Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Hi Urtzi,

have you tired this: click Monitor > Events in the management GUI. This action displays a list of unfixed errors that are currently in the event log. For these unfixed errors, select the error name to begin a guided maintenance procedure to resolve them.

Bests

Justyna

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Hello, Justyna:

That is the first thing I've done, but no, there are NO events recorded. Everything is just working fine, but ports appear as Degraded and we don't know why. Do you have another advise in order to check?

Thank you ina dvance.

Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Hi Urtzi,

have you tired this: click Monitor > Events in the management GUI. This action displays a list of unfixed errors that are currently in the event log. For these unfixed errors, select the error name to begin a guided maintenance procedure to resolve them.

Bests

Justyna

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Are you having any trouble with the NPIV/Virtual FC client lpars?  

The reason I ask is that I am pretty sure NPIV over a direct connection to PowerVM (VIOS) is not supported.  See https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/direct-attached-storage-vios-npiv-clients

The issue is the FlashSystems incorporate a limited function NPIV controller, but it is not a full function NPIV controller as you'd get in a SAN switch.  This tricks the VIOS into thinking that all is well, including response to the lsnports command, but it does not support the full function required for NPIV.

Checking your configuration on the SSIC link in the support page referenced above is a good step as it may also depend on the specific adapters you are using.  In any case you really should open a support ticket -- this is not the sort of question you're likely to get a definitive answer to in this forum.

I have spent a fair amount of time researching this issue due to restrictions on direct connections in the non-LTS 8.6.1+ firmware levels.  I know that in small configurations, direct connect is often desirable to eliminate the cost of a switch, but building a small switch (or two) into your configuration smooths over a lot of potential problems.  It also gives you a monitoring point for traffic and error statistics and makes future system and storage migrations much easier.

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Thank you for your reply, Vincent:

We actually use VIOS and Flashsystems volumes as a virtual disks (that is, we have vhosts with hdiskX disks mapped from the FlashSystem) and no NPIV volumes really mapped, so we have no issues. This question arised because the customer had a 5030 with NPIV deactivated and ports worked properly in online stattus, and we migrated the 5030 to the 5045 with NPIV enabled by default and with this result, ports degraaded. But the Flashsystems are working well, I think it's only a "cosmetic" degradation...

But you are right, better open a Case in IBM to help me solve this situation.

Thank you for all.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Are you having any trouble with the NPIV/Virtual FC client lpars?  

The reason I ask is that I am pretty sure NPIV over a direct connection to PowerVM (VIOS) is not supported.  See https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/direct-attached-storage-vios-npiv-clients

The issue is the FlashSystems incorporate a limited function NPIV controller, but it is not a full function NPIV controller as you'd get in a SAN switch.  This tricks the VIOS into thinking that all is well, including response to the lsnports command, but it does not support the full function required for NPIV.

Checking your configuration on the SSIC link in the support page referenced above is a good step as it may also depend on the specific adapters you are using.  In any case you really should open a support ticket -- this is not the sort of question you're likely to get a definitive answer to in this forum.

I have spent a fair amount of time researching this issue due to restrictions on direct connections in the non-LTS 8.6.1+ firmware levels.  I know that in small configurations, direct connect is often desirable to eliminate the cost of a switch, but building a small switch (or two) into your configuration smooths over a lot of potential problems.  It also gives you a monitoring point for traffic and error statistics and makes future system and storage migrations much easier.

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Hi Urtzi

Earlier, I configured the same with FS5045 storage and a P8 server with a single VIOS. In a similar configuration, I faced the same issue with the online host and degraded ports for all hosts in P8 servers (VIOS and multiple LPARS).

As per my knowledge, this is a limitation (or say, normal behavior) for the directly connected storage as the single port of a host won't be able to communicate to both controllers of storage in any case. Also, as a host can communicate with both controllers of storage using multiple different ports there is no SPOF.

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Hello:

Thank for your reply. I opened a case and they told me that IBM is working in a new APAR HU02431 in order to solve the degraded status, because NPIV "is" supported in direct attach configurations also with new 8.6.0.X firmwares, and the issue is only a "cosmetic" problem in version 8.6.0.3 and newer versions that, as they told me, are working to solve.

So thank you for all your replies, and this thread can be closed for now.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Hi Urtzi

Earlier, I configured the same with FS5045 storage and a P8 server with a single VIOS. In a similar configuration, I faced the same issue with the online host and degraded ports for all hosts in P8 servers (VIOS and multiple LPARS).

As per my knowledge, this is a limitation (or say, normal behavior) for the directly connected storage as the single port of a host won't be able to communicate to both controllers of storage in any case. Also, as a host can communicate with both controllers of storage using multiple different ports there is no SPOF.

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Hi Urtzi, 

Just a follow up on this thread.  Did IBM successfully close your support ticket and resolve the issue in new spectrum virtualize release ? 

We have a client asking for the same question in a very similar configuration, a Power 10 server directly attaches to a FS5045, without SAN switches.  NPIV is expected to be enabled.   

Would like to see if your case is a good example.  Thanks a lot!  

Best regards,

Larry Hao

------------------------------
Larry Hao

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 09:37 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

Thank for your reply. I opened a case and they told me that IBM is working in a new APAR HU02431 in order to solve the degraded status, because NPIV "is" supported in direct attach configurations also with new 8.6.0.X firmwares, and the issue is only a "cosmetic" problem in version 8.6.0.3 and newer versions that, as they told me, are working to solve.

So thank you for all your replies, and this thread can be closed for now.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Hi Urtzi

Earlier, I configured the same with FS5045 storage and a P8 server with a single VIOS. In a similar configuration, I faced the same issue with the online host and degraded ports for all hosts in P8 servers (VIOS and multiple LPARS).

