Pentium processor with a 200 MHz or greater clock speed, and using the Microsoft
Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, or Linux 2.2 operating
system.
Unix workstation with color monitor, keyboard, and mouse, using a:
Hewlett-Packard HA PA-RISC processor with a 360 MHz or greater clock speed,
using the HP-UX 11 or higher operating system.
Sun Microsystems UltraSPARC-II processor with a 300 MHz or greater clock
speed, using the SunOS Version 5.5.1 or higher operating system, or Solaris
Version 2.5.1 or higher operating system.
IBM PowerPC microprocessor with a 233 MHz or greater clock speed, or
POWER3 microprocessor with a 333 MHz or greater clock speed, using the
AIX Version 4.3.3 or higher operating system.
At least 15 MB available on the internal hard drive.
32 MB or greater RAM.
Video card supporting 256 colors at 800 x 600 pixel resolution.
Ethernet network adapter.
Java-enabled Internet browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer (Version 4.0 or
later) or Netscape Navigator (Version 4.0 or later).
Embedded Web Server Interface
Administrators or operators with a browser-capable PC and an Internet connection can
monitor and manage the Director through an embedded web server interface. The interface
provides a GUI similar to the SD-64 Product Manager application, and supports Director
configuration, statistics monitoring, and basic operation. Refer to User Interface on page
34 for additional information about the embedded web server interface.
Director Hardware Description 213
Director Kit Contents
Compaq offers the following stock keeping units (SKUs) associated with the SD-64
Director:
32-port base configuration for the SD-64 Director (DS-DMGGD-AA). Each Director
includes:
A fully-redundant hardware configuration with eight FPM cards, 32 shortwave
SFF optical transceivers, and cable management assembly installed.
Two standard U.S. AC power cords (3-prong, 8-foot) that connect each Director
power supply to separate facility AC power outlets. Use these power cords if the
Director is not installed in a Compaq-supplied equipment rack.
Two power distribution unit (PDU) power cords (8-foot) that connect each Director
power supply to separate cabinet PDUs. Use these power cords if the Director is
installed in a Compaq-supplied 19-inch equipment rack.
One torque tool (including integrated 5/32" hex adapter) for removing and
replacing Director logic cards.
Four multi-mode fiber-optic loopback plugs.
One 10-foot asynchronous RS-232 null modem cable with 9-pin connectors.
One rack-mount kit (including installation hardware and instructions) for the Series
9000 equipment rack.
Hardcopy technical publications, including the Compaq StorageWorks SAN
Director 64 Installation Guide, release notes, license, and warranty information.
The Technical Publications CD-ROM for the Compaq StorageWorks SAN
Director 64.
SDCM kit (DS-DMGGO-AA). Each kit includes:
A shelf-mount notebook PC (SDCM server) that includes a color monitor,
keyboard, keyboard-mounted trackpad (mouse), standard U. S. power cord
(2-prong with AC power adapter), 17-inch PDU male-to-female adapter cord,
40-inch PDU extension cord, installed operating system, application software,
Windows NT 4.0 user manual, declaration of conformity, and warranty
information. The Windows NT license key is printed on a label attached to the
bottom of the PC.
One parallel-port 100 MB Zip drive that connects to the SDCM server. The Zip
drive includes a standard U. S. power cord (2-prong with AC power adapter),
17-inch PDU male-to-female adapter cord, 40-inch PDU extension cord, and a Zip
drive kit with user manual, software diskette, and tools Zip disk.
214 SAN Director 64 Planning Guide
Two 16-inch power adapter cables (PDU-to-standard U.S. AC power).
One universal slide-out shelf (including installation hardware and instructions)
for the Series 9000 or M Series equipment racks.
Software diskettes and CD-ROMs that include the SDCM Management
Applications CD, SDCM Server Restore CD, Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 CD,
and two blank Zip disks.
Optional longwave laser FPM card kit for the SD-64 Director (DS-DMGGD-AC).
Each kit includes:
One FPM card with four longwave SFF optical transceivers installed.
One single-mode fiber-optic loopback plug.
Installation instructions.
Optional shortwave laser FPM card kit for the SD-64 Director (DS-DMGGD-AD).
Each kit includes:
One FPM card with four shortwave SFF optical transceivers installed.
One multi-mode fiber-optic loopback plug.
Installation instructions.
Optional combination FPM card kit for the SD-64 Director (DS-DMGGD-AE).
Each kit includes:
One FPM card with three shortwave and one longwave SFF optical transceivers
installed.
Installation instructions.
Optional rack-mount kit (including installation hardware and instructions) for the
M Series equipment racks (DS-DMGGD-AE).
3
Chapter
Director Software Description
This chapter describes the firmware, backup and restore features, and graphical user
interface (GUI) delivered with the StorageWorks SAN Director 64 and associated
SANworks Director Connectivity Manager (SDCM) server.
Director Firmware
Director firmware provides services that manage and maintain Fibre Channel connections
between ports. Although the Director hardware transmits Fibre Channel frames between
source and destination ports, the firmware maintains routing tables required by the
hardware to perform these switching functions. Director firmware also provides functions
for system configuration, control, maintenance, and redundancy management, including:
System Management Services - This function configures, controls, and monitors
Director operation. The subsystem:
Centrally manages all configuration and status information.
Implements a simple network management protocol (SNMP) agent to allow access
by external SNMP managers using the Fibre Channel Fabric Element management
information base (MIB), standard transmission control protocol/internet protocol
(TCP/IP) MIB-II definition, or Director-specific MIB.
Manages network connections from the SDCM server.
Fabric Services - This function supports the fabric controller (login server) and name
server. Fabric services also implements a replication manager that synchronizes node
port (N_Port) registration databases between redundant control processor (CTP) cards
and allows transparent CTP failover.
