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Using Hitachi Command Suite to set up global-active device

You can use Hitachi Command Suite to set up global-active device.

Setting up a global-active device environment

After the HCS management server has discovered resources, you can use the Set up Replication/GAD window for setup tasks that must be performed before global-active device pairs can be allocated.

About global-active device setup

The global-active device setup window provides a workflow for configuring required storage system resources before global-active device paired volumes can be allocated.

Access to the Set up Replication/GAD window is provided from:

  • The Actions menu on the global task bar
  • The Replication tab, from General Tasks

The setup window provides access to various HCS or Replication Manager dialog boxes. As tasks are completed, or if tasks have already been completed by other procedures, the setup window identifies completed tasks and provides a link to configuration details. If you close the setup window and reopen it later, the completed tasks remain identified.

The following figure depicts the setup window configuration items in the global-active device environment:

  • Select Storage Systems (see GUID-9A3A6BD7-126F-4130-B7F3-DB8F72A70B0A-low.png below, this task must be done first)
    NoteWhen global-active device pairs are allocated, the primary storage system contains the P-VOLs and the secondary storage system contains the S-VOLs.

The following setup tasks can be performed in any order, but must be completed before allocating global-active device pairs.

  • Configure Remote Paths (see GUID-6BFC6A2A-2C7B-437F-8689-1FC19C1070F4-low.png)
  • Set up DP pools (if you need to create DP pools for a command device, you must do so before configuring the pair management servers)
  • Set up Thin Image pools
  • Configure Quorum Disks (see GUID-1A361C5C-57C6-4251-96D0-4B8EBE2CE4D5-low.png)
  • Configure Pair Management Servers (see GUID-7B4AAED1-D3F4-4347-B02C-DF40C9613EC5-low.png)
  • Configure Virtual Storage Machines (see GUID-2022922C-DF99-454F-8283-21B3D7DE742B-low.png)
GUID-021CCF5E-0C3F-486D-8392-2057B9E036DF-low.png

Prerequisites for global-active device setup

Before performing global-active device setup tasks, ensure the following prerequisites are met:

  • For VSP Gx00 models, VSP G1000, VSP Fx00 models, VSP G1500, and VSP F1500, the primary and secondary storage systems should be the same model.
  • For VSP Gx00 models and VSP Fx00 models, the global-active device pair can be created even when the model numbers are different. However, you can only pair VSP Gx00 models together and VSP Fx00 models together.
  • The VSP G1000, VSP G1500, or VSP F1500 microcode version for both the primary and secondary storage systems must be 80-02-01-XX/XX or later, the firmware version of VSP Gx00 models must be 83-01-2X-XX/XX or later, and the firmware version of VSP Fx00 models must be 83-04-2X-XX/XX or later to create global-active device pairs where the P-VOLs already have a virtual LDEV ID assigned and are managed by user-defined virtual storage machines. This requirement is not necessary for global-active device pairs created by adding secondary storage resources to the primary storage default virtual storage machine.
  • Global-active device has been licensed (which includes Replication Manager).
  • Replication Manager is installed and linked to HCS.
  • A pair management server is installed with Device Manager Agent and Command Control Interface (CCI) at the primary and secondary storage sites.
  • The quorum storage system is connected to the primary and secondary storage system by Fibre Channel or Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE).
  • Port attribute settings for the primary and secondary storage system.
  • You have registered (discovered) the primary, secondary, and quorum storage systems. If you are configuring quorum disks by using virtualized volumes as external volumes, registration of the quorum storage system is not necessary.

Select primary and secondary storage systems

Select primary and secondary storage systems listed by the global-active device setup.

Procedure

  1. On the Replication tab, General Tasks, select Set up Replication/GAD.

  2. Click Select Storage Systems and Copy Type.

  3. From the Select Storage Systems and Copy Type window, select the primary and secondary storage systems from the list.

  4. Select the copy type to be used between the storage systems.

  5. Select a default or user-defined virtual storage machine on the primary storage system in which global-active device pairs will be created.

    (The drop-down list only displays the virtual storage machine of the primary storage system.)
    Note To create global-active device pairs by using volumes in the virtual storage machine of the primary storage system for which a virtual LDEV ID has already been assigned, if the primary and secondary storage systems are both VSP G1000, the microcode version of each must be 80-02-01-XX/XX or later. If the pair includes both G1500 or both F1500, the microcode version of each must be 80-05-0x or later. For VSP Gx00 models, the firmware version of each must be 83-01-2X-XX/XX or later, and for VSP Fx00 models, the firmware version of each must be 83-04-2X or later.
  6. Confirm the selected storage systems and virtual storage machine information are correct and click OK.

