect hosts to the EqualLogic-based virtual

storage volumes, some switches, network interface controllers(NICs), iSCSI Host Bus Adapters (HBAs),

and iSCSI initiators can directly impact the overall performance of the SAN storage solution. The Dell

EqualLogic Configuration Guide is provided as an aid to help storage administrators determine how

best to build an iSCSI infrastructure for use within an EqualLogic SAN solution. This document focuses

on network configuration, host integration and other topics that help to ensure a smooth deployment

with maximum SAN performance.

This document should be used strictly as a guide in planning an EqualLogic SAN solution. It should not

be considered a statement of support for any specific configuration. Actual viability of any

configuration will depend on the capabilities of the individual components (switches, network

interface controllers, initiators, etc.) that make up the SAN infrastructure.

1.1 Audience

This configuration guide is intended for storage administrators, SAN designers, storage consultants, or

anyone who is considering purchasing or has purchased an EqualLogic PS Series Array(s) for use in a

production storage area network. It is assumed that all readers have experience in designing and/or

administering a shared storage solution. Also, there are some assumptions made in terms of familiarity

with all current and possibly future Ethernet standards as defined by the Institute of Electrical and

Electronic Engineers (IEEE) as well as all TCP/IP and iSCSI standards as defined by the Internet

Engineering Task Force (IETF).

1.2 Document Structure

This rest of this configuration guide contains the following sections:

Section 2, PS Series Storage Arrays on page 2

Section 3, Peer Storage Operations on page 14

Section 4, SAN Design on page 25

Section 5, M1000e Blade Chassis Integration on page 40

Appendices:

oNetwork Ports and Protocols on page 47

oRecommended Switches on page 49

oSupported iSCSI Initiators on page 51

oPowerConnect 54xx Switch Configuration on page 54

oPowerConnect 62xx Switch Configuration on page 58

oCisco IOS based Switch Configuration on page 61

Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3

2PS Series Storage Arrays

PS Series Storage SANs provide a peer storage architecture comprised of one or more independent

arrays. Each array contains its own controllers, cache, storage, and interface ports. Grouped together

they can create one or more single instance storage pools that are based on the IETF iSCSI standard.

The capabilities of the PS Series solution are provided through a unique set of software and hardware

capabilities that, when used cooperatively, can provide a full featured SAN solution. The following

sections provide additional insight into specifications and functions of PS Series arrays.

2.1 Array Models

Starting with the PS5000 family of arrays, Dell EqualLogic model names designate various pieces of

information regarding the PS Series array. The "PS" is the product name and stands for "Peer Storage".

The four digit model number indicates the major feature sets and generational information. The first

digit is the "family" and is typically referred to as the "x-thousand" family where "x" is (currently) either

5 or 6. The second digit designates the chassis form-factor (16 drives vs. 48 drives). The last two are

digits designate the controller type (―00‖ indicates a controller with 1GbE ports, ―10‖ indicates a

controller with 10GbE ports).

The letter designation at the end of the model name indicates the array drive technology being used

within the array: "E" indicates SATA technology, "X" indicates 10,000 RPM SAS technology, "XV" indicates

15,000 RPM SAS technology and "S" indicates SSD technology.

Array Model

Drive Type

Number of Drives

PS50E –PS2400E

SATA

14, 56(a)

PS3000X, PS3x00XV

SAS

PS4000E

SATA

PS4000X, PS4000XV

SAS

PS5000E

SATA

PS5000X, PS5000XV

SAS

PS5500E

SATA

PS6000E

SATA

PS6000X, PS6000XV

SAS

PS6000S, PS6010S

SSD

PS6010E

SATA

PS6010X, PS6010XV

SAS

PS6000XVS, PS6010XVS

SAS / SSD

8 / 8

PS6500E

SATA

PS6510E

SATA

Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3

PS6510X

SAS

(a) PS2400E comprised of 4 drive enclosures, 14 drives each

Table 1: Array Models

2.2 Feature Comparison

The Dell EqualLogic PS6000 Series provides the full range of features and capabilities available with the

EqualLogic PS Series storage products. The Dell EqualLogic PS4000 Series provides a subset of features

and capabilities, targeted at remote office and small to medium business storage deployments. Table 2

provides a feature and scalability comparison between the various array models offered.