32 SAN Director 64 Planning Guide
Fibre Port Services - This function provides a physical driver for hardware
components, including Fibre Channel port module (FPM) cards and serial crossbar
(SBAR) assemblies.
Fibre Channel Protocol Services - This function provides the Fibre Channel transport
logic that allows upper layer protocols used by fabric services to communicate with
devices attached to fiber-optic ports.
Network Services - This function provides TCP/IP transport layers to access
management service subsystems from attached management clients. These clients
include the SDCM server or an SNMP management station.
Application Services - This function supports all software subsystems for system
initialization, logging, and debugging.
Operating System Services - This function includes boot and loader software, a
command line monitor for engineering fault isolation, a serial maintenance port driver,
and other support for the operating system.
Backup and Restore Features
The SDCM server provides two backup and restore features. One feature backs up (to the
SDCM server) or restores the configuration file stored in nonvolatile random-access
memory (NV-RAM) on a Director's CTP card. The other feature backs up (to the Zip
drive) or restores the entire SDCM data directory. The backup and restore features operate
as follows:
NV-RAM configuration - The NV-RAM configuration for any managed Director is
backed up or restored through the SD-64 Product Manager application. This backup
file is required to restore configuration data if both CTP cards are removed and
replaced. The file is typically not required in a redundant Director; however, the
feature may be useful to save a special-purpose configuration for test. Configuration
data (stored in NV-RAM on each Director) backed up to the SDCM server includes:
Identification data, such as the Director name, description, and location.
Port configuration data, such as port names, blocked states, extended distance
settings, and link incident (LIN) alerts.
Operating parameters, such as buffer-to-buffer credit (BB_credit), error detect
timeout value (E_D_TOV), resource allocation timeout value (R_A_TOV), switch
priority, and preferred domain ID.
Active zoning configuration.
SNMP configuration parameters, such as trap recipients, community names, and
write authorizations.
Director Software Description 33
SDCM data directory - Critical information (for all managed Directors) stored in this
directory is backed up or restored using the QuikSync application from Iomega. The
application is configured to automatically back up the contents of the data directory to
a removable Zip disk when the SDCM server is rebooted or when directory contents
change. The SDCM data directory includes:
All SDCM configuration data (Director definitions, user names, passwords, user
rights, nicknames, session options, SNMP trap recipients, e-mail recipients, and
Ethernet event notifications).
All log files (SDCM logs and individual SD-64 Product Manager logs).
Zoning library (all zone sets and zone definitions).
Firmware library.
Call-home settings.
Configuration data for each managed Director (stored on the SDCM server and in
NV-RAM on each Director).
Software Overview
This section describes the Management Services and SDCM applications. The SDCM
application includes the SD-64 Product Manager and Fabric Manager applications. The
applications provide a GUI and management services for monitoring and controlling
Directors.
Management Services Application
The Management Services application runs on the SDCM server and provides
management services to the SDCM, SD-64 Product Manager, and Fabric Manager
applications, and implements Web and other server functions. The SDCM server is
dedicated to the SDCM and associated applications, and should not be used for other
tasks. Loading additional applications or use of the server for other purposes may impact
SDCM server performance.
The Management Services application provides the following services to the SDCM,
SD-64 Product Manager, and Fabric Manager applications:
Session management for one or more SDCM server network connections.
Providing a centralized database repository for configuration files, system logs,
firmware upgrades, and other entities.
Remote support and fault isolation services.
34 SAN Director 64 Planning Guide
Establishing and maintaining network connections to managed Directors.
Product configuration management.
Event and audit logging.
Alert processing and user notification.
Initiation of the call-home procedure.
NOTE: Call-home notification requires installation of Compaq Proactive Service software. This
service is offered at no additional charge for subsystems covered under an on-site warranty or
on-site storage hardware support contract. To register or order Proactive Service software,
contact your Compaq customer service representative.
Network management and file transfer protocol (FTP) processing.
The SDCM server also provides hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) server functionality.
Use of this protocol with a standard Web server allows the download of client SDCM,
SD-64 Product Manager, and Fabric Manager applications from the SDCM server to
remote workstations. The server is configured to limit the maximum number of concurrent
connections to four.
User Interface
The SDCM server implements the SDCM application, along with the SD-64 Product
Manager and Fabric Manager applications, to provide the user interface for operators
to control and monitor multiple Directors. These applications can also operate on
workstations attached to the customer intranet that function as remote clients.
SDCM Application
The SDCM application provides a common Java-based GUI for all managed Compaq
Directors. The application operates locally on the SDCM server or through a network
connection from a remote user workstation. The application operates independently from
all Directors managed by the SDCM server. Application users can perform the following
common functions:
Display the operational status for each Director.
Define user names, passwords, and user rights for access to the SDCM server and
SDCM application.
Define access rights to the SDCM server and managed Directors locally or from
remote user workstations.
Configure e-mail notification for system events.
Director Software Description 35
Display SDCM audit, event, session, and product status logs.
Open an instance of the SD-64 Product Manager application to manage and monitor a
specific Compaq Director.
Open the Fabric Manager application to display all managed fabrics and to manage
and monitor each fabric.
Identify new Directors and their associated network addresses to the SDCM server for
access through the SDCM and SD-64 Product Manager applications.
Product View
When the SDCM application opens, the default display is the Product View (Figure 31).
Managed Directors appear as icons at the right panel of the window. A navigation control
panel with a series of icons appears at the left side of the window. The internet protocol
(IP) address of the SDCM server appears in the title bar of the window.
Figure 31: Product View
36 SAN Director 64 Planning Guide
A label below each Director icon identifies the managed Director by its configured name
or IP address. A colored alert symbol behind each Director icon indicates the operational
status of the Director as follows:
A green circle indicates the Director is fully operational.
A yellow triangle indicates a redundant component failure or degraded operational
status.
A red diamond with a yellow background indicates a critical failure and the Director is
not operational.
