Implementation: Dell PowerVault SAN

Software

The server software that is required on each server varies by the type of storage system it is using.

Server Software Requirements

For a Windows based SAN, each server requires the following software components to be installed.

Storage Consolidation

Each Windows based server needs to have Storage Consolidation (Storage C) installed to provide LUN masking. Storage C prevents each Windows server from taking ownership of each LUN it sees. Storage C also allows an administrator to determine which servers are exposed to and have access to a particular LUN, and to allocate LUNs to specific servers.

QLogic Configuration Utility

The QLogic Configuration Utility (QL Config) is used to set up, configure, and administer the QLogic HBAs. QL Config is used to maintain a list of WWNs and enables the proper operation of Storage C.

PowerVault 650F/630F Software Requirements

To install and configure one or more PowerVault 650F/630Fs, the following software needs to be installed:

Data Management Station

The Dell OpenManage Data Management Station consists of several smaller programs. One of these, Data Supervisor, allows the binding and unbinding of LUNs and the changing of configuration settings. Using Data Supervisor, you can group an array's physical disks into LUNs and monitor the status of the physical disks and other components that make up an array.

NOTE: Data Supervisor must be installed on one server in each zone that requires management access to the PowerVault array.

To ensure proper functionality, make sure that Data Agent is running on a server attached to the array and the server is accessible through the network.

Data Managed Node

The Dell OpenManage Data Managed Node (Data Agent) allows the Dell OpenManage Data Management application programs to send and receive information to and from the Dell PowerVault 650F and PowerVault 630F storage systems.

NOTE: Data Agent must be installed on one server in each zone that requires management access to the PowerVault Array.

Application Transport Failover

The Application Transport Failover (ATF) is a software product that works with the Dell PowerVault 650F storage system to let applications continue running after the failure of a storage processor, HBA, or cable. Without human intervention, ATF can route I/O information through a secondary path to the disk units that the applications need.

PowerVault 660F/224F Software Requirements

To install and configure a PowerVault 660F/224F, the following software needs to be installed.

QLogic QL Direct

QL Direct is a filter driver that enables host failover. This drive must be installed on every host server that will be connected to a PowerVault 660F storage array. Specific primary and failover paths are configured using the QL Config utility.

Array Manager

Dell OpenManage Array Manager provides an interface for managing hard drives on the PowerVault 660F/224F. Array Manager must be installed on one server in each zone that requires management access to the PowerVault array.