P2000 G3 Files not visable on another server

[KayC_1]

Morning all,

P2000 G3
iSCSI connection
2x Vdisks

Configured the iSCSI initator on all servers, Servers see the Vdisks as local disks, i can format the disks no problems there.

The problem is... When i create/copy files on the SAN from a 1 server the remaining server cannot see the files even if i refresh the folder..
Only when i disconnect the iSCSI connection and reconnect can the servers see the created files on the SAN...

Any ideas?
Thanks.

[Steven Clementi]

"All Servers"...


Are you running a cluster?

What Operating System?


You can not reliably share access to a disk across multiple servers unless they are clustered or have software installed that allows for this.


Steven

[KayC_1]

Hi Steven,
The servers are not clustered, they are stand alone 2008 servers using the iSCSI init.

Currently only 2 servers need to access the SAN.

The SANs purpose is to be used as a file share platform for user documents.

Local disk on server (SAN VDISK) will have shared folders, end users will access the SAN throught the server and not direct via iSCSI init.

The secondary Vdisk will be used for VSS/B2D.


What are the problems with this and ways to resolve?

Thanks!

[Steven Clementi]

"You can not reliably share access to a disk across multiple servers unless they are clustered or have software installed that allows for this."


To expand a little on this.... you CAN and WILL corrupt data if you are sharing access to a single vdisk/lun/volume on multiple servers that are not configured as a cluster or have some file locking software.


Resolution:

Depends on your need.

Why do you need to have access the the disk on both servers?

How mnay users will be accessing the server at once?

Option 1: If you need multiple shares, you can create a 3rd/4th vdisk and have 1 server serve up some file shares and the other server serve up the rest.

Option 2: If you are looking for high availbility, then set up a Windows Cluster. You can employ the same technique as Option 1 in a cluster environment in order to provide some load balancing.

Option 3: 3rd Party software to provide file locking.

[KayC_1]

Thanks Steven...

In my case can i have 40 concurrent users/connections.

If all the 40 users access the SAN VDISK_001 through SVR1 will they have have a problem with file sharing (Like i do now with the servers, ignoring the fact both servers are trying to connect direct via iSCSI int)?


Breif: SAN operating as a file storage for whole of LAN through SVR1.

Thanks Steven.

[Steven Clementi]

whats the server model?

How much Ram? CPUSpeed?

You will probably not run into any issues with 40 users on 1 server, but it really depends upon the size of the data being accessed and the frequency.

Usually, a file server is simply an open request, a save request and/or a refresh request on relatively small files. (Files less than several megabytes).

If that is all you are doing, I can not see you having any issues with 40 users on 1 server.

Steven

[KayC_1]

So the inital problem i had is 2 connections using iSCSI int..
By using 1 iSCSI connection the server manages the storage access to the SAN?

In Summary:
Svr1 iSCSI int to VDISK_001
Shared folder name on VDISK_001 "SAN_Share"

Users will be able to view on the fly realtime files created and deleted on "San_Share" without any problems?


If this is so...


How would Svr2 using VSS/B2D connecting to VDISK_002 to backup files on VDISK_001 in backup exec etc?

Or would i use tools within the G2000 to do a shadow copy of the data on VDISK_001 to VDISK_002?

Thanks.. :-)