    The selected information is displayed on the setup window as confirmation.

Results

The storage systems and virtual storage machine are selected, and become default values for the remaining setup tasks.

Configuring remote paths

Configure remote paths between the primary and secondary storage systems.

Before you begin

The primary and secondary storage systems have been selected.

NoteFor more information about remote paths, see the Hitachi Command Suite Replication Manager User Guide.

Procedure

  1. On the Replication tab, General Tasks, select Set up Replication/GAD.

  2. From Set Up Global-Active Device, click Set Up Global-Active Device.

  3. From Configure Remote Paths, click Create Remote Paths.

    The Create Remote Path wizard opens.
  4. On the Select Remote Storage System page:

    1. Verify that Copy Type is set to global-active device.

    2. Verify the displayed Primary Storage System and Secondary Storage System information, and click Next to define paths.

      TipThe MCU/RCU check box is disabled by design for the global-active device dialog.
  5. On the Define Remote Path page:

    1. Ensure that the Select reverse direction path check box is selected.

    2. (Optional) Enter a Label for identifying the remote paths for global-active device.

    3. (Optional) Enter a non-default Path group ID.

    4. Using the Local Port and Remote Port lists, select the Initiator and RCU target ports from the Existing Ports list for both the primary and secondary storage systems.

      TipThe port list on the left shows primary to secondary storage ports, and the port list on the right shows secondary to primary storage ports. Note that the listed existing ports are unallocated host ports, meaning a port attribute of target not in use by any hosts.
    5. Click Next to review the remote path settings.

  6. On the Confirm page:

    1. Under Initiator/RCU Targets, review selected ports and port attribute settings (before and after).

    2. In the Remote Path area, check the copy direction for the local and remote port pairs. If the port pairs are correct, select the confirmation message check box, and click Confirm to set the port attributes (Initiator or RCU Target).

      TipPort pairs on the left (Local -> Remote) are primary to secondary storage remote paths. Port pairs on the right (Local <- Remote) are the secondary to primary storage remote paths.
  7. After performing the initial setup for a GAD environment, go to the Set up Replication/GAD window. From Set Up Global-Active Device, click Refresh Display. This changes the Incomplete status to Complete.

Results

The remote paths between the primary and secondary storage systems are configured, and can be confirmed by clicking Show Details in the Set up Replication/GAD window.

If setup of the remote path failed, in General Tasks, click Replication Manager. In the Delete Remote Paths dialog box, make sure the Do not change port attributes check box is selected, and then delete the remote path.

Configuring the quorum disk

The quorum disk detects the status of the primary and secondary storage systems. Configure the quorum disk by selecting a volume and virtualizing it as an external volume of the primary and secondary storage systems.

You can also configure the quorum disk by using a virtualized volume as an external volume of the primary or secondary storage system.

TipIf you use the following storage systems when a quorum disk is blocked, the synchronization status of the copy pair data between the primary and secondary storage systems is detected, and the volume redundancy provided by global-active device is maintained:
  • VSP G1000 (microcode version 80-05-0X/XX or later)
  • VSP G1500
  • VSP F1500
  • VSP Gx00 models (firmware version 83-04-0X/XX or later)
  • VSP Fx00 models (firmware 83-04-02-XX/XX or later)
Quorum disk configuration and supported storage systems

The following table shows whether the indicated storage system supports the quorum disk settings in the initial setup dialog box for the global-active device environment.

Task

VSP G1000

VSP G1500, VSP F1500

VSP Gx00 models VSP Fx00 models

Quorum disk configuration

80-01-4X-XX/XX or later

Earlier than 80-02-2X-XX/XX

80-02-2X-XX/XX or later

80-05-0X-XX/XX or later

83-01-2X-XX/XX or later

83-04-02-XX/XX or later

Create a new external volume*

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Use an existing external volume

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

*The external path using iSCSI is not supported.

Before you begin

  • The primary and secondary storage systems have been selected.
  • You can create a quorum disk by using an external volume that connects using iSCSI. However, the HCS global-active device environment supports only displaying quorum disk information and verifying the configuration, not creating a quorum disk.