As per my knowledge, this is a limitation (or say, normal behavior) for the directly connected storage as the single port of a host won't be able to communicate to both controllers of storage in any case. Also, as a host can communicate with both controllers of storage using multiple different ports there is no SPOF.

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Hello:

IBM cloesd the ticket, but they only send an RPQ to newer versions, but as far as I know, the "issue" (that not an issue because ports are working normally) degraded mode is still on.

No good news at the moment.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Hi Urtzi, 

Just a follow up on this thread.  Did IBM successfully close your support ticket and resolve the issue in new spectrum virtualize release ? 

We have a client asking for the same question in a very similar configuration, a Power 10 server directly attaches to a FS5045, without SAN switches.  NPIV is expected to be enabled.   

Would like to see if your case is a good example.  Thanks a lot!  

Best regards,

Larry Hao

------------------------------
Larry Hao

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 09:37 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

Thank for your reply. I opened a case and they told me that IBM is working in a new APAR HU02431 in order to solve the degraded status, because NPIV "is" supported in direct attach configurations also with new 8.6.0.X firmwares, and the issue is only a "cosmetic" problem in version 8.6.0.3 and newer versions that, as they told me, are working to solve.

So thank you for all your replies, and this thread can be closed for now.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Hi Urtzi

Earlier, I configured the same with FS5045 storage and a P8 server with a single VIOS. In a similar configuration, I faced the same issue with the online host and degraded ports for all hosts in P8 servers (VIOS and multiple LPARS).

As per my knowledge, this is a limitation (or say, normal behavior) for the directly connected storage as the single port of a host won't be able to communicate to both controllers of storage in any case. Also, as a host can communicate with both controllers of storage using multiple different ports there is no SPOF.

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

Hello All 

Could anyone please let me know if this issue is resolved.

because we got a new IBMFS5045 few weeks and having the PowerEdge Servers directly connected to the Storage.

we have 2 hosts defined as Boot from SAN and its working, I have installed Hyper-V2022, no issues observed sofar.

please check the below and let me know if this cab be fixed ( degraded status on the Host WWPN's)

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lsportfc -delim , -gui
id,fc_io_port_id,port_id,type,port_speed,node_id,node_name,WWPN,nportid,status,switch_WWPN,fpma,vlanid,fcf_MAC,attachment,cluster_use,adapter_location,adapter_port_id,fabric_WWN
0,1,1,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D06C99E,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99E
1,2,2,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D0AC99E,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99E
2,3,3,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D0EC99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
3,4,4,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D12C99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
16,1,1,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D06C99F,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99F
17,2,2,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D0AC99F,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99F
18,3,3,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D0EC99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
19,4,4,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D12C99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 0
id:0
name:HVOTN01
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA7
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA6
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 1
id:1
name:HVOTN02
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC3
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC2
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>

IBM_FlashSystem:KT-IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost
id name      port_count iogrp_count status site_id site_name host_cluster_id host_cluster_name protocol owner_id owner_name portset_id portset_name
0  HVOTN01 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64
1  HVOTN02 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64

------------------------------
Rajarajesh Nelakanti

Original Message:
Sent: Tue October 01, 2024 05:07 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

IBM cloesd the ticket, but they only send an RPQ to newer versions, but as far as I know, the "issue" (that not an issue because ports are working normally) degraded mode is still on.

No good news at the moment.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
IT Manager
ECNA Informatica
Bilbao
944159688

Original Message:
Sent: Sun September 29, 2024 09:08 PM
From: Larry Hao
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi, 

Just a follow up on this thread.  Did IBM successfully close your support ticket and resolve the issue in new spectrum virtualize release ? 

We have a client asking for the same question in a very similar configuration, a Power 10 server directly attaches to a FS5045, without SAN switches.  NPIV is expected to be enabled.   

Would like to see if your case is a good example.  Thanks a lot!  

Best regards,

Larry Hao

------------------------------
Larry Hao

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 09:37 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

Thank for your reply. I opened a case and they told me that IBM is working in a new APAR HU02431 in order to solve the degraded status, because NPIV "is" supported in direct attach configurations also with new 8.6.0.X firmwares, and the issue is only a "cosmetic" problem in version 8.6.0.3 and newer versions that, as they told me, are working to solve.

So thank you for all your replies, and this thread can be closed for now.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 12:55 AM
From: Anup Regmi
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi

Earlier, I configured the same with FS5045 storage and a P8 server with a single VIOS. In a similar configuration, I faced the same issue with the online host and degraded ports for all hosts in P8 servers (VIOS and multiple LPARS).

As per my knowledge, this is a limitation (or say, normal behavior) for the directly connected storage as the single port of a host won't be able to communicate to both controllers of storage in any case. Also, as a host can communicate with both controllers of storage using multiple different ports there is no SPOF.

------------------------------
Anup Regmi

Original Message:
Sent: Sun March 10, 2024 07:54 PM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
------------------------------

Double-check your zoning. It looks like each host WWPN is only logged in on one FS5045 controller. Both host FC ports need to see both controllers. And both controllers need to be accessible on both fabrics (assuming each host FC port is connected to separate switches).