Feature

PS50 –PS6XX01

Group with

PS4000 Only

Maximum members in a group

162

Maximum members in a pool

Maximum volumes in a group

1024

256

Maximum number of pools in a group

Snapshots in a group

10,000

2048

Snapshots of a volume

512

128

Replicas of a volume

512

128

Replication partners per group

Replication partners per volume

Volumes in a collection

Collections in a group (snapshot and

replication)

100

Volume connections per pool and per group

(each time an iSCSI initiator connects to a

volume counts as a connection)

2048(a)with 4 pools,

maximum 512 per pool

4096(b) with 4 pools,

maximum 1024 per pool

256 with 2 pools,

maximum 128 per pool

Access control records per volume and its

snapshots

Maximum volumes enabled for replication

128

Simultaneous management sessions (any

combination of GUI, telnet, or scripting

sessions)

(a) Up to controller firmware level 4.x.x

(b) Beginning with controller firmware level 5.x.x

Table 2: Array Feature Comparison

In a mixed group of PS6000, PS6500 and PS4000 the higher limits normally prevail

In a mixed group of PS6000, PS6500 and PS4000 arrays the maximum number of PS4000 arrays in the group is two

Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3

2.3 Controllers

Since the EqualLogic PS Series was introduced, there have been several different array models released

with new features, better performance and greater storage capacity. The storage array controllers

were improved to take advantage of advances in the underlying networking and storage technologies.

2.3.1 Controller Types

Array controllers can be identified and differentiated by the controller "type" designation. Each

controller type will have a different colored label to help quickly identify the controller type. Table 3

lists each Dell EqualLogic controller along with some characteristics about each.

Controller

Type

Faceplate

Network

Interfaces

Storage

Type

Notes

Type 1

3 x 1GbaseT

3 x 1Gb SFP (combo)

SATA

Original Controller

Design

PS50 –PS2400

1GB Cache

Type 2

3 x 1GbaseT

3 x 1Gb SFP (combo)

SATA

PS50 –PS2400

1GB Cache

Type 3 SAS

Type 3 SATA

3 x 1GbaseT

SAS

SATA

PS3000 –PS5000

1GB Cache

Small Form Factor

Cannot mix Type 3 SAS

with Type 3 SATA

Type 4

3 x 1GbaseT

SAS

PS3000 –PS5000

1GB Cache

Small Form Factor

Cannot mix Type 3 SAS

with Type 4 controller

Type 5

3 x 1GbaseT

SATA

PS3000 –PS5000

1GB Cache

Small Form Factor

Cannot mix Type 3 SAS

with Type 5 controller

Type 6

3 x 1GbaseT

SATA

PS5500 only

2GB Cache

Small Form Factor

Type 7

4 x 1GbaseT

SAS

SATA

SSD

PS6000 –PS6500

2GB Cache

Small Form Factor

Cannot mix SAS and

SATA drives in same

array

Type 8

2 x1GbaseT

1 x 10/100Mb mgt

SAS

SATA

PS4000 only

2GB Cache

Small Form Factor

Cannot mix SAS and

SATA drives in same

array

Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3

Type 9

2 x 1GbaseT

1 x 10/100Mb mgt

SAS

SATA

2nd generation PS4000

2GB Cache

Small Form Factor

Cannot mix SAS and

SATA drives in same

array

Type 10

2 x 10GB SFP+

1 x 10/100Mb mgt

SAS

SATA

SSD

10Gb Ethernet

PS6010 –PS6510

2GB Cache

Small Form Factor

Table 3: Array Controller Type Comparison

2.3.2 Controller Redundancy

Each array can be configured with either a single controller, or dual redundant controllers. The single

controller configuration will provide the same level of I/O performance as a dual controller

configuration. The dual controller configuration provides for redundancy. Redundant controllers will

prevent volume connections between hosts and SAN from being dropped in the event of an active

controller failure.

The Active Controller is the controller which is processing all disk and network I/O operations for the

array.

A second controller in dual controller configurations will always be in a ―passive‖ operating mode. In

this mode, the secondary controller will exhibit the following characteristics:

Each of its Ethernet ports are electrically inactive (active lights are off)

The passive controller cache mirrors the cache of the active controller.

