topic Re: Multiple devices for a single virtual disk in HPE EVA Storage

Multiple devices for a single virtual disk

Rafael Gutierrez — Mon, 10 Oct 2005 16:53:07 GMT

Hi everybody.

We have two disk virtual array: one existing EVA5000 and one new-installed EVA8000. When I do present a single virtual disk on EVA8000, our HP servers (HP SD32 and RP with HP-UX 11i) show multiple devices for the same virtual disk. Any idea about that ?

By the way, we have SecurePath A.3.0D.00F.00F (CPQswsp).

Thanks,

Rafael Gutierrez

Re: Multiple devices for a single virtual disk

Richard Perez — Mon, 10 Oct 2005 19:49:00 GMT

Support for EVA8000 was added in Securepath 3.0F but you have 3.0D. An upgrade should solve your issue.

Regards

Re: Multiple devices for a single virtual disk

Rafael Gutierrez — Mon, 10 Oct 2005 19:59:49 GMT

Richard: I already have upgraded to SecurePath 3.0F on a test server but I'm facing the same behavior.

Thanks, Rafael.

Re: Multiple devices for a single virtual disk

Sameer_Nirmal — Mon, 10 Oct 2005 22:39:23 GMT

The reason for showing multiple devices for a Vdisk is the Active-Active Controllers implementation of HSV-210 controllers in EVA 8000. This means a Vdisk could be served by both the controllers at the same time.

In case of EVA 5000, there is active-passive HSV-110 controllers implemenation for a Vdisk.

Re: Multiple devices for a single virtual disk

Rafael Gutierrez — Mon, 10 Oct 2005 22:42:53 GMT

I'm sorry but... then ? is it a normal behavior ?, what device should I get to create my VG's ?

Re: Multiple devices for a single virtual disk

Luk Vandenbussche — Tue, 11 Oct 2005 02:18:11 GMT

Rafael,

This is a normal behaviour.
After installing securepath you should only see one device file for each disk.

Use this unique device file to create your volumegroup

Re: Multiple devices for a single virtual disk

Rafael Gutierrez — Tue, 11 Oct 2005 18:48:54 GMT

I donÂ´t know if I'm doing something wrong: I've installed SecurePath for Active-Active devices but I'm seeing the same three devices.

Any idea ?

Re: Multiple devices for a single virtual disk

Sheldon Smith — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 10:30:48 GMT

Looking at the "HP StorageWorks 4000/6000/8000 Enterprise Virtual Array Connectivity for HP-UX Installation and Reference Guide (5697-5253, May 2005)" ( http://h200005.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c00369086/c00369086.pdf ), it looks like you still use LVM commands to bring the paths together (page 14).

Re: Multiple devices for a single virtual disk

Uwe Zessin — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 12:56:57 GMT

You need to install the 'AutoPath' component of Secure Path 3.0F, not CPQswsp (although this is an EVA, too).

*and* with AutoPath you will still see all paths, because AutoPath does not create a new pseudo adapter.

Re: Multiple devices for a single virtual disk

Richard Perez — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 13:12:26 GMT

As Uwe said, use 3.0F and install as "Active-Active". Then you can use any of the discovered devices.

However you are seeing 3 devices instead of 4. I think one of your switches has a wrong zone information.

Re: Multiple devices for a single virtual disk

Rafael Gutierrez — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 21:07:59 GMT

Hi everybody.

It looks like is a expected behavior on EVA8000, but don't you think that I can see n devices for the same virtual disk could lead to misconfigurations and/or possible "human errors" while configuring new volume groups ?. I think this issue is more a conceptual issue than other thing.

Thanks a lot for the answers and help.

Rafael.

Re: Multiple devices for a single virtual disk

Rafael Gutierrez — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 21:17:58 GMT

By the way, where could I find docs about of "pvlinks" ?

Thanks, Rafael GZ.