------------------------------
Zaki Jääskeläinen

Original Message:
Sent: Thu September 04, 2025 08:54 PM
From: Rajarajesh Nelakanti
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello All 

Could anyone please let me know if this issue is resolved.

because we got a new IBMFS5045 few weeks and having the PowerEdge Servers directly connected to the Storage.

we have 2 hosts defined as Boot from SAN and its working, I have installed Hyper-V2022, no issues observed sofar.

please check the below and let me know if this cab be fixed ( degraded status on the Host WWPN's)

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lsportfc -delim , -gui
id,fc_io_port_id,port_id,type,port_speed,node_id,node_name,WWPN,nportid,status,switch_WWPN,fpma,vlanid,fcf_MAC,attachment,cluster_use,adapter_location,adapter_port_id,fabric_WWN
0,1,1,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D06C99E,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99E
1,2,2,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D0AC99E,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99E
2,3,3,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D0EC99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
3,4,4,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D12C99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
16,1,1,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D06C99F,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99F
17,2,2,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D0AC99F,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99F
18,3,3,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D0EC99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
19,4,4,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D12C99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 0
id:0
name:HVOTN01
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA7
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA6
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 1
id:1
name:HVOTN02
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC3
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC2
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>

IBM_FlashSystem:KT-IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost
id name      port_count iogrp_count status site_id site_name host_cluster_id host_cluster_name protocol owner_id owner_name portset_id portset_name
0  HVOTN01 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64
1  HVOTN02 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64

------------------------------
Rajarajesh Nelakanti

Original Message:
Sent: Tue October 01, 2024 05:07 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

IBM cloesd the ticket, but they only send an RPQ to newer versions, but as far as I know, the "issue" (that not an issue because ports are working normally) degraded mode is still on.

No good news at the moment.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
IT Manager
ECNA Informatica
Bilbao
944159688

Original Message:
Sent: Sun September 29, 2024 09:08 PM
From: Larry Hao
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi, 

Just a follow up on this thread.  Did IBM successfully close your support ticket and resolve the issue in new spectrum virtualize release ? 

We have a client asking for the same question in a very similar configuration, a Power 10 server directly attaches to a FS5045, without SAN switches.  NPIV is expected to be enabled.   

Would like to see if your case is a good example.  Thanks a lot!  

Best regards,

Larry Hao

------------------------------
Larry Hao

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 09:37 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

Thank for your reply. I opened a case and they told me that IBM is working in a new APAR HU02431 in order to solve the degraded status, because NPIV "is" supported in direct attach configurations also with new 8.6.0.X firmwares, and the issue is only a "cosmetic" problem in version 8.6.0.3 and newer versions that, as they told me, are working to solve.

So thank you for all your replies, and this thread can be closed for now.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 12:55 AM
From: Anup Regmi
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi

Earlier, I configured the same with FS5045 storage and a P8 server with a single VIOS. In a similar configuration, I faced the same issue with the online host and degraded ports for all hosts in P8 servers (VIOS and multiple LPARS).

As per my knowledge, this is a limitation (or say, normal behavior) for the directly connected storage as the single port of a host won't be able to communicate to both controllers of storage in any case. Also, as a host can communicate with both controllers of storage using multiple different ports there is no SPOF.

------------------------------
Anup Regmi

Original Message:
Sent: Sun March 10, 2024 07:54 PM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
------------------------------

@Zaki Jääskeläinen:

The hosts are direct attached, so there is no possibility for a host WWPN to login to both FS5045 controllers.

@Rajarajesh Nelakanti:

What "status policy" is used for the attached hosts?

I assume the status policy "complete" is configured. Changing this to "redundant" should solve that issue.

-statuspolicy redundant | complete

(Optional) Specifies if complete or redundant policy is used for online status calculations.

• Complete connectivity is where online host status indicates complete connectivity, with every host port that is logged in to every node through which that host can access volumes, and degraded host status indicates one or more of these nodes does not have a login.
• Redundant connectivity calculation is where online host status indicates redundant connectivity, where enough host ports are logged in to enough nodes such that the removal of a single node or a single host port allows that host to access all of its volumes. In addition, there must be the same total login count from the host to each node within an I/O group. Degraded host status indicates non-redundant connectivity, in which a single point of failure prevents a host from accessing at least some of its volumes, or there is no single point of failure but the total login count from the host to each node within an I/O group is not the same.

Double-check your zoning. It looks like each host WWPN is only logged in on one FS5045 controller. Both host FC ports need to see both controllers. And both controllers need to be accessible on both fabrics (assuming each host FC port is connected to separate switches).

------------------------------
Zaki Jääskeläinen

Original Message:
Sent: Thu September 04, 2025 08:54 PM
From: Rajarajesh Nelakanti
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello All 

Could anyone please let me know if this issue is resolved.

because we got a new IBMFS5045 few weeks and having the PowerEdge Servers directly connected to the Storage.

we have 2 hosts defined as Boot from SAN and its working, I have installed Hyper-V2022, no issues observed sofar.

please check the below and let me know if this cab be fixed ( degraded status on the Host WWPN's)

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lsportfc -delim , -gui
id,fc_io_port_id,port_id,type,port_speed,node_id,node_name,WWPN,nportid,status,switch_WWPN,fpma,vlanid,fcf_MAC,attachment,cluster_use,adapter_location,adapter_port_id,fabric_WWN
0,1,1,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D06C99E,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99E
1,2,2,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D0AC99E,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99E
2,3,3,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D0EC99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
3,4,4,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D12C99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
16,1,1,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D06C99F,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99F
17,2,2,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D0AC99F,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99F
18,3,3,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D0EC99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
19,4,4,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D12C99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 0
id:0
name:HVOTN01
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA7
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA6
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 1
id:1
name:HVOTN02
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC3
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC2
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>

IBM_FlashSystem:KT-IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost
id name      port_count iogrp_count status site_id site_name host_cluster_id host_cluster_name protocol owner_id owner_name portset_id portset_name
0  HVOTN01 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64
1  HVOTN02 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64

------------------------------
Rajarajesh Nelakanti

Original Message:
Sent: Tue October 01, 2024 05:07 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

IBM cloesd the ticket, but they only send an RPQ to newer versions, but as far as I know, the "issue" (that not an issue because ports are working normally) degraded mode is still on.

No good news at the moment.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
IT Manager
ECNA Informatica
Bilbao
944159688

Original Message:
Sent: Sun September 29, 2024 09:08 PM
From: Larry Hao
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi, 

Just a follow up on this thread.  Did IBM successfully close your support ticket and resolve the issue in new spectrum virtualize release ? 