    To specify an iSCSI-connected external volume for the quorum disk, first create an external volume by clicking the System GUI link and creating an external volume that connects using iSCSI. Then, you can select the external volume you created in Configure Quorum Disks in the initial setup dialog box of the HCS global-active device workflow.

Procedure

  1. On the Replication tab, General Tasks, select Set up Replication/GAD.

  2. From Set Up Global-Active Device, click Set Up Global-Active Device.

  3. From Configure Quorum Disks, when the firmware version of VSP Gx00 models for both the primary and secondary storage systems is 83-01-2X-XX/XX or later, or 83-04-2x or later for VSP Fx00 models, and when the VSP G1000 microcode version for both the primary and secondary storage systems is 80-02-2X-XX/XX or later, do one of the following:

    • Click Create a new external volume to virtualize a volume as an external volume, and then continue with step 3.
    • Click Configure an existing external volume to use a virtualized volume as an external volume, and then click Configure Quorum Disks for the Primary Site and Secondary Site. On the Quorum Disk tab, click Add Quorum Disks, and then follow the instructions in the Help.
  4. In the Select Volume window, select a Storage system to provide the quorum disk, and then do one of the following:

    • From the Available Volumes list, select a volume, click OK, and then go to step 12.
    • If no suitable volume is listed, click Create Volumes.
  5. In the Create Volumes window, create a volume to be used as the quorum disk.

  6. From the Volume Type list select a volume type.

  7. (Optional) Click Advanced Options to configure volume options or specify a quorum disk label.

  8. Click Show Plan and confirm that the information in the plan summary is correct. If changes are required, click Back.

  9. (Optional) Update the task name and provide a description.

  10. (Optional) Expand Schedule to specify the task schedule.

    You can schedule the task to run immediately or later. The default setting is Now.
  11. Click Submit.

    If the task is scheduled to run immediately, the process begins.
  12. (Optional) Check the progress and result of the task on the Tasks & Alerts tab. Click the task name to view details of the task.

  13. From Configure Quorum Disks, for the primary storage, click Virtualize Volumes.

  14. In the Virtualize Volumes dialog box:

    1. Verify the external and internal storage systems are correct.

    2. Click Edit External Paths to set or change external paths.

    3. (Optional) Select External Path Priority Settings to increase or decrease path priority.

    4. Select Internal Volume Configuration and verify that Change Internal Volume(s) to Quorum Disk(s) is selected by default. The default ID is recommended, but can be changed to another value if necessary.

  15. Click Show Plan and submit the task.

  16. Repeat steps 12 through 14 for the secondary storage system.

    Note that for the secondary storage system, the secondary storage system name will be displayed.
  17. After performing the initial setup for a GAD environment, go to the Set up Replication/GAD window. From Set Up Global-Active Device, click Refresh Display. This changes the Incomplete status to Complete.

Results

The quorum disk is created and virtualized for both the primary and secondary storage, and can be confirmed by clicking Show Details in the Set up Replication/GAD window.

Configuring pair management servers

Configure the command devices for the pair management servers from the primary and secondary storage systems. Command devices are used to communicate pair management directives.

Before you begin

  • The primary and secondary storage systems have been selected.
  • Install CCI and Device Manager agent on the pair management server. (When you install a Device Manager agent on a pair management server, the pair management server will be registered as a host in HCS.)

    NoteIf you are using a virtual machine as a pair management server and the virtualization server uses NPIV (N-Port ID Virtualization) HBAs, you must also register the virtualization server in HCS.

Procedure

  1. On the Replication tab, General Tasks, select Set up Replication/GAD.

  2. From Set Up Global-Active Device, click Set Up Global-Active Device.

  3. From Configure Pair Management Server, click Allocate Volumes for the primary storage system.

  4. In the Allocate Volumes dialog box, verify that the Storage System is correct.

  5. For Host, select the pair management server for the storage system.

  6. Click Advanced Options, verify that Command Device is checked, and that User Authentication is Enabled.

  7. Click Show Plan and confirm that the information in the plan summary is correct. If changes are required, click Back.

  8. (Optional) Update the task name and provide a description.

  9. (Optional) Expand Schedule to specify the task schedule.

    You can schedule the task to run immediately or later. The default setting is Now.
  10. Click Submit.

    If the task is scheduled to run immediately, the process begins.
  11. (Optional) Check the progress and result of the task on the Tasks & Alerts tab. Click the task name to view details of the task.

  12. Repeat steps 2 through 10 for the secondary storage system. For Host, be sure to specify the pair management server for the secondary storage system.