A grey square indicates the Director status is unknown (network connection failure).
By clicking (selecting) a Director icon or selecting from pop-up menu options, a user
opens the SD-64 Product Manager application for a Director. Refer to SD-64 Product
Manager Application on page 39 for additional information.
The navigation control panel at the left side of the Product View provides View, Configure,
Logs, Maintenance, Help, and Logout/Exit icons (with associated pop-up menus) that
allow users to perform SDCM tasks.
An alert panel at the bottom of the navigation control panel displays a colored icon (green
circle, yellow triangle, red diamond with yellow background, or grey square) that indicates
the most degraded or critical status of any Director in the Product View. For example, if
one Director is degraded but all other Directors are fully operational, a yellow triangle
displays in the alert panel and as a background to the icon representing the degraded
Director. The remaining managed Director icons have a green circle as the background.
Fabric View
When the Fabric option is selected from the View icon, the Fabric View appears
(Figure 32 on page 37). Fibre Channel fabrics managed by the application appear as
pentagonal icons at the right panel of the window. A navigation control panel with a series
of icons appears at the left side of the window. The IP address of the SDCM server appears
in the title bar of the window.
A label below each fabric icon identifies the managed Fibre Channel fabric by its world
wide name (WWN) or user-assigned nickname. A number in the center of the pentagonal
icon indicates the number of Directors or fabric switches in the fabric. By clicking
(selecting) a fabric icon or selecting from pop-up menu options, a user opens the Fabric
Manager application. Refer to Fabric Manager Application on page 310 for additional
information.
Director Software Description 37
The navigation control panel at the left side of the Fabric View provides the same
administrative, operations, and maintenance task icons (with associated pop-up menus)
provided by the Product View.
Figure 32: Fabric View
An alert panel at the bottom of the navigation control panel displays a colored icon
(green circle, yellow triangle, red diamond with yellow background, or grey square) that
indicates the most degraded or critical status of any element within a fabric in the Fabric
View.
Session View
When the Session option is selected from the View icon, the Session View displays
(Figure 33 on page 38). A list of remote users logged into the SDCM application
appears at the right panel of the window, and a navigation control panel with a series of
icons appears at the left side of the window. The IP address of the SDCM server appears in
the title bar of the window.
38 SAN Director 64 Planning Guide
Figure 33: Session View
The user list provides:
The IP address of the remote PC or workstation.
The name of the user logged in from a remote personal computer (PC) or workstation
(a maximum of four users can log in concurrently).
The date and time the remote user established a connection to the SDCM application.
The navigation control panel at the left side of the Fabric View provides the same
administrative, operations, and maintenance task icons (with associated pop-up menus)
provided by the Product View.
An alert panel at the bottom of the navigation control panel displays a colored icon (green
circle, yellow triangle, red diamond with yellow background, or grey square) that indicates
the most degraded or critical status of any Director.
Director Software Description 39
SD-64 Product Manager Application
The SD-64 Product Manager application works in conjunction with the SDCM
application, and is a Java-based GUI for managing and monitoring multiple Directors. The
application operates locally on the SDCM server, or through a network connection from a
remote PC or workstation.
Click a Director icon at the right panel of the Product View (Figure 31 on page 35) to
open the SD-64 Product Manager application for that managed Director. When the
application opens, the default display is the Hardware View (Figure 34).
Figure 34: Hardware View
An SD-64 Director Status table appears at the top of the window, a graphical
representation of Director hardware (front and rear) appears at the right panel of the
window, and a navigation control panel with a series of icons appears at the left side of the
window.
310 SAN Director 64 Planning Guide
The graphical representation of the Director emulates the hardware configuration and
operational status of the corresponding real Director. For example, if the Director is fully
redundant and fully populated, this configuration is reflected in the Hardware View.
Colored symbols appear on the graphical field-replaceable units (FRUs) to represent failed
or degraded status. The colors and shapes are consistent with status displays on other
windows in the SDCM and Fabric Manager applications. The light-emitting diodes
(LEDs) also highlight to emulate real LED operation.
The navigation control panel at the left side of the Hardware View provides View,
Configure, Logs, Maintenance, Help, and Close icons (with associated pop-up menus) that
allow users to perform Director-specific tasks.
An alert panel at the bottom of the navigation control panel displays a colored icon (green
circle, yellow triangle, red diamond with yellow background, or grey square) that indicates
Director status. For example, for a single port failure, an entire FPM card failure, or a
redundant FRU failure, a blinking red and yellow diamond appears on the card or FRU
illustration in the Hardware View; however, the alert panel displays a yellow triangle to
indicate degraded operation. If a blinking red and yellow diamond appears over a
nonredundant FRU, the alert panel displays a red and yellow diamond, indicating a critical
failure and the Director is not operational.
When the mouse cursor is moved over a FRU in the Director graphic, the FRU border
highlights in blue and a pop-up identification label appears. Mouse selections (right or left
click) open dialog boxes or menus that display FRU properties or allow users to perform
operations and maintenance tasks.
Fabric Manager Application
The Fabric Manager application works in conjunction with the SDCM application, and is
a Java-based GUI for managing and monitoring multiple Fibre Channel fabrics. The
application operates locally on the SDCM server, or through a network connection from a
remote PC or workstation. The Fabric Manager application is used to configure zoning for
a fabric.
Click a pentagonal fabric icon at the Fabric View (Figure 32 on page 37) to open the
Fabric Manager application for that managed fabric. When the application opens, the
default display is the Topology View (Figure 35 on page 311). A graphical
representation of the fabric topology appears at the right side of the window, and a
navigation control panel with a series of icons appears at the left side of the window.
Director Software Description 311
Figure 35: Topology View
The Topology View displays fabric elements (Directors or switches) and interswitch links
(ISLs) for a fabric. The graphical representation of the fabric emulates the configuration
and status of the corresponding real fabric. A single Director without ISLs is still
considered a fabric. A status table at the top of the window displays the fabric's
operational status, WWN, and the Domain ID of the principal switch.