We have a client asking for the same question in a very similar configuration, a Power 10 server directly attaches to a FS5045, without SAN switches.  NPIV is expected to be enabled.   

Would like to see if your case is a good example.  Thanks a lot!  

Best regards,

Larry Hao

------------------------------
Larry Hao

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 09:37 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

Thank for your reply. I opened a case and they told me that IBM is working in a new APAR HU02431 in order to solve the degraded status, because NPIV "is" supported in direct attach configurations also with new 8.6.0.X firmwares, and the issue is only a "cosmetic" problem in version 8.6.0.3 and newer versions that, as they told me, are working to solve.

So thank you for all your replies, and this thread can be closed for now.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 12:55 AM
From: Anup Regmi
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi

Earlier, I configured the same with FS5045 storage and a P8 server with a single VIOS. In a similar configuration, I faced the same issue with the online host and degraded ports for all hosts in P8 servers (VIOS and multiple LPARS).

As per my knowledge, this is a limitation (or say, normal behavior) for the directly connected storage as the single port of a host won't be able to communicate to both controllers of storage in any case. Also, as a host can communicate with both controllers of storage using multiple different ports there is no SPOF.

------------------------------
Anup Regmi

Original Message:
Sent: Sun March 10, 2024 07:54 PM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
------------------------------

@Zaki Jääskeläinen:

The hosts are direct attached, so there is no possibility for a host WWPN to login to both FS5045 controllers.

@Rajarajesh Nelakanti:

What "status policy" is used for the attached hosts?

I assume the status policy "complete" is configured. Changing this to "redundant" should solve that issue.

-statuspolicy redundant | complete

(Optional) Specifies if complete or redundant policy is used for online status calculations.

• Complete connectivity is where online host status indicates complete connectivity, with every host port that is logged in to every node through which that host can access volumes, and degraded host status indicates one or more of these nodes does not have a login.
• Redundant connectivity calculation is where online host status indicates redundant connectivity, where enough host ports are logged in to enough nodes such that the removal of a single node or a single host port allows that host to access all of its volumes. In addition, there must be the same total login count from the host to each node within an I/O group. Degraded host status indicates non-redundant connectivity, in which a single point of failure prevents a host from accessing at least some of its volumes, or there is no single point of failure but the total login count from the host to each node within an I/O group is not the same.

Double-check your zoning. It looks like each host WWPN is only logged in on one FS5045 controller. Both host FC ports need to see both controllers. And both controllers need to be accessible on both fabrics (assuming each host FC port is connected to separate switches).

------------------------------
Zaki Jääskeläinen

Original Message:
Sent: Thu September 04, 2025 08:54 PM
From: Rajarajesh Nelakanti
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello All 

Could anyone please let me know if this issue is resolved.

because we got a new IBMFS5045 few weeks and having the PowerEdge Servers directly connected to the Storage.

we have 2 hosts defined as Boot from SAN and its working, I have installed Hyper-V2022, no issues observed sofar.

please check the below and let me know if this cab be fixed ( degraded status on the Host WWPN's)

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lsportfc -delim , -gui
id,fc_io_port_id,port_id,type,port_speed,node_id,node_name,WWPN,nportid,status,switch_WWPN,fpma,vlanid,fcf_MAC,attachment,cluster_use,adapter_location,adapter_port_id,fabric_WWN
0,1,1,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D06C99E,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99E
1,2,2,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D0AC99E,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99E
2,3,3,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D0EC99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
3,4,4,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D12C99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
16,1,1,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D06C99F,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99F
17,2,2,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D0AC99F,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99F
18,3,3,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D0EC99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
19,4,4,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D12C99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 0
id:0
name:HVOTN01
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA7
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA6
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 1
id:1
name:HVOTN02
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC3
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC2
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>

IBM_FlashSystem:KT-IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost
id name      port_count iogrp_count status site_id site_name host_cluster_id host_cluster_name protocol owner_id owner_name portset_id portset_name
0  HVOTN01 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64
1  HVOTN02 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64

------------------------------
Rajarajesh Nelakanti

Original Message:
Sent: Tue October 01, 2024 05:07 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

IBM cloesd the ticket, but they only send an RPQ to newer versions, but as far as I know, the "issue" (that not an issue because ports are working normally) degraded mode is still on.

No good news at the moment.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
IT Manager
ECNA Informatica
Bilbao
944159688

Original Message:
Sent: Sun September 29, 2024 09:08 PM
From: Larry Hao
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi, 

Just a follow up on this thread.  Did IBM successfully close your support ticket and resolve the issue in new spectrum virtualize release ? 

We have a client asking for the same question in a very similar configuration, a Power 10 server directly attaches to a FS5045, without SAN switches.  NPIV is expected to be enabled.   

Would like to see if your case is a good example.  Thanks a lot!  

Best regards,

Larry Hao

------------------------------
Larry Hao

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 09:37 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

Thank for your reply. I opened a case and they told me that IBM is working in a new APAR HU02431 in order to solve the degraded status, because NPIV "is" supported in direct attach configurations also with new 8.6.0.X firmwares, and the issue is only a "cosmetic" problem in version 8.6.0.3 and newer versions that, as they told me, are working to solve.

So thank you for all your replies, and this thread can be closed for now.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 12:55 AM
From: Anup Regmi
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi

Earlier, I configured the same with FS5045 storage and a P8 server with a single VIOS. In a similar configuration, I faced the same issue with the online host and degraded ports for all hosts in P8 servers (VIOS and multiple LPARS).

As per my knowledge, this is a limitation (or say, normal behavior) for the directly connected storage as the single port of a host won't be able to communicate to both controllers of storage in any case. Also, as a host can communicate with both controllers of storage using multiple different ports there is no SPOF.

