RA8000/ESA12000 FC-AL Configurations for Novell Netware

This document is an Application Note detailing typical Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop (FC-AL) configurations for Compaq StorageWorks RA8000 and ESA12000 RAID storage systems within Novell Netware environments. These systems, utilizing HSG80 array controllers and ACS V8.3 software, aim to provide robust Storage Area Network (SAN) solutions with features like economical capacity growth, data protection, high availability, and multi-vendor support.

Key aspects include support for various RAID levels (0, 1, 0+1, 3/5), mirrored write-back cache, and read-ahead cache for performance and data availability. Management is facilitated by the StorageWorks Command Console (SWCC) GUI or CLI.

General configuration guidelines cover maximum cable lengths (500m per segment), requirements for distinct Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA) loops per server, and specific controller settings for Netware environments (e.g., disabling Command Console LUN, setting hard AL_PA addresses).

The document outlines four common configurations:

1. One Server, Single Controller: An entry-level setup with a single Fibre Channel loop, no controller failover, and support for up to 72 disks.
2. One Server, Dual Controller Transparent Failover: Features dual redundant controllers on a single loop, with a hot standby controller automatically taking over in case of a failure, supporting up to 72 disks.
3. Two Servers, Single Controller, Shared Storage Enclosure: Two non-cooperating servers share a single storage enclosure using two separate Fibre Channel loops and mutually exclusive LUN numbering, but without controller failover.
4. Two Servers, Dual Controller Transparent Failover, Shared Storage Enclosure: Provides storage and controller redundancy for two servers, with each server having a dedicated active path and standby port across two separate Fibre Channel loops, ensuring continuous access during controller failover.

All configurations can support up to 72 disks with optional expansion enclosures and an initial capacity of up to 1.3 TB (with 18GB disks). High availability is emphasized through redundancy, hot-swappable components, and redundant cooling and power supplies.