Possible HBA problems

[Alexander Sakharov]

We are going to install a MSA1000 storage with HP SAN Switch to build our new SAN. In order to connect servers, we plan to use FCA2101 HBAs.

However, we already have a small amount of QLogic HBAs.

What problems I can have if I use these QLogic HBAs in some servers on that SAN? I mean, I want some servers to access MSA1000 using QLogic HBA... Is it possible? I know it is not officially supported, but... Simply guessing, if MSA1000 is qualified with FCA2101 HBA, should I throw all other HBAs away?

[Vincent Fleming]

The QLogic adapters will probably work just fine. (The FCA2101 is made by QLogic for HP)

It's more a matter of do you want a fully supported configuration, or can you live with one that's not fully supported?

The big difference is that we've fully tested the FCA2101 adapter, and may or may not have fully tested the other adapters you have (depending upon model). IF we haven't tested them, we can't guarantee that they work properly, and your support would have to come from QLogic rather than HP.

For the most trouble-free operation and the highest level of support, go with all FCA2101 adapters.

Good luck!

[Alexander Sakharov]

Thank you, Vincent.

But... I was under the impression that FCA2101 (StorageWorks 64-bit/66MHz HBA) is Emulex, not QLogic.

And, by the way, why MSA1000 HBAs are different for each operation system? Are there hardware or firmware difference in these HBAs, or general difference is OS drivers & support software?

[Alexander Sakharov]

Hi guys,

it works. Compaq server has FCA2101, IBM server has QLogic 2300; both server types are working with MSA1000 without any problems!

Just one thing: after installing QL2300 drivers on the IBM server, it found "MSA-1000" device; however, Compaq driver does not working (it "cannot start, Code 10"). I think it is because of API difference. But it does not cause any problems: all logical disks are accessible from QLogic, everything works fine.

It is NOT a supported configuration. However, again: it works...

HTH,
Alexander