------------------------------
Anup Regmi

Original Message:
Sent: Sun March 10, 2024 07:54 PM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
------------------------------

Hi @Rajarajesh Nelakanti,

the overall status for the host will be shown as "online" (using command "lshost") because the host logged in into both nodecanisters at least once.

If you display the detailed host informations using "lshost <hostname|id>" each direct connected WWPN of the host will get displayed with state "degraded", because each WWPN is only logged in into one nodecanister and not both.

Regards

@Zaki Jääskeläinen:

The hosts are direct attached, so there is no possibility for a host WWPN to login to both FS5045 controllers.

@Rajarajesh Nelakanti:

What "status policy" is used for the attached hosts?

I assume the status policy "complete" is configured. Changing this to "redundant" should solve that issue.

-statuspolicy redundant | complete

(Optional) Specifies if complete or redundant policy is used for online status calculations.

• Complete connectivity is where online host status indicates complete connectivity, with every host port that is logged in to every node through which that host can access volumes, and degraded host status indicates one or more of these nodes does not have a login.
• Redundant connectivity calculation is where online host status indicates redundant connectivity, where enough host ports are logged in to enough nodes such that the removal of a single node or a single host port allows that host to access all of its volumes. In addition, there must be the same total login count from the host to each node within an I/O group. Degraded host status indicates non-redundant connectivity, in which a single point of failure prevents a host from accessing at least some of its volumes, or there is no single point of failure but the total login count from the host to each node within an I/O group is not the same.

Double-check your zoning. It looks like each host WWPN is only logged in on one FS5045 controller. Both host FC ports need to see both controllers. And both controllers need to be accessible on both fabrics (assuming each host FC port is connected to separate switches).

------------------------------
Zaki Jääskeläinen

Original Message:
Sent: Thu September 04, 2025 08:54 PM
From: Rajarajesh Nelakanti
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello All 

Could anyone please let me know if this issue is resolved.

because we got a new IBMFS5045 few weeks and having the PowerEdge Servers directly connected to the Storage.

we have 2 hosts defined as Boot from SAN and its working, I have installed Hyper-V2022, no issues observed sofar.

please check the below and let me know if this cab be fixed ( degraded status on the Host WWPN's)

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lsportfc -delim , -gui
id,fc_io_port_id,port_id,type,port_speed,node_id,node_name,WWPN,nportid,status,switch_WWPN,fpma,vlanid,fcf_MAC,attachment,cluster_use,adapter_location,adapter_port_id,fabric_WWN
0,1,1,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D06C99E,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99E
1,2,2,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D0AC99E,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99E
2,3,3,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D0EC99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
3,4,4,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D12C99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
16,1,1,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D06C99F,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99F
17,2,2,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D0AC99F,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99F
18,3,3,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D0EC99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
19,4,4,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D12C99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 0
id:0
name:HVOTN01
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA7
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA6
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 1
id:1
name:HVOTN02
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC3
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC2
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>

IBM_FlashSystem:KT-IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost
id name      port_count iogrp_count status site_id site_name host_cluster_id host_cluster_name protocol owner_id owner_name portset_id portset_name
0  HVOTN01 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64
1  HVOTN02 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64

------------------------------
Rajarajesh Nelakanti

Original Message:
Sent: Tue October 01, 2024 05:07 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

IBM cloesd the ticket, but they only send an RPQ to newer versions, but as far as I know, the "issue" (that not an issue because ports are working normally) degraded mode is still on.

No good news at the moment.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
IT Manager
ECNA Informatica
Bilbao
944159688

Original Message:
Sent: Sun September 29, 2024 09:08 PM
From: Larry Hao
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi, 

Just a follow up on this thread.  Did IBM successfully close your support ticket and resolve the issue in new spectrum virtualize release ? 

We have a client asking for the same question in a very similar configuration, a Power 10 server directly attaches to a FS5045, without SAN switches.  NPIV is expected to be enabled.   

Would like to see if your case is a good example.  Thanks a lot!  

Best regards,

Larry Hao

------------------------------
Larry Hao

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 09:37 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

Thank for your reply. I opened a case and they told me that IBM is working in a new APAR HU02431 in order to solve the degraded status, because NPIV "is" supported in direct attach configurations also with new 8.6.0.X firmwares, and the issue is only a "cosmetic" problem in version 8.6.0.3 and newer versions that, as they told me, are working to solve.

So thank you for all your replies, and this thread can be closed for now.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 12:55 AM
From: Anup Regmi
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi

Earlier, I configured the same with FS5045 storage and a P8 server with a single VIOS. In a similar configuration, I faced the same issue with the online host and degraded ports for all hosts in P8 servers (VIOS and multiple LPARS).

As per my knowledge, this is a limitation (or say, normal behavior) for the directly connected storage as the single port of a host won't be able to communicate to both controllers of storage in any case. Also, as a host can communicate with both controllers of storage using multiple different ports there is no SPOF.

------------------------------
Anup Regmi

Original Message:
Sent: Sun March 10, 2024 07:54 PM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
------------------------------

Hi @Rajarajesh Nelakanti,

the overall status for the host will be shown as "online" (using command "lshost") because the host logged in into both nodecanisters at least once.

If you display the detailed host informations using "lshost <hostname|id>" each direct connected WWPN of the host will get displayed with state "degraded", because each WWPN is only logged in into one nodecanister and not both.

Regards

@Zaki Jääskeläinen:

The hosts are direct attached, so there is no possibility for a host WWPN to login to both FS5045 controllers.

@Rajarajesh Nelakanti:

What "status policy" is used for the attached hosts?

I assume the status policy "complete" is configured. Changing this to "redundant" should solve that issue.

