HP SureStore 7400 Linux Configuration HP VA 7100/7400 - Page 2

Linux Configuration HP VA 7100/7400 1 Introduction The HP Virtual Arrays 7100 and 7400 can be connected to, and managed from, a Linux host. As tested, the configuration is a direct-connect from the host to the array. One or two controllers may be used. The Command View SDM software can be installed on Red Hat Linux 6.2, however some modifications must be made to the Linux host kernel prior to installing the software. The distinction must be made between supported configurations for host read/writes and for in-band device management. In configurations that are supported only for host I/O, a separate management station can be used to monitor and manage the array. Connectivity from the management station to the array may be through one of the ports of the array or through a hub or switch accessible to the array. If the array will be configured and managed from another host, e.g., an HPUX system, it is possible to connect the array directly to a Linux system without making all of the kernel changes described. One can also configure the HP Virtual Array 7100/7400 via the RS-232 port on the array controllers using the Virtual Front Panel (VFP). The VFP can be used to establish the correct host port behavior and to create and delete LUNs, but does not provide array status monitoring, log collection and retention, and other features. This document describes the supported Linux configuration for in-band device management. The HP VA 7100/7400 and Command View SDM software have been tested using QLogic QLA2100 or QLA2200 fibre channel host bus adapters on Red Hat 6.2 with the 2.2.16-3 and 2.2.19-6.2.7 kernels patched as described herein. Other configurations may work, but are not yet supported. Specifically, these patches have not been tested in configurations with multiple SCSI devices (i.e., tape drives, CD ROMs, etc.). The changes to support 16 byte SCSI CDBs may adversely affect the behavior of other drivers; see the patch descriptions. Review the patch descriptions before deciding upon which are applicable for your situation. 1.1 About Linux The Linux OS for personal computers is a UNIX-like OS and meets POSIX standards. It uses a kernel developed and made freely available by Linus Torvalds (for whom it is named). Originally developed over the global Internet, Linux has become a widely used OS that involves its users in developing and testing new features. 1.1.1 General Public License Linux is supplied as a set of executable files which are accompanied by the corresponding source code. The files and code can be copied under the terms of a GPL or "General Public License." This means users can install and use it for free. In exchange, under the GPL, users who make changes in the source code (to extend the usefulness of the OS on their own installations) are required to make their changes available to the rest of the user community under the same terms (with source code and free of charge). Rev 2002-01-23 Page 2