Colored symbols appear on the graphical fabric elements to represent operational,
degraded, or failed status. The colors and shapes are consistent with status displays on
other windows in the SDCM and SD-64 Product Manager applications. A fabric element
without a colored status symbol represents a product that is not managed by the SDCM
server on which the Fabric Manager is running (status information is therefore not
available).
The navigation control panel at the left side of the Topology View provides View,
Configure, Help, and Close icons (with associated pop-up menus) that allow users to
perform fabric-specific tasks.
312 SAN Director 64 Planning Guide
When the mouse cursor is moved over a fabric element or an ISL, the element or
connection highlights in blue and a pop-up identification label appears. Mouse selections
(right or left click) open dialog boxes or menus that display element properties or naming
options, or allow users to perform operations and maintenance tasks.
An alert panel at the bottom of the navigation control panel displays a colored icon (green
circle, yellow triangle, red diamond with yellow background, or grey square) that indicates
the most degraded or critical status of any element within the fabric.
Embedded Web Server Interface
The embedded web server interface provides a GUI accessed through the Internet (locally
or remotely) to manage the SD-64 Director. This interface does not replace nor offer the
management capability of the SDCM and SD-64 Product Manager applications (for
example, the web server does not support all Director maintenance functions). In addition,
the web server interface manages only a single Director. Web server users can perform the
following functions:
Display the operational status of the Director, FRUs, and Fibre Channel ports, and
display Director operating parameters.
Configure the Director (identification, date and time, operating parameters, and
network parameters), ports, SNMP trap message recipients, zones and zone sets, and
user rights (administrator and operator).
Monitor port status, port statistics, and the active zone set, and display the event log
and node list.
Perform nondisruptive Director firmware upgrades and port diagnostics, reset ports,
enable port beaconing, and set the Director online or offline.
The embedded web server interface can be opened from a standard web browser running
Netscape Navigator 4.6 or higher or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher. At the
browser, enter the IP address of the Director as the Internet uniform resource locator
(URL). When prompted at a login screen, enter a user name and password. When the
interface opens, the default display is the View panel (Figure 36 on page 313).
Director Software Description 313
Figure 36: View Panel (Embedded Web Server Interface)
Task selection tabs appear at the top of the panel, a graphical representation of Director
hardware (front and rear) appears at the right side of the panel, and menu selections (View,
Configure, Monitor, Operations, and Help) appear at the left side of the panel. The task
selection tabs allow users to perform Director-specific tasks, and are a function of the
menu selected as follows:
View - At the View panel, the Unit (default), Port Properties, FRU Properties, Unit
Properties, and Operating Parameters task selection tabs appear.
Configure - At the Configure panel, the Port (default), Switch, SNMP, Zoning, and
User Rights task selection tabs appear.
Monitor - At the Monitor panel, the Port List (default), Port Stats, Active Zone Set,
Log, and Node List task selection tabs appear.
Operations - At the Operations panel, the Port Beaconing (default), Port Diagnostics,
Port Reset, Online State, and Firmware Upgrade task selection tabs appear.
Help - The Help selection opens online user documentation that supports the
embedded web server interface.
4
Chapter
Planning Considerations
This chapter describes planning considerations that should be evaluated to ensure the
customer's enterprise takes advantage of the StorageWorks SAN Director 64 features. The
chapter also provides planning considerations and recommendations for:
Planning a Fibre Channel storage area network (SAN) configuration.
Port connectivity and fiber-optic cabling.
SANworks Director Connectivity Manager (SDCM) server, Ethernet local area
network (LAN), and remote access support.
Security provisions for the Director, SDCM server, and customer data paths through
the Director (zoning).
Multi-switch fabric support.
Planning a Fibre Channel SAN
Configuration
A Fibre Channel SAN configuration is created using the SDCM server, one or more
Directors or other Compaq managed products, and attached end devices such as servers
and storage peripherals. Factors that affect initial SAN configuration planning include:
Determining the business and technical reasons for implementing a Director
installation and SAN technology.
Integrating SAN technology with the enterprise's legacy architecture.
42 SAN Director 64 Planning Guide
Determining the Fibre Channel topology to be implemented.
Capacity planning to meet operational, nondisruptive growth, and service
requirements.
The following paragraphs provide general guidelines and factors to consider when
implementing a Fibre Channel SAN configuration. However, planning and implementing
the configuration is a complex and difficult task, and Compaq recommends you obtain
planning assistance from our professional services organization.
Reasons for Implementing SAN Technology
When installing one or more Directors as part of a Fibre Channel SAN configuration,
consider the enterprise's business and technical goals as part of the planning process.
Business solutions provided through SAN implementation include:
Cost reduction through storage device, server, and port consolidation. Dynamic
connectivity provided by the Director ensures multiple servers can communicate with
a single storage device (tape or disk), or that multiple storage devices can
communicate with a single server. The Director also ensures additional storage
capacity is not purchased only to provide more port connectivity. These capabilities
reduce expenditures for unnecessary devices and allow obsolete devices and
technologies to be retired.
Migration from a proprietary to an open-systems interconnection (OSI) computing
environment, and integration of channel and network architectures. OSI computing
enables cross-platform communication and increases data availability to customer
employees.
Cost savings through higher availability of mission-critical applications and devices.
High availability is ensured by multiple device connections through more than one
port, or more than one Director. In addition, spare ports can be maintained (for
failover) for devices that require high availability. Refer to Port Connectivity and
Fiber-Optic Cabling on page 45 for additional information.
Improved security of business applications and data. The Director allows attached
devices to be partitioned into restricted-access zones to limit unauthorized access.
Refer to Name Server Zoning on page 416 for additional information.
Improved resource manageability. Distributed resources are consolidated and managed
through Fibre Channel connectivity instead of physical relocation.