-statuspolicy redundant | complete

(Optional) Specifies if complete or redundant policy is used for online status calculations.

• Complete connectivity is where online host status indicates complete connectivity, with every host port that is logged in to every node through which that host can access volumes, and degraded host status indicates one or more of these nodes does not have a login.
• Redundant connectivity calculation is where online host status indicates redundant connectivity, where enough host ports are logged in to enough nodes such that the removal of a single node or a single host port allows that host to access all of its volumes. In addition, there must be the same total login count from the host to each node within an I/O group. Degraded host status indicates non-redundant connectivity, in which a single point of failure prevents a host from accessing at least some of its volumes, or there is no single point of failure but the total login count from the host to each node within an I/O group is not the same.

Double-check your zoning. It looks like each host WWPN is only logged in on one FS5045 controller. Both host FC ports need to see both controllers. And both controllers need to be accessible on both fabrics (assuming each host FC port is connected to separate switches).

------------------------------
Zaki Jääskeläinen

Original Message:
Sent: Thu September 04, 2025 08:54 PM
From: Rajarajesh Nelakanti
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello All 

Could anyone please let me know if this issue is resolved.

because we got a new IBMFS5045 few weeks and having the PowerEdge Servers directly connected to the Storage.

we have 2 hosts defined as Boot from SAN and its working, I have installed Hyper-V2022, no issues observed sofar.

please check the below and let me know if this cab be fixed ( degraded status on the Host WWPN's)

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lsportfc -delim , -gui
id,fc_io_port_id,port_id,type,port_speed,node_id,node_name,WWPN,nportid,status,switch_WWPN,fpma,vlanid,fcf_MAC,attachment,cluster_use,adapter_location,adapter_port_id,fabric_WWN
0,1,1,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D06C99E,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99E
1,2,2,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D0AC99E,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99E
2,3,3,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D0EC99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
3,4,4,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D12C99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
16,1,1,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D06C99F,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99F
17,2,2,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D0AC99F,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99F
18,3,3,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D0EC99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
19,4,4,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D12C99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 0
id:0
name:HVOTN01
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA7
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA6
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 1
id:1
name:HVOTN02
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC3
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC2
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>

IBM_FlashSystem:KT-IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost
id name      port_count iogrp_count status site_id site_name host_cluster_id host_cluster_name protocol owner_id owner_name portset_id portset_name
0  HVOTN01 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64
1  HVOTN02 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64

------------------------------
Rajarajesh Nelakanti

Original Message:
Sent: Tue October 01, 2024 05:07 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

IBM cloesd the ticket, but they only send an RPQ to newer versions, but as far as I know, the "issue" (that not an issue because ports are working normally) degraded mode is still on.

No good news at the moment.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
IT Manager
ECNA Informatica
Bilbao
944159688

Original Message:
Sent: Sun September 29, 2024 09:08 PM
From: Larry Hao
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi, 

Just a follow up on this thread.  Did IBM successfully close your support ticket and resolve the issue in new spectrum virtualize release ? 

We have a client asking for the same question in a very similar configuration, a Power 10 server directly attaches to a FS5045, without SAN switches.  NPIV is expected to be enabled.   

Would like to see if your case is a good example.  Thanks a lot!  

Best regards,

Larry Hao

------------------------------
Larry Hao

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 09:37 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

Thank for your reply. I opened a case and they told me that IBM is working in a new APAR HU02431 in order to solve the degraded status, because NPIV "is" supported in direct attach configurations also with new 8.6.0.X firmwares, and the issue is only a "cosmetic" problem in version 8.6.0.3 and newer versions that, as they told me, are working to solve.

So thank you for all your replies, and this thread can be closed for now.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 12:55 AM
From: Anup Regmi
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi

Earlier, I configured the same with FS5045 storage and a P8 server with a single VIOS. In a similar configuration, I faced the same issue with the online host and degraded ports for all hosts in P8 servers (VIOS and multiple LPARS).

As per my knowledge, this is a limitation (or say, normal behavior) for the directly connected storage as the single port of a host won't be able to communicate to both controllers of storage in any case. Also, as a host can communicate with both controllers of storage using multiple different ports there is no SPOF.

------------------------------
Anup Regmi

Original Message:
Sent: Sun March 10, 2024 07:54 PM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
------------------------------

host is connected to both IOgroups.

Hi @Rajarajesh Nelakanti,

the overall status for the host will be shown as "online" (using command "lshost") because the host logged in into both nodecanisters at least once.

If you display the detailed host informations using "lshost <hostname|id>" each direct connected WWPN of the host will get displayed with state "degraded", because each WWPN is only logged in into one nodecanister and not both.

Regards

@Zaki Jääskeläinen:

The hosts are direct attached, so there is no possibility for a host WWPN to login to both FS5045 controllers.

@Rajarajesh Nelakanti:

What "status policy" is used for the attached hosts?

I assume the status policy "complete" is configured. Changing this to "redundant" should solve that issue.

-statuspolicy redundant | complete

(Optional) Specifies if complete or redundant policy is used for online status calculations.

• Complete connectivity is where online host status indicates complete connectivity, with every host port that is logged in to every node through which that host can access volumes, and degraded host status indicates one or more of these nodes does not have a login.
• Redundant connectivity calculation is where online host status indicates redundant connectivity, where enough host ports are logged in to enough nodes such that the removal of a single node or a single host port allows that host to access all of its volumes. In addition, there must be the same total login count from the host to each node within an I/O group. Degraded host status indicates non-redundant connectivity, in which a single point of failure prevents a host from accessing at least some of its volumes, or there is no single point of failure but the total login count from the host to each node within an I/O group is not the same.

Double-check your zoning. It looks like each host WWPN is only logged in on one FS5045 controller. Both host FC ports need to see both controllers. And both controllers need to be accessible on both fabrics (assuming each host FC port is connected to separate switches).

