| Q1. |
Why should I use iSCSI? What are the benefits? |
| A1. |
iSCSI enables organizations to integrate low-cost Ethernet-connected servers into Fibre Channel SANs by using the iSCSI protocol.
Enabling Ethernet-based servers to leverage Fibre Channel SAN resources, thereby improving asset utilization. Consolidating your iSCSI and FC storage needs on the EVA, further increases your ROI as the same management software and policies are used to create snapshots, backups and do remote replication.
Using iSCSI to connect 100's of servers also reduces costs by eliminating the need to purchase Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters (HBAs) for each of these servers in order for these servers to access Fibre Channel storage resources in the SAN.
In virtual server environment, iSCSI really shines as iSCSI initiators in individual virtual machines can be directly connected to EVA SAN storage LUN's. This means each Virtual Machine can secure and manage its own LUNs. This ensures that existing storage management software and policies can be seamlessly maintained throughout the VM deployment.
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| Q2. |
Can my existing EVA support iSCSI? |
| A2. |
Yes. The HP StorageWorks MPX200 Multifunction Router supports all existing HP StorageWorks Enterprise Virtual Array models, including the EVA6000 series, and the new EVA4400, EVA6400 and EVA8400. The MPX200 Multifunction Router can be added to an EVA already installed or installed with a new EVA.
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| Q3. |
What are the primary uses of the HP StorageWorks MPX200 Multiprotocol Router? |
| A3. |
Deploying Virtual Servers: Allows easy deployment of virtual machines. By supporting 300-600 iSCSI initiator connections to the EVA, each virtual server can secure and manage its own LUNs.
Storage Consolidation: Add departmental, branch and remote servers to the FC SAN via low-cost IP networks.
Large SAN scalability: Ability to build larger, more modular storage networks via IP networks.
Data Migration: Enable customers to migrate their data between heterogeneous storage arrays using a very user friendly data migration GUI. Unique fan-in capabilities, allows customers to migrate data off multiple older arrays to a single newer array at blazing fast speeds in a cost effective manner.
SAN over WAN: Use FCIP functionality to connect local and remote SAN's to do low cost remote data replication over IP networks using HP StorageWorks Continuous Access EVA software.
Opens benefits of SAN Applications: More servers can take advantage of server less backup, rapid disaster recovery using remote replication, data snapshots, etc |
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| Q4. |
What are some of the customer problems this solution helps to address? |
| A4. |
Customer Problem: Customers want to increase utilization of their computing assets with virtual servers.
Solution: 10 GbE iSCSI connectivity allows larger number of virtual machines to be run on a single physical server by allowing each VM to secure and manage its own LUNs.
Customer Problem: Server density is increasing with Racks and Blade Servers.
Solution: Allows 2X-3X number of servers to be connected to a single EVA storage array with support for 300-600 iSCSI initiators.
Customer Problem: Proliferation of SAN islands (iSCSI, Fibre Channel and FCoE).
Solution: MPX200 allows EVA’s to be connected to both Fibre Channel SAN’s and iSCSI servers resulting in increased resource utilization and cost savings with centralized management.
Customer Problem: Increasing cost and complexity in the data center.
Solution: MPX200 allows aggregation of servers in a LAN connected to the MPX200 using a 10 GbE uplink and single MPX200 chassis supports up to 4 EVA’s.
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| Q5. |
Does the HP StorageWorks MPX200 Multiprotocol Router support high availability configurations? |
| A5. |
Yes. Each MPX200 Chassis has slots for two router blades. Populating these two slots with two blades gives you high availability and redundant data paths. |
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| Q6. |
How do I manage the iSCSI devices on the EVA? |
| A6. |
HP StorageWorks Command View EVA Software provides the capability to manage the EVA and MPX200. This powerful tool provides an easy mechanism to manage both iSCSI and Fibre Channel configurations. Up to 16 EVA units in a SAN configuration by a single Command View EVA package. |
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| Q7. |
Can I purchase the new HP StorageWorks MPX200 Multiprotocol Router use it with my existing EVA's? |
| A7. |
Yes. |
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| Q8. |
Does the HP StorageWorks MPX200 Multiprotocol Router Base SKU come with redundant power supplies? |
| A8. |
Yes, Each base chassis SKU comes with dual redundant power supply modules. |
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| Q9. |
How many EVA's can I connect to a single HP StorageWorks MPX200 Multiprotocol Router chassis/blade? |
| A9. |
Up to 4 EVA's can be connected through a fabric to a single MPX200 Chassis. |
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| Q10. |
Can I run iSCSI and FCIP simultaneously on HP StorageWorks MPX200 Multiprotocol Router? |
| A10. |
MPX200 Multifunction Router can perform the following tasks
- iSCSI connectivity to EVA arrays.
- High performance offline data migration.
- Enable FCIP connections to do SAN over WAN, remote data replication using EVA Continuous Access Software.
MPX200 can be configured to perform these tasks simultaneously
- iSCSI connectivity and offline data migration
- iSCSI connectivity and 1GbE FCIP connectivity
Each of these tasks can be also be configured singularly.
The best use case is to use the MPX200 platform to migrate data off your older arrays to your new EVA array and deploy MPX200 to provide high performance iSCSI connectivity and connect local and remote SAN's using FCIP for distance replication using HP StorageWorks Continuous Access EVA software.
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