Planning Considerations 43
Technical solutions provided through Director installation and SAN implementation
include:
Improved reliability and serviceability. High reliability and serviceability are ensured
by installing a Director with redundant field-replaceable units (FRUs) that can be
concurrently removed and replaced while the Director is operational.
Improved data transmission performance. While Fibre Channel implementation
provides an improvement over comparable technologies, data traffic through Director
must be identified and characterized for optimum performance. Traffic sources and
destinations must be identified, and bandwidth and quality-of- service requirements
for applications must be estimated.
The ability to transmit data over longer distances. Through the use of repeaters, the
Director can transmit Fibre Channel frames up to 100 kilometers (km). The purchase
and installation of repeaters must be factored into the SAN design to meet long-
distance requirements.
Scalability to meet growth requirements. A Director with planned excess port capacity
provides OSI connectivity for future servers, devices, and applications. Refer to
Capacity Planning on page 44 for additional information.
As part of the Director planning and installation process, define the enterprise's computing
assets (operating systems, hardware, communication networks, database management
systems, and business applications), and document all business and technical issues to be
addressed. Ensure these issues are considered and the resulting implications are factored
into the Director installation and SAN implementation plan.
Integrating SAN Technology
Prior to Director installation in a Fibre Channel SAN configuration, examine and
document the enterprise's topology and physical infrastructure as follows:
Ensure fiber-optic cables with small form factor (SFF) LC-to-LC connectors are
installed and documented, and are of sufficient length to meet planned distance
requirements. Refer to Task 2: Plan Fiber-Optic Cable Routing on page 57 for
additional information.
The SAN configuration may also include Directors, servers, and storage device host
bus adapters (HBAs) that use subscriber connectors (SCs). If this is the case, ensure
fiber-optic cables with LC-to-SC connectors are installed and documented as required.
44 SAN Director 64 Planning Guide
Determine if the SAN design will coexist with or replace the existing topology, and
ensure Director interoperability with end devices provided by separate original
equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Refer to Task 3: Consider Interoperability with
Fabric Elements and End Devices on page 57 for additional information.
Document existing device node names and internet protocol (IP) addresses, along with
naming and address assignment conventions. Refer to Task 6: Plan Network Addresses
on page 59 for additional information.
Fibre Channel Topologies
The Fibre Channel Director supports both point-to-point and multi-switch fabric
topologies, and indirectly supports arbitrated loop topology. A combination of these
topologies (hybrid topology) is also supported.
Point-to-point - A dedicated point-to-point connection through the Director is simple
to implement and should be considered for server-to-storage applications where high
performance, high availability, or extended distances are required.
Multi-switch fabric - Support of multi-switch fabric operation is a major feature of
the Director. Consider installation of multiple Directors (or other Compaq switch
elements) to form a high-availability fabric topology that supports multiple, full-
bandwidth data transmission paths between servers and devices.
Arbitrated loop - Although the Director does not support direct connection of
arbitrated loop devices, such devices can communicate with the Director through
commercially available fabric-loop switches. If peripheral loop devices are expected to
communicate with fabric-attached devices, consider installation of such a switch (with
the Director) to form a fabric-loop hybrid topology.
Capacity Planning
Consider the data traffic capacity of the enterprise (normal and peak load) as part of the
Director planning and installation process. Capacity planning is a dynamic activity that
must be performed when new devices, applications, or users are added to the enterprise. In
particular, use capacity planning to:
Ensure SAN traffic is distributed and balanced across servers, storage devices, and the
multi-switch fabric.
Identify traffic bottlenecks and provides for alternate paths through the multi-switch
fabric during peak load times or when fabric elements are serviced.
Assist in calculating scalability to satisfy nondisruptive growth requirements.
Planning Considerations 45
Port Connectivity and Fiber-Optic Cabling
This section provides planning recommendations for Director port connectivity and
fiber-optic cabling. Specific recommendations are provided for:
Port requirements (number and type of ports).
Extended-distance ports.
High availability considerations.
Cabling and connectors.
Routing fiber-optic cables.
Port Requirements
Plan for sufficient shortwave laser ports and longwave laser ports to meet the needs of the
configuration. The number of ports required is equal to the number of device connections
(including redundant connections), plus the number of interswitch links (ISLs) between
Directors, plus the total number of spare port connections.
The Director is configured from a minimum of eight fiber port module (FPM) cards (32
ports) to a maximum of 16 FPM cards (64 ports). FPM cards provide four port
connections and can be configured with shortwave transceivers, longwave laser
transceivers, or a combination of both.
Shortwave transceivers provide a connection for multi-mode cable with a core
diameter of 50 microns and a cladding diameter of 125 microns (50/125), or
multi-mode cable with a core diameter of 62.50 microns and a cladding diameter
of 125 microns (62.5/125). A 50/125 micron cable link allows a maximum
Director-to-device or Director-to-Director distance of up to 500 meters. A 62.5/125
micron cable link allows a maximum Director-to-device or Director-to-Director
distance of up to 300 meters.
Longwave transceivers provide a connection for single-mode cable with a core
diameter of 9 microns and a cladding diameter of 125 microns (9/125). A 9/125
micron cable link allows a maximum Director-to-device or Director-to-Director
distance of up to 20 kilometers.
46 SAN Director 64 Planning Guide
CAUTION: The Director's non-open fiber control (non-OFC) laser transceivers are
designed and certified for use only with fiber-optic cable and connectors with
characteristics specified by Compaq. Use of other connectors or optical fiber can
result in emission of laser power levels capable of producing injury to the eye if
viewed directly. Use of non-specified connectors or optical fiber can violate the
Class 1 laser classification.
Consider the following factors when determining the number and type of each transceiver
to use:
Distance between a Director and device or between Directors participating in an ISL as
part of a multi-switch fabric.
