Red Hat Enterprise Linux RHAS (San install) emulex (lpfc) ,emc,brocade

[Anthony_155]

I saw a couple of threads with question on how to install emulex hba on a DL380 running Redhat. Just wanted to share how I did it. I am still doning testing on performance improvments. (San storage seems to be stable)

--enjoy
Tony

System Hardware Specfications

Server: HP Compaq DL380
CPU Model: Pentium III (Tualatin)


HBA: Dual Fibre Channel: Emulex Corporation LP9000 Fibre Channel Host Adapter (rev 01)
Kernel: 1.10a3
Initial Firmware: Initial Load 3.90a7 (CS3.90A7 )

Fabric: Core Edge Design (Dual Fabric)
Path0 Brocade 3800
Path1 Brocade 3900
Core Switch Brocade 12000

Software Specfications

Operation System

Release: Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES release 3 (Taroon Update 4)
Kernel: 2.4.21-27.0.2.Elsmp

Emulex HBA Driver Versions

RPM: lpfcdriver-2.01g-1
RPM: emulex-2.02e-1dkms
RPM: dkms-1.10-1

EMC PowerPath Multi-pathing Software
RPM: EMCpower.LINUX-4.3.1-031


File Repository
http://san.svr.bankone.net/webdocs/implementation/install_files/linux_emc
(All file used in this test are located at the stated link)


Install Documentation

Driver Install

To support a framework, which allows kernel modules to be dynamically built dkms package must be installed prior to installed

# rpm –Uvh dkms-1.10-1.noarch.rpm

Then install Emulex driver
# rpm –Uvh emulex-2.02e-1dkms.noarch.rpm

Next install Emulex management software
# rpm –Uvh lpfcdriver-2.01g-1.i386.rpm
# rpm –Uvh HBAnyware-2.0a13-1.i386.rpm

In order to load the lpfcdd driver you must replace the drive supplied with update 3. To accomplish this you must edit /etc/modules.conf and remove the alias for lpfc

Remove the line
# alias scsi_hostadapter lpfc
Replace it with
# alias scsi_hostadapter lpfcdd

Because the lpfc driver is extended via the scsi_mod you will not be able to unload it

(scsi_mod 115240 4 [cciss lpfc sd_mod])


To start the new driver at boot you will have to modify the initial ram-disk (make a new initrd image). After you make the correction to modules.conf run depmod –a

To read the module file and create a new image
Change dir to boot
#cd /boot
cp initrd-2.4.21-27.0.2.ELsmp.img initrd-2.4.21-27.0.2.ELsmp.img_backup
(MAKE SURE BACKUP THE INITIAL IMAGE.). Doing this step incorrectly can render the server unbootable.

# mkinitrd -f initrd-2.4.21-27.0.2.ELsmp.img 2.4.21-27.0.2.Elsmp

Check grub.conf and insure that you are booting from the correct image.

On you next boot your should be on the new image

This operation does not taint the kernel, as you are not recompiling the kernel. Just changing the loadable modules.

If you have any question you can get a hold of me at anthonyv@signalblue.com

published by:
Anthony