------------------------------
Zaki Jääskeläinen

Original Message:
Sent: Thu September 04, 2025 08:54 PM
From: Rajarajesh Nelakanti
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello All 

Could anyone please let me know if this issue is resolved.

because we got a new IBMFS5045 few weeks and having the PowerEdge Servers directly connected to the Storage.

we have 2 hosts defined as Boot from SAN and its working, I have installed Hyper-V2022, no issues observed sofar.

please check the below and let me know if this cab be fixed ( degraded status on the Host WWPN's)

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lsportfc -delim , -gui
id,fc_io_port_id,port_id,type,port_speed,node_id,node_name,WWPN,nportid,status,switch_WWPN,fpma,vlanid,fcf_MAC,attachment,cluster_use,adapter_location,adapter_port_id,fabric_WWN
0,1,1,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D06C99E,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99E
1,2,2,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D0AC99E,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99E
2,3,3,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D0EC99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
3,4,4,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D12C99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
16,1,1,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D06C99F,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99F
17,2,2,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D0AC99F,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99F
18,3,3,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D0EC99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
19,4,4,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D12C99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 0
id:0
name:HVOTN01
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA7
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA6
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 1
id:1
name:HVOTN02
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC3
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC2
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>

IBM_FlashSystem:KT-IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost
id name      port_count iogrp_count status site_id site_name host_cluster_id host_cluster_name protocol owner_id owner_name portset_id portset_name
0  HVOTN01 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64
1  HVOTN02 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64

------------------------------
Rajarajesh Nelakanti

Original Message:
Sent: Tue October 01, 2024 05:07 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

IBM cloesd the ticket, but they only send an RPQ to newer versions, but as far as I know, the "issue" (that not an issue because ports are working normally) degraded mode is still on.

No good news at the moment.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
IT Manager
ECNA Informatica
Bilbao
944159688

Original Message:
Sent: Sun September 29, 2024 09:08 PM
From: Larry Hao
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi, 

Just a follow up on this thread.  Did IBM successfully close your support ticket and resolve the issue in new spectrum virtualize release ? 

We have a client asking for the same question in a very similar configuration, a Power 10 server directly attaches to a FS5045, without SAN switches.  NPIV is expected to be enabled.   

Would like to see if your case is a good example.  Thanks a lot!  

Best regards,

Larry Hao

------------------------------
Larry Hao

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 09:37 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

Thank for your reply. I opened a case and they told me that IBM is working in a new APAR HU02431 in order to solve the degraded status, because NPIV "is" supported in direct attach configurations also with new 8.6.0.X firmwares, and the issue is only a "cosmetic" problem in version 8.6.0.3 and newer versions that, as they told me, are working to solve.

So thank you for all your replies, and this thread can be closed for now.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 12:55 AM
From: Anup Regmi
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi

Earlier, I configured the same with FS5045 storage and a P8 server with a single VIOS. In a similar configuration, I faced the same issue with the online host and degraded ports for all hosts in P8 servers (VIOS and multiple LPARS).

As per my knowledge, this is a limitation (or say, normal behavior) for the directly connected storage as the single port of a host won't be able to communicate to both controllers of storage in any case. Also, as a host can communicate with both controllers of storage using multiple different ports there is no SPOF.

------------------------------
Anup Regmi

Original Message:
Sent: Sun March 10, 2024 07:54 PM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
------------------------------

The port status "degraded" is "works as designed", because that WWPN is not connected to both nodecanisters, because you are using a direct-attachment for each host FC port.

If one of the direct attached FC ports will get disconnected, the overall host state will change vom "online" to "degraded" as well.

host is connected to both IOgroups.

Hi @Rajarajesh Nelakanti,

the overall status for the host will be shown as "online" (using command "lshost") because the host logged in into both nodecanisters at least once.

If you display the detailed host informations using "lshost <hostname|id>" each direct connected WWPN of the host will get displayed with state "degraded", because each WWPN is only logged in into one nodecanister and not both.

Regards

@Zaki Jääskeläinen:

The hosts are direct attached, so there is no possibility for a host WWPN to login to both FS5045 controllers.

@Rajarajesh Nelakanti:

What "status policy" is used for the attached hosts?

I assume the status policy "complete" is configured. Changing this to "redundant" should solve that issue.

-statuspolicy redundant | complete

(Optional) Specifies if complete or redundant policy is used for online status calculations.

• Complete connectivity is where online host status indicates complete connectivity, with every host port that is logged in to every node through which that host can access volumes, and degraded host status indicates one or more of these nodes does not have a login.
• Redundant connectivity calculation is where online host status indicates redundant connectivity, where enough host ports are logged in to enough nodes such that the removal of a single node or a single host port allows that host to access all of its volumes. In addition, there must be the same total login count from the host to each node within an I/O group. Degraded host status indicates non-redundant connectivity, in which a single point of failure prevents a host from accessing at least some of its volumes, or there is no single point of failure but the total login count from the host to each node within an I/O group is not the same.

Double-check your zoning. It looks like each host WWPN is only logged in on one FS5045 controller. Both host FC ports need to see both controllers. And both controllers need to be accessible on both fabrics (assuming each host FC port is connected to separate switches).

