RA8000/ESA12000 FC-AL Configurations for Sun Solaris Application Note

This application note serves as a comprehensive guide for configuring Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop (FC-AL) storage solutions using Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 8000 (RA8000 FC) and Enterprise Storage Array 12000 (ESA12000 FC) with Sun servers running the Solaris Operating System.

The document highlights that these storage systems, based on a common architecture, provide centralized management, high availability, exceptional performance, and scalability, supporting various RAID levels (0, 1, 0+1, adaptive 3/5). It details configurations primarily focusing on "Transparent Failover Mode" for controller redundancy.

Key aspects covered include general configuration guidelines, system maximums for HSG80 controllers (e.g., 128 visible LUNs, 72 physical devices, 32 connections) and the Solaris operating system (e.g., 256GB file system per LUN, 64 LUNs per FC Target), and Fibre Channel loop specifications (e.g., cable distances, number of HBAs per loop). It also specifies required software versions (Array Controller Software V8.3 and Solution Software V8.3 for Solaris) and hardware (multi-mode fibre channel optical cables, FC hubs).

The note outlines eight typical configurations, ranging from a single server with a single controller to complex setups involving up to eight servers, dual controller pairs, and shared storage enclosures. It emphasizes the use of unique Arbitrated Loop Physical Addresses (ALPAs) and connection naming conventions for access control and management. Configuration is performed using either the StorageWorks Command Console (SWCC) or the Command Line Interface (CLI).

The document assumes user familiarity with RAID array configuration, the Command Line Interface, the Sun Solaris operating system, and Fibre Channel terminology. It differentiates itself from high availability configurations utilizing Veritas FirstWatch software, which are covered in a separate application note.