  13. Ensure that the pair management servers recognize the command devices, and then from Configure Pair Management Server, click Refresh Hosts.

  14. After performing the initial setup for a GAD environment, go to the Set up Replication/GAD window. From Set Up Global-Active Device, click Refresh Display. This changes the Incomplete status to Complete.

Results

The command devices for the primary and secondary pair management servers are allocated, and pair management server information is current, and can be confirmed by clicking Show Details in the Set up Replication/GAD window.

Configuring the virtual storage machine

To support global-active device pairs, add secondary storage system resources to the default or user-defined virtual storage machine on the primary storage system. Configuring the virtual storage machine provides a single view of the primary and secondary storage system resources.

Before you begin

  • The primary and secondary storage systems have been selected.
  • Identify the primary and secondary storage system resources to be added to the virtual storage machine.
    NoteFor the host group or iSCSI target number, use a host group or iSCSI target number that has not been allocated to a storage port.

Procedure

  1. On the Replication tab, General Tasks, select Set up Replication/GAD.

  2. From Set Up Global-Active Device, click Set Up Global-Active Device.

  3. From Configure Virtual Storage Machine, click Edit Virtual Storage Machine.

  4. In the Edit Virtual Storage Machine dialog box, on the Storage Systems tab, verify that the displayed Name and Virtual Model and Serial No. show the primary storage system values and that the primary storage system is listed.

  5. Click Add Storage Systems, select the secondary storage system, and then click OK.

  6. Add secondary storage system resources, such as Parity Groups, LDEV IDs, Storage Ports and Host Group/iSCSI Target Numbers to the virtual storage machine by clicking the respective tabs.

    NoteThe primary storage system resources already belong to the virtual storage machine.
  7. When you are finished adding resources from the secondary storage system, enter an optional task description, select whether you want to view the progress of the task, and then click Submit.

  8. After performing the initial setup for a GAD environment, go to the Set up Replication/GAD window. From Set Up Global-Active Device, click Refresh Display. This changes the Incomplete status to Complete.

Results

The storage system resources are configured for the virtual storage machine.

Monitoring and managing global-active device pairs

This module describes the required tasks to allocate, monitor, and unallocate global-active device pairs for hosts.

Allocating global-active device pairs

Allocate new global-active device pairs to hosts (application servers). When you allocate global-active device pairs, an initial copy is performed for the primary and secondary volumes.

Before you begin

  • You must be authenticated to the storage system and logged in to the pair management server. For details, see the Hitachi Command Suite Administrator Guide.
  • When you assign a CTG ID for copy pairs, make sure that the same CTG ID is assigned for the copy pairs within the copy group. You cannot use CTG IDs used by another copy group. CTG IDs need to be assigned if global-active device copy pairs are used in a 3DC delta resync configuration that includes Universal Replicator.

Procedure

  1. On the Resources tab, General Tasks, select Allocate Volumes.

    Tip

    If you do not see Allocate Volumes listed, click more... to see all menu items.

  2. In the Allocate Volumes dialog box, select the hosts for the global-active device pair.

    NoteFile servers/NAS modules are not supported for global-active device pair allocations.
  3. For Allocation Type select global-active device.

  4. Specify the number and capacity of the volumes.

  5. On the Primary tab, configure the following options:

    1. Select the primary Storage system, Virtual Storage Machine, and Volume type.

    2. Click Advanced Options for further configuration.

    3. In LUN Path Options:

      Edit LUN paths from primary storage ports to hosts.
    4. Click Host Group and LUN settings for further configuration.

      NoteIf the host operating system is Windows or AIX and you are using the MPIO function, set the host mode option of the host group to 102.
    5. In Pair management Server Settings:

      Select an available host as the pair management server. For Instance ID, click Existing to use a current configuration definition file and related instance ID number on the pair management server, or click New to create a new configuration definition file, and enter a new instance ID number which will be validated as an available instance ID. You can also specify a UDP Port number for the instance.
  6. On the Secondary tab, configure the following options:

    1. Select the secondary Storage system, Virtual Storage Machine, and Volume type.

      Virtual storage machine information defaults to the primary tab value.
    2. In Advanced options:

      When you select Basic volumes on the Primary tab, the volumes that correspond to the settings specified on the Primary tab, are displayed on the Secondary tab. Unlike the Primary tab, the Secondary tab allows you to select secondary storage system DP pools (Pools for S-VOL ) that correspond to primary storage system DP pools configured on the primary tab (Pools for P-VOL). For example, automatic selection of DP volumes will display primary DP pools, and eligible secondary DP pools for volume allocation. You can examine primary tab DP pool and volume details with links. You can accept the DP pools selected for secondary volumes, or make a manual selection by clicking Select Pool to list and select eligible DP pools, and selecting eligible volumes from the DP pools.
    3. In LUN Path Options:

      Edit LUN paths from secondary storage ports to hosts. Under LUN Path Setting Information on Primary Site, you will see the primary storage system, and No. of LUN Paths per volume. Clicking the link will display primary storage system mapping information.
    4. Click Host Group and LUN settings for further configuration.