------------------------------
Zaki Jääskeläinen

Original Message:
Sent: Thu September 04, 2025 08:54 PM
From: Rajarajesh Nelakanti
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello All 

Could anyone please let me know if this issue is resolved.

because we got a new IBMFS5045 few weeks and having the PowerEdge Servers directly connected to the Storage.

we have 2 hosts defined as Boot from SAN and its working, I have installed Hyper-V2022, no issues observed sofar.

please check the below and let me know if this cab be fixed ( degraded status on the Host WWPN's)

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lsportfc -delim , -gui
id,fc_io_port_id,port_id,type,port_speed,node_id,node_name,WWPN,nportid,status,switch_WWPN,fpma,vlanid,fcf_MAC,attachment,cluster_use,adapter_location,adapter_port_id,fabric_WWN
0,1,1,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D06C99E,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99E
1,2,2,fc,16Gb,1,node1,500507680D0AC99E,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99E,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99E
2,3,3,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D0EC99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
3,4,4,fc,N/A,1,node1,500507680D12C99E,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
16,1,1,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D06C99F,DA0100,active,500507680D46C99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,1,500507680D02C99F
17,2,2,fc,16Gb,2,node2,500507680D0AC99F,DA0100,active,500507680D4AC99F,N/A,N/A,N/A,host,local_partner,1,2,500507680D02C99F
18,3,3,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D0EC99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,3,0000000000000000
19,4,4,fc,N/A,2,node2,500507680D12C99F,000000,inactive_unconfigured,0000000000000000,N/A,N/A,N/A,none,local_partner,1,4,0000000000000000
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 0
id:0
name:HVOTN01
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA7
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXA6
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64

IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost -delim : 1
id:1
name:HVOTN02
port_count:2
type:generic
iogrp_count:2
status:online
site_id:
site_name:
host_cluster_id:0
host_cluster_name:HVC-OT-CL01
protocol:scsi
status_policy:redundant
status_site:all
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC3
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
WWPN:2100XXXXXXXXXXC2
node_logged_in_count:1
state:degraded
owner_id:
owner_name:
portset_id:64
portset_name:portset64
IBM_FlashSystem:IBMFS01:superuser>

IBM_FlashSystem:KT-IBMFS01:superuser>svcinfo lshost
id name      port_count iogrp_count status site_id site_name host_cluster_id host_cluster_name protocol owner_id owner_name portset_id portset_name
0  HVOTN01 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64
1  HVOTN02 2          2           online                   0               HVC-OT-CL01    scsi                         64         portset64

------------------------------
Rajarajesh Nelakanti

Original Message:
Sent: Tue October 01, 2024 05:07 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

IBM cloesd the ticket, but they only send an RPQ to newer versions, but as far as I know, the "issue" (that not an issue because ports are working normally) degraded mode is still on.

No good news at the moment.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
IT Manager
ECNA Informatica
Bilbao
944159688

Original Message:
Sent: Sun September 29, 2024 09:08 PM
From: Larry Hao
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi, 

Just a follow up on this thread.  Did IBM successfully close your support ticket and resolve the issue in new spectrum virtualize release ? 

We have a client asking for the same question in a very similar configuration, a Power 10 server directly attaches to a FS5045, without SAN switches.  NPIV is expected to be enabled.   

Would like to see if your case is a good example.  Thanks a lot!  

Best regards,

Larry Hao

------------------------------
Larry Hao

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 09:37 AM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

Thank for your reply. I opened a case and they told me that IBM is working in a new APAR HU02431 in order to solve the degraded status, because NPIV "is" supported in direct attach configurations also with new 8.6.0.X firmwares, and the issue is only a "cosmetic" problem in version 8.6.0.3 and newer versions that, as they told me, are working to solve.

So thank you for all your replies, and this thread can be closed for now.

Best regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

------------------------------
Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez

Original Message:
Sent: Wed March 27, 2024 12:55 AM
From: Anup Regmi
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hi Urtzi

Earlier, I configured the same with FS5045 storage and a P8 server with a single VIOS. In a similar configuration, I faced the same issue with the online host and degraded ports for all hosts in P8 servers (VIOS and multiple LPARS).

As per my knowledge, this is a limitation (or say, normal behavior) for the directly connected storage as the single port of a host won't be able to communicate to both controllers of storage in any case. Also, as a host can communicate with both controllers of storage using multiple different ports there is no SPOF.

------------------------------
Anup Regmi

Original Message:
Sent: Sun March 10, 2024 07:54 PM
From: Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
Subject: Flashsystem 5045 Ports in DEGRADED mode

Hello:

We have a Flashsystem 5045 storage directly attached to a IBM POWER9 that has 2 4ports 16Gbps fiber channel cards, and each card is attached to a VIOS, so we have 2 VIOS using 4 port fiber-channel ports.

The 8 fiber-channel ports (4 for each controller) are connected this way (in order to have no SPOF):

Port 1 controller 1 is connected to port 1 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 1 is connected to port 2 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 1 is connected to port 1 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 1 is connected to port 2 second FC POWER9 card

Port 1 controller 2 is connected to port 3 first FC POWER9 card

Port 2 controller 2 is connected to port 4 first FC POWER9 card

Port 3 controller 2 is connected to port 3 second FC POWER9 card

Port 4 controller 2 is connected to port 4 second FC POWER9 card

The issue raises when we start the VIOS and try to connect each VIOS to the FS5045. We creatd two hosts, VIOS1 and VIOS2 and the FC cards are autodetectd, so in each hosts we add 4 WWN corresponding to each port of the FC cards of the POWER9. Then we create volumes, attach them to each VIOS and then we boot and install VIOS OS and everything without issues. Ports are direct attached and are negotiating at 16 Gbps.

BUT, if we list the HOST on the FS5045 GUI, the Hosts are online with the green "OK" but if we enter to properties, and select "Ports" tab, the 4 ports appear as DEGRADED and yellow sign. 

The access is normal, we installed several LPARs and VIOS don't show any errors, nor errpt issues, but the FS5045 is reporting DEGRADED status in the ports. FS5045 also don't report any issues. The FS5045 has 8.6.0.0 firmware. The machine is working in NPIV mode.

So, my question is: How can we solve the DEGRADED status of each ports and get the ONLINE and "green" status?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Urtzi Larrieta

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Urtzi Larrieta Alvarez
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