IBM FlashSystem

IBM FlashSystem

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  • 1.  FlashSystem Internode zoning

    Posted 9 hours ago

    Hello Team,

    We are about to implement a new FS7300, and internally, we have a long-standing discussion about inter-node zoning.

    Andrew Martin blogged about this in the past. https://barrywhytestorage.blog/2019/11/05/using-dedicated-ports-for-inter-node-communication-and-replication/

    Then it was written:

    If you have a Storwize system, All communication between node canisters in the same IO group will occur across the PCI link on the midplane. If the PCI midplane fails, a Fibre Channel network will be used as a backup link.

    Should I do something special for this inter-node communication?

    If you have a single IO group Storwize system, then you don't need to do anything more. However it is a good idea to create a zone in your fabric that allows any FC ports from node canister 1 to communicate with node canister 2, just in case there is a PCI failure in the midplane link.

    The 8.7.0 documentation indicates that for an FS7300 with 12 FC ports, 4 ports dedicated to inter-cluster communication are required (suggested).

    Planning for more than four fabric ports per node canister - IBM Documentation

    Now I'm curious if what applied to Storwize back then still applies to current Flash systems like the FS7300\FS5300?

    We prefer to use the 4 FC ports for host traffic to the SVC and apparently these are only used as a backup because initially everything goes via midplane.

    Thanks..



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    TMasteen
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  • 2.  RE: FlashSystem Internode zoning

    Posted 8 hours ago

    Hi T., (Sometimes I have to resist the urge to call you "Mr. T.")   :)

    You can use the four FC ports to host traffic. Andrew's information still applies.



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    Nezih Boyacioglu
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