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MSAL FC array direct connection

 
blithespirit
New Member

MSAL FC array direct connection

I have a wierd request and think I know the answer already but curious.

I have a DL360 G5, dual port FC card and one port goes off to a direct connected MSA200FC, the other port I want to plug directly into a MSL2024 FC Tape library, the only reason for this config is that the other spare slot in the 360 has a quad port NIC so no free slots for SAS HBA, dont want network connection and no money for SAN switch.

am I being stupid or is this valid?


thanks for the help

Paul
3 REPLIES 3
Torsten.
Acclaimed Contributor

Re: MSAL FC array direct connection

Possible.

From the manual about port modes:

"Select Port Type: Fabric (N) if connecting to a fibre switch, or Loop (NL) if connecting directly to an
HBA or fibre hub."

Hope this helps!
Regards
Torsten.

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Patrick Terlisten
Honored Contributor

Re: MSAL FC array direct connection

Hello Paul,

direct connect is supported, but it's really nasty. If you have a dual-controller MSA, be sure to activate host-port interconnect. Otherwise you will get problems to use vdisks, that are owned by controller B. Also you will get in trouble when a controller fails and the other controller will own the vdisks. This is because of the path management. You should use a dual-port HBA for the MSA and connect it to both host ports of a controller.

Direct connect is also support for the MSL.

Best regards,
Patrick
Best regards,
Patrick
blithespirit
New Member

Re: MSAL FC array direct connection

Thanks for the fast advice, I have already set up the MSA for direct connect and failover seems to be working fine, I did have problem wih the new software on the MSA2000 and SCSI-3 reservations for windows 2008 but I sorted that, I am used to the old software which is far simpler in my opinion. I am stuck between a rock and a hard place with connectors hence removing one path from my controllers for the library if necessary.

I may try my hand with DC or tell my customer to find more budget for a physical server with SAS and DC from that into the SAN.

Thanks Guys for the help, definately something to ponder