2.3.3 Controller Failover

To support redundant controller fail over, each Ethernet port on the active controller that is connected

to the SAN must have its corresponding port on the passive controller also connected to the same SAN

network. In the event of a controller failure, the passive controller will immediately activate and

continue to process all data requests to the array. The following changes occur during fail over:

The backup controller automatically enables each of the corresponding Ethernet ports that

were enabled on the failed primary controller

The IP addresses that were assigned to each of the failed controller Ethernet ports are

reassigned to the corresponding ports on the second controller.

A link failure on one or more of the Ethernet ports on the active controller does not constitute a

controller failure. For this reason, it is important to ensure that ports from each controller are

connected to at least two different switches. This will prevent a switch failure from also disabling all

paths between a host and its connected volumes.

It is critical that port connections for both controllers are configured so that the corresponding ports

on each controller are connected to the SAN. If port 0 on the active controller is the only port

connected to the SAN, then port 0 on the passive controller must also be connected to the SAN. This is

shown in the partial and fully connected controller failover scenarios illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure

2 below. Note how IP addresses are reassigned to the ports during the failover process.

Autres manuels pour EqualLogic PS4000

Ce manuel convient aux modèles suivants

Table des matières

Autres manuels Dell Stockage

Dell

Dell PowerVault 715N Manuel utilisateur

Dell

Dell PowerVault MD1000 Manuel utilisateur

Dell

Dell PowerVault NX1950 Manuel utilisateur

Dell

Dell PowerVault 701N Manuel de service

Dell

Dell EqualLogic PS Series Manuel

Dell

Dell PowerVault MD3860i Series Guide de référence rapide

Dell

Dell SC5020 Instructions d'utilisation

Dell

Dell DR4000 Restore Manager Manuel utilisateur

Dell

Dell PowerVault NX3500 Manuel utilisateur

Dell

Dell PowerVault DL2200 CommVault Manuel utilisateur

Dell

Dell PowerVault 136T Manuel d'installation et d'exploitation

Dell

Dell PowerVault MD3060e Series Instructions d'utilisation

Dell

Dell PowerVault 110T LTO-2-L Manuel utilisateur

Dell

Dell EqualLogic PS4000 Manuel du propriétaire

Dell

Dell PowerVault ML6000 Manuel utilisateur

Dell

Dell PowerVault 124T Manuel utilisateur

Dell

Dell Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSD U.2 Manuel utilisateur

Dell

Dell PowerVault ME5 Series Manuel utilisateur

Dell

Dell PowerVault 110T DLT4000 Manuel utilisateur

Dell

Dell EqualLogic FS7610 Instructions de montage

Dell

Dell PowerVault MD3000i Manuel de la liste des pièces

Dell

Dell PowerVault NX300 Manuel utilisateur

Dell

Dell PowerVault MD3260 Series Guide de référence rapide

Dell

Dell PowerVault NX200 Manuel utilisateur

Manuels Stockage populaires d'autres marques

QNAP

QNAP TS 32PXU Series Manuel utilisateur

LaCie

LaCie RUGGED RAID Manuel utilisateur

Freecom

Freecom CLS DOCK Manuel utilisateur

PNY

PNY Attache P-FD64MBATT3 Manuel utilisateur

HP StorageWorks MSL2024 Manuel utilisateur

OLT

OLT 6x6 Maximizer Manuel utilisateur

Transcend

Transcend JetFlash 160 Manuel utilisateur

LaCie

LaCie RUGGED MINI Manuel utilisateur

Thunderbolt

Thunderbolt 600 Manuel utilisateur

Panasonic

Panasonic LB-DH8 series Manuel

Intel

Intel RAID High Availability Manuel utilisateur

LaCie

LaCie 12big Thunderbolt 3 Manuel utilisateur

Spectra Logic

Spectra Logic T-Series Spectra T50e Manuel utilisateur

Panasonic

Panasonic LKM-F931-1 Manuel utilisateur

Tabernus

Tabernus Enterprise Erase E2400 Manuel utilisateur

Rocstor

Rocstor COMMANDER 3F series Manuel utilisateur

HP P9000 Manuel utilisateur

Western Digital

Western Digital Ultrastar Data60 Manuel utilisateur