HPE 5900AF-48XG-4QSFP+ setup for FC SAN (Dell ME4024)

[spgsitsupport]

I have 4 members IRF stack:
2x 5900AF-48XGT-4QSFP+
2x 5900AF-48XG-4QSFP+

What setup needs to be done for the HPE 5900AF-48XG to be used for FC SAN storage ?

I assume it would be FCoE setup with correct adapter (which would be recommended?)

Seb

[spgsitsupport]

OK, I will answer myself (for completness)

5900AF-48XG-4QSFP+ can only be used for iSCSI (so any adapted copper or optic can be used)

It does NOT have FC native mode (it would need to be 5900CP flavour)

So choices are:

- use Dell ME4024 as iSCSI target utilizing 5900AF-48XG-4QSFP+

- DITCH idea of using 5900AF-48XG-4QSFP+ and get FC SAN switches (like at least 8Gb Brocade 300) and FC cards, at least 8Gb QLE2562 and have SAN setup in native FC flavour

I cannot afford to add 5900CP 48XG 4QSFP+ (JG838A)

From various reads 8Gb FC is "quicker" than 10Gb iSCSI and is definitely making storage network separate (which means I can update firmware in IRF 5900 stack WITHOUT need to turn everything off)

[bamaskas]

The 5900cp is capable of 10G iscsi and 8G fc simultaneously. The Dell supports both iscsi and 8GFC. You can also consider the 5940-2slot with a 24 port CP plugin and a 24 port 10GbE plugin.

10GbE iscsi as fast as 8GFC. Your choice does not need to be one protocol only. Two 5900AF or two 5900CP can be in IRF with iSCSI and FC and LAN operating.

[spgsitsupport]

As stated in post #1

I have 4 members IRF stack:
2x 5900AF-48XGT-4QSFP+
2x 5900AF-48XG-4QSFP+

That drives my whole network (server & satellite edge switches).

I have no more $$$$ on additional stack of 5900CP for SAN

I could use iSCSI (either optic or copper) into existing IRF stack

But using it like that currently, I hate the idea of SAN on same stack, as firmware upgrades of 5900 even with ISSU are plain awful, I never managed to get it to upgrade member after member in nice sequence)

Seb

[bamaskas]

What version of Comware are you runing ?   R2432P06 ?  

Is your stack setup as single mesh or ring domain or as two two member domains interconnected by BAGG ?

Adding iSCSI to the configuration should motivate a server to storage pathing that is deterministic, sometimes called a straight line of sight, implemented with VLANs in and between the switches.

Not knowing how you attempted ISSU update, and what issues you enciuntered, I cannot comment further.

[spgsitsupport]

4 members in IRF ring connected via QSFP+ cables.

Still on Release 2432P01 because I cannot afford whole network shutdown

iSCSI (on its own Vlan of course) works fine, but NOT if the whole stack reboots in one go!

I did try ISSU once only previously, failed miserably (had some other thread about, with not much answer take-up), next upgrade was just a full reboot (which worked fine, but drastic!)

I will be happy to move storage to own Dell Networking switches