Cost effectiveness.
Device restrictions or requirements with respect to existing fiber-optic cable
(multi-mode or single-mode).
Data Transmission Distance
Data transmission distance is the primary factor governing the choice of transceiver type
and optical fiber. If the transmission distance is less than 300 meters, multi-mode or
single-mode optical fiber and any type of transceiver can be used. If the transmission
distance is between 300 and 500 meters, 50/125-micron multi-mode or single-mode
optical fiber and any type of transceiver can be used. If the transmission distance exceeds
500 meters, only single-mode optical fiber and a longwave laser transceiver can be used.
Variables such as the number of connections, grade of fiber-optic cable, device
restrictions, application restrictions, buffer-to-buffer credit limits, and performance
requirements can affect transmission distance.
Cost Effectiveness
Cost is the secondary factor governing the choice of transceiver type and optical fiber.
Shortwave laser transceivers and multi-mode cable offer a less expensive solution if data
transmission distance is not critical.
Planning Considerations 47
Device or Cable Restrictions
The choice of transceiver and cable type may be restricted or dictated by:
Device restrictions - Some devices may be restricted to use of only one type of
transceiver (shortwave or longwave). Refer to the supporting documentation delivered
with the product for information.
Existing cable restrictions - The enterprise may contain only one type of fiber-optic
cable (multi-mode or single-mode), and the customer may be required to use the
existing cables.
Extended-Distance Ports
Through the use of longwave laser transceivers and four repeaters spaced at 20 km
intervals, the Director supports data transmission distances of up to 100 km. This extended
distance feature is enabled on a port-by-port basis by activating the 10-100 km checkbox
for a specified port at the SD-64 Product Manager application's Configure Ports dialog
box. When a port is configured for extended distance operation, the buffer-to-buffer credit
(BB_Credit) value for the port is automatically set to 60. This value provides sufficient
buffering to handle frame processing for link distances up to 100 km.
When a Director port is configured to support extended link distances, the attached device
(or attached Director in a multi-switch fabric) must support extended distance operation
and be configured to use a higher BB_Credit value to maintain link efficiency.
If the extended distance feature is enabled for a port that is not installed or does not
support extended distance operation, the configuration for the feature is ignored. In
addition, a port configured for extended distance operation cannot transmit broadcast
frames to other ports in a Fibre Channel fabric.
High-Availability Considerations
To provide high availability, multiple connections from a specific server, storage device,
or application should be provided. Compaq recommends that multiple fiber-optic cable
connections not be attached to the Director through a single FPM card. Spreading
connections across multiple FPM cards eliminates an individual port or card as a single
point of failure.
To improve performance, consider having multiple connections to a device. Refer to the
device documentation to determine if this capability exists.
48 SAN Director 64 Planning Guide
To provide high availability and load balancing for Fibre Channel traffic through a
multi-switch fabric, multiple ISLs should be provided between Directors that participate
in critical data transfer paths.
Multiple Directors
Multiple Directors can be installed in the enterprise to provide device availability and
multi-switch fabric support.
Device availability - Spreading connections across multiple Directors eliminates each
Director as a single point of failure. Device availability, port availability, and port
serviceability are also increased by using a configuration that has multiple Directors
(with every device attached to at least two Directors).
Multi-switch fabric support - The Director operational software provides the ability
to interconnect Directors (through expansion port (E_Port) connections) to form a
multi-switch fabric. Up to four interconnected Directors are supported in a single
fabric.
Spare Ports
Plan to maintain unused (spare) Director ports if port connections must be quickly moved
and re-established after a failure. If an individual port or an entire FPM card fails, cards
can be removed and replaced, spare port connections identified (through the SD-64
Product Manager application), and fiber-optic cables rerouted and reconnected while the
Director is operational.
Although there is no requirement to provide spare ports, they are recommended to allow
quick transfer of connections in case of failure. Installation of at least one spare FPM card
is recommended. In addition, unused ports on any FPM card can be used as spare ports.
Cabling and Connectors
Each FPM card provides four SFF pluggable optic transceivers with duplex LC connectors
for attaching fiber-optic jumper cables. Figure 41 on page 49 illustrates an SFF
transceiver and duplex LC connector.
Planning Considerations 49
SHR-2277
Figure 41: SFF Transceiver and LC Duplex Connector
Fiber-optic jumper cables are required to connect Director ports to servers, devices,
distribution panels, or other Directors in a multi-switch fabric. Depending on the FPM
card configuration, use one of the following types of cable:
Graded-index multi-mode cable with a core diameter of 50 microns and a cladding
diameter of 125 microns (50/125). The cable provides a transmission distance between
two and 500 meters, and connects to shortwave ports that transmit light at an 850
nanometers (nm) wavelength. The cable typically has an orange jacket.
Graded-index multi-mode cable with a core diameter of 62.50 microns and a cladding
diameter of 125 microns (62.5/125). The cable provides a transmission distance
between two and 300 meters, and connects to shortwave ports that transmit light at an
850 nm wavelength. The cable typically has an orange jacket.
Dispersion-unshifted single-mode cable with a core diameter of nine microns and a
cladding diameter of 125 microns (9/125). The cable provides a transmission distance
between two meters and 20 kilometers, and connects to longwave ports that transmit
light at a 1300 nm wavelength. The cable typically has a yellow jacket.
In addition, the SAN configuration may also include Directors, servers, and storage device
HBAs that use subscriber connectors (SCs). If this is the case, fiber-optic jumper cables
with LC-to-SC connectors are required.
410 SAN Director 64 Planning Guide
Routing Fiber-Optic Cables
The Director has a maximum of 16 FPM cards (64 ports) that may require fiber-optic
cable connections and subsequent cable routing. In a Fibre Channel protocol OSI
environment, ports are numbered by physical port number only. Figure 42 shows FPM
card numbers (0 through 15) and port numbers (00 through 63).
