3 par testing

[Daveraver]

Hi all,

hoping for some insight into setting up a 3Par testing station. I have been tasked to setup a 3 Par testing station for 3 Par drives, as I have never worked with any of these particular server's I am looking for help.

What would I need to run a basic 3 par Setup where I could run test on the hard drives?

I have the following atm

1 x Drive Shelf M6710

1 x StoreServ 8450 

24 x QR491-04400 3Par I/O controllers

Any help or direction would be much appreciated

Regards David 

[Satish04]

Hi Daveraver,

Setting up an HPE 3PAR testing station can be a complex task if you're unfamiliar with the platform. However, with the components you’ve listed, it’s possible to create a basic setup to test 3PAR drives. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to do and consider:

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Understanding the Components You Have

1. Drive Shelf M6710:

   • This is a 2U enclosure designed to hold up to 24 drives.
   • It connects to a 3PAR StoreServ system via SAS cables.
   • Ensure the drives you want to test are compatible with this shelf.

2. StoreServ 8450:

   • This is a high-end flash-optimized 3PAR storage system.
   • It can run the 3PAR OS and manage disks through the connected drive shelf.
   • You’ll use this as the main controller for your testing station.

3. QR491-04400 I/O Modules:

   • These are 3PAR I/O controller cards. They are typically used in 3PAR systems to interface with drive shelves.
   • You likely won’t need all 24 I/O controllers—ensure you have the proper configuration for your StoreServ and drive shelf.

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Additional Components You’ll Likely Need

1. SAS Cables:

   • You’ll need SAS cables to connect the M6710 drive shelf to the StoreServ 8450.
   • Ensure you have the correct type of cables for your hardware (e.g., mini-SAS HD cables).

2. Drives:

   • The drives you want to test must be compatible with the M6710 shelf and the StoreServ 8450. Check the HPE 3PAR compatibility matrix for supported drive models.

3. Management Software:

   • The 3PAR StoreServ system requires the 3PAR OS (also known as the Inform OS) to function.
   • You’ll need the Service Processor (SP) software or appliance to manage the StoreServ system, monitor hardware, and troubleshoot issues. The SP is critical for managing firmware and performing diagnostics.

4. Network Connectivity:

   • The StoreServ 8450 will need network connectivity for management purposes (e.g., via the SP).
   • Ensure you have a dedicated management PC or server for accessing the SP and the StoreServ GUI.

5. Licensing:

   • Depending on the features you want to use, you may need software licenses for the 3PAR OS or specific functionalities (e.g., Remote Copy, Thin Provisioning, etc.).

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Setting Up the Testing Station

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Physical Setup

• Install the drives into the M6710 shelf.
• Connect the drive shelf to the StoreServ 8450 using SAS cables.
• Verify that the I/O controllers are installed in the StoreServ 8450 and properly seated.
• Connect the StoreServ 8450 to the network for management.

2. Power On and Initial Configuration

• Power on the M6710 drive shelf and the StoreServ 8450.
• Ensure all components have proper power connections and are functioning (check LED indicators).
• Access the StoreServ system via serial console or IP management interface to begin the setup process.

3. Install and Configure the Service Processor (SP)

• The SP is required to manage and monitor the StoreServ system.
• Install the SP software (either on a physical appliance or a virtual machine) and configure it to communicate with the StoreServ system.
• The SP will allow you to update firmware, run diagnostics, and monitor the system health.

4. Initialize the StoreServ System

• Initialize the StoreServ 8450 using the 3PAR OS.
• Configure the system to recognize the M6710 drive shelf and the installed drives.
• Ensure that the drives are visible and properly recognized by the StoreServ system.

5. Testing Drives

• Use the 3PAR management tools (CLI or GUI) to run diagnostics on the drives.
• You can test drives for performance, health, and errors using built-in tools like “checkhealth” or other diagnostic commands.
• If a drive fails, the system will typically report it via the SP or the management interface.

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Key Considerations

1. Firmware Compatibility:

   • Ensure the firmware on the StoreServ 8450 and M6710 shelf is up-to-date and compatible with the firmware of the drives you’re testing.

2. Drive Compatibility:

   • Not all drives are compatible with HPE 3PAR systems. Check the HPE support matrix for the exact model of the drives you want to test.

3. Testing Tools:

   • The 3PAR OS provides built-in functionality for monitoring and testing drives. You can also use external tools if supported by the drives.

4. Documentation:

   • Refer to the HPE 3PAR user manuals and guides for detailed instructions on setting up and managing your system.

5. Expert Support:

   • If you encounter issues or need advanced configuration help, consider reaching out to HPE support or a certified 3PAR technician.

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Conclusion

By connecting the M6710 drive shelf to the StoreServ 8450, installing the appropriate software (SP and 3PAR OS), and ensuring compatibility between drives and hardware, you can create a basic testing station for 3PAR drives. Take your time with the setup process, and ensure all components are properly configured and updated before starting tests.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Satish

[veeyarvi]

Hi David,

Adding to what Satish already said:

I am not sure what does it mean by "1 x StoreServ 8450" in your description. If this is the enclosure with two nodes, you can test the drives in this enclosure itself since it has drive slots as well. There is no need to add any more enclosures.

Regards,
Veeyaarvi

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