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URGENT: Multi Vendor Array LUNs on single host with PowerPath & MPIO
Hi All,
We have a Windows 2008 R2 host (x64) with PowerPath 5.5...
When I installed PowerPath on this machine, it activated the MicroSoft MPIO layer (PowerPath is EMC's DSM on top of MPIO right?)
This host used to be connected ONLY to an EMC Storage array, so no problems at all...
Today however, we need to connect a SECOND storage array to this same host, so the host now has to see LUNs from the EMC Clariion CX380 and a 3PAR v800...
As PowerPath does not support the 3PAR, I have only introduced the 3PAR in the Microsoft MPIO (Using the command: MPCLAIM -r -I -d "3PARdataVV" )
My questions to all PowerPath gurus out there:
1) PowerPath is EMC's DSM on top of MPIO right?
2) Is this combination supported and does it work without problems?
i.e.:
EMC Clariion LUNs via PowerPath 5.5 (And MPIO, as I understand PP is a DSM on top of MPIO)
3PAR LUNs via basic MPIO only
3) Are there any gotcha's I need to know?
4) Are there any specific PowerPath versions that are needed for this to work together?
5) Are there any alternatives (I really don't want to go MPIO only for the Clariion LUNs as well, as that would need ALUA setup, right?)
Hope you guys can help me
Thanks
Fred
Message was edited by: Fredster
Anonymous
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June 7th, 2012 09:00
Hello,
I'll see if I can answer some of these questions.
1) Correct
2) Supported? PowerPath will not be managing your 3PAR luns, but you will be supported by EMC for your Clariion luns. I don't believe we are going to find evidence that your unique situation has been tested and verified, so I suggest that it should work as long as the same luns are not being managed by both DSM's (native Microsoft and PowerPath).
3) Ensure you are using the correct load balance policy in Microsoft Native MPIO as recommended by 3PAR. Also, keep in mind that different storage vendors can have different requirements for the HBA drivers and settings. If you intend on using the same two HBA's for both Clariion and 3PAR ensure that the HBA settings meet both vendors requirements. Otherwise you may need separate HBA's for each storage array. Each DSM requires that all HBA's managing a lun be identical.
4) PowerPath 5.5 SP1 is the latest. I recommend using that.
5) Microsoft Native MPIO will support the Clariions ALUA. See the EMC Host Connectivity Guide for Windows for details.
Hope this helps