FPM Cards FPM Cards
6 5 3 0
7 4 2 1
13
15 10 9 8
14 12 11
CTP - 1 Card
CTP - 0 Card
55 23
47 15
59 51 19
39 27
63 43 35 31 07
11 03
54 22
58 50 18
62 46 38 30 26
42 34 14 06
10 02
57 25
45 13
53 49 21
61 37 29
41 33 05 01
17 09
44 00
12
52 48 20
60 56 28 16
40 36 32 24 04
08
SHR-2278
Figure 42: FPM Card and Port Numbers (OSI)
Follow a logical plan for routing fiber-optic cables to avoid confusing connections during
installation and operation. Route cables from the access holes at the bottom or top of the
equipment rack, through the rack side-rail channels, then through the cable management
assembly at the bottom front of the Director. Connect cables to ports starting with the
center FPM cards (7 and 8) adjacent to the control processor (CTP) cards and work
outward. In addition, start with the bottom port of each FPM card and work upward.
Leave enough slack in the cables to allow cable movement for FPM card removal and
replacement, or possible rerouting of the cable to another port. When routing fiber-optic
cables and estimating cable lengths, consider:
Cable routing inside the equipment rack to different FPM card locations, and
installation position of the Director (top or bottom of the rack). Plan for 1.0 meter
(39.37 inches) of extra cable for routing through restraint mechanisms and rerouting
cables to other FPM cards.
Cable routing outside the equipment rack. Plan for 1.5 meters (59.05 inches) of cable
outside the rack to provide slack for service clearance, limited rack movement, and
inadvertent cable pulls.
Cabling distance to servers, storage devices, and Directors (for multi-switch fabric
support).
Planning Considerations 411
The need for additional fiber-optic cabling could grow rapidly. More cables may be
required for connections to additional servers or storage devices, or for connections to
additional Directors as a multi-switch fabric is developed. The Director may need to be
moved for more efficient connection to other units, but still maintain its original
connections. To account for these possibilities, consider installing excess fiber-optic cable,
especially in hard to reach places like underground trenches.
SDCM Server, LAN, and Remote Access
Support
Out-of-band (non-Fibre Channel) console access to the Director is provided to perform
operations and management functions. These functions are performed from one or more of
the following consoles:
Through the SDCM server that is LAN-attached to the Director's CTP card.
Through a remote personal computer (PC) or workstation connected to the SDCM
server through the Director LAN segment.
Through a simple network management protocol (SNMP) management workstation
connected through the Director LAN segment.
Through a PC with a web browser and Internet connection to the Director through a
LAN segment.
Through a PC with a direct serial connection to the Director maintenance port (rear
of the Director chassis). The maintenance port is used by installation personnel to
configure switch network addresses.
SDCM Server
The SDCM server and an external zip drive support up to 48 Directors or other managed
Compaq products. The server is used to configure the Director and SDCM, SD-64 Product
Manager, and Fabric applications, monitor Director operation, change Director
configurations, download firmware updates, and initiate diagnostics.
An SDCM server failure does not affect port connections or functions of an operational
Director. The only operating effect of a server failure is loss of remote access,
configuration, management, and monitoring functions.
412 SAN Director 64 Planning Guide
SDCM Server Connectivity
The SDCM server provides an auto-detecting 10/100 Base-T Ethernet interface that
connects to a customer-supplied LAN. Each Director CTP card also provides an
auto-detecting 10/100 Base-T Ethernet interface that connects to the LAN.
Customer-installed cables connect the SDCM server and managed Directors.
Although the Director provides two Ethernet connections to the LAN, only one
connection is active at a time. The interface on the backup CTP card remains passive until
a failure on the active CTP card occurs, at which point the redundant CTP card becomes
active using the same media access control (MAC) address as the original interface.
The SDCM server is accessible from the SANworks Management Appliance for service
and support of managed products. The Network View application running on the appliance
communicates with the server and initiates the SDCM, SD-64 Product Manager, and
Fabric Manager applications remotely. The appliance also provides connectivity to an
authorized support center (to report the occurrence of significant system events) using a
call-home feature. The call-home feature is enabled at the SD-64 Product Manager
application.
NOTE: Call-home notification requires installation of Compaq Proactive Service software. This
service is offered at no additional charge for subsystems covered under an on-site warranty or
on-site storage hardware support contract. To register or order Proactive Service software,
contact your Compaq customer service representative.
Connectivity Planning Considerations
Directors and the SDCM server are delivered in a Compaq-supplied Series 9000 or M
Series equipment rack in accordance with customer specifications. Consider the following
Ethernet connectivity issues when:
Installing rack-mount Directors - When installing a Director, the length of Ethernet
cable required to provide LAN connectivity is a function of rack position (top, bottom,
or adjacent to the slide-out drawer). If a customer-supplied Ethernet hub is installed at
the top of the equipment rack, plan for the following minimum cable lengths:
Top position: 150 centimeters (59.1 inches).
Second position: 190 centimeters (74.8 inches).
Third position: 235 centimeters (92.5 inches).
Bottom position: 275 centimeters (108.3 inches).
Planning Considerations 413
Each recommended length provides sufficient Ethernet cable inside the rack to route to
Director CTP cards and to allow service clearance for card removal and replacement.
Interconnecting equipment racks - To increase the number of Directors managed by
one SDCM server, Ethernet hubs in one or more equipment racks must be connected.
Plan for an Ethernet cable length that meets the distance requirement between the
racks. In addition, plan for an additional 1.5 meters (59.1 inches) of cable outside the
rack to provide slack for service clearance, limited rack movement, or inadvertent
cable pulls. Store extra Ethernet cable in the rack or under the computer room raised
floor.
