| 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 HP Enterprise Virtual Arrays, further increases your ROI as the same management software and policies are used to create snapshots, backups and perform 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 the servers to access Fibre Channel storage resources in the SAN.
In virtual server environments, 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 HP Enterprise Virtual Array (EVA) support iSCSI? |
| A2. |
Yes. The HP MPX200 Multifunction Router supports all existing HP Enterprise Virtual Array models, EVA (4000, 6000, 8000, 4400, 6400, 8400) to 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 MPX200 Multiprotocol Router? |
| A3. |
Deploying Virtual Servers: Allows easy deployment of virtual machines. By supporting 300-600 iSCSI initiator connections to the HP Enterprise Virtual Array (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. Flexible and unique fan-in licensing capabilities, allow 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 perform low cost remote data replication over IP networks using HP Continuous Access EVA software.
Converged Infrastructure: A simple and easy way to support FCoE for trials and beta testing before deploying in FCoE in real-time environments.
Open 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 customer problems this solution helps to address? |
| A4. |
Customer Problem: Customers want to increase utilization of their computing assets with virtual machines and current storage.
Solution: 1 GbE, 10 GbE iSCSI and FCoE connectivity allows up to 44 Gb/s iSCSI/FCoE host ports. With multiprotocol support on HP Enterprise Virtual Arrays, customers can consolidate their storage on the EVA for iSCSI, FCoE and FC servers.
Customer Problem: Server density is increasing with Racks and Blade Servers.
Solution: Allows up to 3 times the 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, Fibre Channel over Ethernet 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 with 1 GbE connection in a LAN, with MPX200 connected to the core using a 10 GbE uplink. MPX200 supports up to four EVA’s per chassis
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| Q5. |
Does the HP 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 redundant data paths, dual power supplies and non-disruptive firmware updates to minimize downtime.
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| Q6. |
How do I manage the iSCSI devices on HP Enterprise Virtual Arrays (EVA)? |
| A6. |
HP Command View EVA Software provides the capability to manage the EVA and MPX200 with one integrated tool. This powerful tool delivers an easy mechanism to manage iSCSI, FC and FCoE configurations on the EVA storage array from a common interface. |
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| Q7. |
Can I use the HP MPX200 Multiprotocol Router to provide iSCSI and FCIP connectivity to my HP XP or P9500 Arrays? |
| A7. |
Yes, MPX200 is supported with HP XP20000/XP24000 and P9500 Array for iSCSI and FCIP connectivity. |
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| Q8. |
Does the HP 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 HP Enterprise Virtual Arrays (EVA) can I connect to a single HP MPX200 Multiprotocol Router chassis/blade? |
| A9. |
Up to four 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 MPX200 Multiprotocol Router? |
| A10. |
MPX200 Multifunction Router can perform the following tasks:
- iSCSI connectivity to EVA, XP and P9500 arrays.
- High performance offline data migration.
- Enable FCIP connections to do SAN over WAN, remote data replication using HP EVA Continuous Access Software.
Yes, 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.
Ideal use cases for the MPX200 include the ability to migrate data off older arrays to a new EVA array or XP or P9500 or 3PAR and heterogeneous environments, deploy MPX200 to provide high performance iSCSI connectivity, and connect local and remote SAN's using FCIP for distance replication using HP Continuous Access EVA software.
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| Q11. |
Can I perform data migration with HP 3PAR? |
| A11. |
Yes, easily perform high performance data migration for 3PAR (F-class, T-class) over FC as a destination array, migrate normal (thick) to thin provision storage for storage savings and lower storage costs. |
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| Q12. |
Does HP offer a storage and data migration service for the MPX200? |
| A12. |
Yes, the HP Storage and Data Migration Services help you lessen the risk of data loss, minimize threats to data integrity and avoid performance slowdowns during your move. An experienced HP storage specialist works with you to rapidly and securely migrate within your data center or across the globe.
The MPX200 is a unique solution that supports data migration to a SAN from mission-critical open systems environments with EMC, HDS, IBM or any other legacy platforms. |
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| Q13. |
Do I need to work with HP Storage and Data Migration Services to perform data migration using the MPX200? |
| A13. |
No, the MPX200 offers very flexible data migration licensing; you can purchase data migration licenses through HP or an authorized HP Partner and perform your own data migration. |
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