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N-Class with HDS7700 or XP256.

 
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John Tyler
Advisor

N-Class with HDS7700 or XP256.

We are looking to buy a couple of N-Class servers to run Service guard/Sybase DB. I am wondering if we need to go for HP version of HDS frame,XP 256/512 though we would prefer Hitachi HDS7700E.

What about FC controller? JNI or the HP-Tachyon adapter?

We may direct connect to the diskframe though we would prefer to hook it to our SAN which is currently SUN/Hitachi/EMC centric.

I read about many compatibilty issues while connecting HP servers to a SAN comprising of SUN boxes.

Also,any migration issues while migrating a live HP system from direct connect to SAN?

Any feedbacks or experiences would be greatly appreciated.....
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John Tyler
Advisor

Re: N-Class with HDS7700 or XP256.

Just forgot to mention that we're using brocade 2800s in our fabric.
Vincent Fleming
Honored Contributor
Solution

Re: N-Class with HDS7700 or XP256.

First off, you should stay with HP's XP instead of the HDS box. There are differences that will be very apparent in an HP-UX environment. Particularly, the HDS box cannot secure HPUX LUNs in your SAN; you will be restricted to 8 LUNs per port on the HDS array, and the queue depth is restricted to 8 tags. If you exceed the 8 tags, HPUX will stop using them, destroying your performance.

All this has been fixed in the XP.

Second, stick with the HP FC adapters (tachlite). The JNI cards are not supported by either HP or HDS in HPUX machines. (note that some unscruplous HDS sales reps are telling people that they are supported - but just try to get that in writing from HDS Corporate! You will never see it in writing, because they simply don't support that config!)

The interoperability of HPUX machines in mixed SANs is not much of a problem if you use Fabric Login... The QuickLoop is not nice in mixed SANs.

Good luck!
No matter where you go, there you are.
Vincent Fleming
Honored Contributor

Re: N-Class with HDS7700 or XP256.

Oh - I forgot your last question...

Introduction of a SAN switch (brocade) will change the device path on HPUX when it is installed. This will have the effect of renumbering all of your /dev/dsk/* devices. Beware of this if you intend to install the switches at a later date, and be sure to export all of your volume groups so that they may be easily imported after the change.

You're better off getting the switch in place right away or never using one. Adding a switch can be ugly.

Good luck
No matter where you go, there you are.