Consolidating SDCM server operation - For control and efficiency, all Directors in a
multi-switch fabric should be managed by one SDCM server. When Directors in two
or more racks are joined to form a fabric, the PC environment should be consolidated
to one server and one or more clients. Plan for Ethernet cabling to interconnect racks
and ensure all Directors and PC platforms participating in the fabric have unique IP
addresses.
Remote User Workstations
Customer system administrators determine whether to allow access to Directors from
remote workstations. If administrators allow remote sessions, they may restrict access to
selected workstations by configuring the IP addresses of those workstations through the
SDCM application. When a remote session is allowed, the remote user has the same rights
and permissions as if the session were on the local SDCM server. Up to five SDCM
application sessions can be simultaneously active (one local and four remote).
Remote workstations must have access to the customer intranet (LAN segment) on which
the SDCM server is installed. Director administrative functions are accessed through the
LAN and SDCM server. The customer intranet is part of the 10/100 Mbps LAN that
provides access to managed Directors. This Director-to-SDCM server connection is part
of the equipment rack installation and is required. Connection of remote workstations
through the customer intranet is optional. This type of network configuration using an
Ethernet connection through the SDCM server is shown in Figure 43 on page 414.
If the SDCM server connection is provided through the customer intranet, all functions
provided by the SDCM server are available to users throughout the enterprise.
NOTE: The Ethernet adapter in the SDCM server provides an auto-detecting 10/100 Mbps
connection. Depending on speed restrictions imposed by other LAN-attached devices, the LAN
segment that connects the SDCM server to managed Directors operates at either ten or 100
Mbps.
414 SAN Director 64 Planning Guide
Stora
geWo
rks SAN
6064
SDCM Server
SD-64 Director
Custtomer Intranet
Cus omer Intranet
((10//100 Mbps)
10 100 Mbps)
Remote
Workstation
Stora
geWo
rks SAN
6064
SD-64 Director
SHR-2280
Figure 43: Typical Network Configuration (One Ethernet Connection)
SNMP Management Workstations
An SNMP agent that runs on the SDCM server can be configured through the SDCM
application. This agent implements the Fibre Alliance management information base
(MIB). The agent can be configured to send SNMP trap messages to up to 12 recipients. In
addition, there is a separate SNMP agent that runs on each Director that is configured
through the Product Manager application. This agent implements the following MIBs:
The Fibre Channel Fabric Element MIB (Version 1.10).
A subset of the standard transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP)
MIB-II definition (RFC1213).
The Director-specific MIB.
The Director SNMP agent can be configured to send trap messages to up to six recipients.
SNMP management is only intended for Director monitoring; therefore, the default state
of all MIB variables is read-only. When installed on a customer intranet, workstations
communicate with Directors through the SDCM server.
Planning Considerations 415
Web Browser Access
The embedded web server interface provides a graphical user interface (GUI) accessed
through the Internet (locally or remotely) to manage a single Director. If the embedded
web server interface is to be implemented:
Plan for an Internet connection to the LAN segment on which the Director or Directors
are installed. The LAN connection is provided through the optional customer-supplied
Ethernet hub or the corporate intranet.
Ensure adequate security measures are implemented to preclude unauthorized access
to Directors. Ensure IP addresses (uniform resource locators (URLs) for Internet
access) of managed Directors, usernames, and passwords are tightly controlled.
Security Provisions
Security provisions are available to restrict unauthorized access to the Director and
attached devices. Access to the Director (through the SDCM application, SD-64 Product
Manager application, and web server interface) is restricted by implementing password
protection. Access to attached computing resources (including applications and data) is
restricted by implementing name server zoning.
Access to the SDCM and Product Manager applications requires configuration of a user
name and password. Up to 16 user names and associated passwords can be configured,
although only five users can log in concurrently (four remote and one local). Each user is
assigned rights that allow access to specific sets of Director management operations.
Table 41 on page 416 explains the types of user rights available. A user may have more
than one set of user rights granted.
The system administrator can also use the SDCM application to assign remote workstation
access to Directors. Remote sessions can be allowed for anyone on a customer intranet,
disallowed completely, or restricted to specific workstations. Remote users must log into
the SDCM application with a user name and password, just as when logging in to the local
SDCM server. Passwords are encrypted when sent across the network. By entering
workstation IP addresses at the SDCM application, administrators can allow access from
all user workstations or only from specific workstations.
416 SAN Director 64 Planning Guide
Table 41: Types of User Rights
User Right Operator Access Allowed
View Only The user may view Director configurations and status, but may not
make changes. These rights are the default if no other user rights are
assigned.
Operator The operator may view status and configuration information in the
Product Manager application and perform operational control changes
such as blocking ports and placing the Director online or offline.
Product Administrator The product administrator can make all control and configuration
changes through the Product Manager application.
System Administrator The system administrator can make all control and configuration
changes, define users and passwords, and add or remove Directors (or
other Compaq managed products) through the SDCM application.
Maintenance The maintenance operator can perform all Director control and
configuration changes through the Product Manager application, and
perform diagnostics, log maintenance, firmware loads, and data
collection.
For access through the web server interface, the system administrator provides IP
addresses of Directors to authorized users, assigns access usernames, and controls
associated passwords.
Name Server Zoning
The Director supports a name server zoning feature that partitions attached devices into
restricted-access groups called zones. Devices in the same zone can recognize and
communicate with each other through switched port-to-port connections. Devices in
separate zones cannot recognize name server information or communicate with each other.
Figure 44 on page 417 illustrates three zones (with four devices per zone).
Planning Considerations 417
ZONE 1
ZONE 2
ZONE 3
SD-64 Director
SHR-2281
Figure 44: Director Zoning
Benefits of Zoning
System administrators create zones to increase network security measures, differentiate
between operating systems, and prevent data loss or corruption by controlling access
between devices (such as servers and data storage units), or between separate user groups
(such as engineering or human resources). Zoning allows an administrator to establish:
Logical subsets of closed user groups. Administrators can authorize access rights to
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