      NoteIf the host operating system is Windows or AIX and you are using the MPIO function, set the host mode option of the host group to 102.
    5. In Pair management Server Settings:

      Select an available host as the pair management server. For Instance ID, click Existing to use a current configuration definition file and related instance ID number on the pair management server, or click New to create a new configuration definition file, and enter a new instance ID number which will be validated as an available instance ID. You can also specify a UDP Port number for the instance.
  7. Click Virtual ID Settings for further configuration.

    These settings are displayed only in a configuration where options other than the default virtual storage machine are used on the primary side.
  8. In Pair Settings:

    1. Select the Quorum Disk, and then select whether pairs should belong to a new or existing Copy Group for management purposes. Click New to assign a new copy group to the global-active device pair. Select the CTG ID check box to assign a consistency group (CTG) ID to the new copy group. Click Existing to assign an existing copy group to the global-active device pair. The existing CTG ID will be used if it exists for the selected copy group.

      Tip

      To add the GAD 3DC delta resync configuration to allocated global-active device pair volumes, CTG IDs need to be assigned.

    2. Manually enter a name (Prefix and Start Sequence No.) or select Automatic for Pair Name and a name will be created.

  9. Click Show Plan and confirm that the information in the plan summary is correct. If changes are required, click Back.

  10. (Optional) Update the task name and provide a description.

  11. (Optional) Expand Schedule to specify the task schedule.

    You can schedule the task to run immediately or later. The default setting is Now.
  12. Click Submit.

    If the task is scheduled to run immediately, the process begins.
  13. (Optional) Check the progress and result of the task on the Tasks & Alerts tab. Click the task name to view details of the task.

  14. Confirm the global-active device pair is allocated.

    NoteIf you change the ALUA attribute of a volume for which a LUN path is set, you must rediscover the volume on the host.

Results

The global-active device pair is allocated to the target host, and initial copy performed. For global-active device pairs that use DP pool volumes, reclaiming zero pages is also automatically performed.

Allocating global-active device pairs based on like volumes

Select an existing allocated global-active device volume, and allocate a global-active device pair using the characteristics of the selected primary or secondary volume.

Before you begin

You must be authenticated to the storage system and logged in to the pair management server. For details, see the Hitachi Command Suite Administrator Guide.

Procedure

  1. On the Resources tab, select a global-active device volume from the Open-Allocated volume list, or for a specific host using global-active device paired volumes, select an already allocated volume to use in a new global-active device pair, and click Allocate Like Volumes.

    Tip

    Regardless of whether the primary volume (P-VOL) or the secondary volume (S-VOL) is selected as the existing volume, the settings for the existing P-VOL are used for the newly allocated primary volume and the settings for the existing S-VOL are used for the newly allocated secondary volume.

    However, if characteristics such as drive type and drive speed of the existing volumes do not match between the primary and secondary storage systems, a secondary volume whose characteristics match those of the primary volume is recommended.

  2. In the Allocate Like Volumes dialog box, verify the information for the selected volume and make any necessary changes.

  3. On the Primary tab, configure the following options:

    1. Select the primary Storage system, Virtual Storage Machine, and Volume type.

    2. Click Advanced Options for further configuration.

    3. In LUN Path Options:

      Edit LUN paths from primary storage ports to hosts.
    4. Click Host Group and LUN settings for further configuration.

      NoteIf the host operating system is Windows or AIX and you are using the MPIO function, set the host mode option of the host group to 102.
    5. In Pair Management Server Settings:

      Select an available host as the pair management server. For Instance ID, click Existing to use a current configuration definition file and related instance ID number on the pair management server, or click New to create a new configuration definition file, and enter a new instance ID number which will be validated as an available instance ID. You can also specify a UDP Port number for the instance.
  4. On the Secondary tab, configure the following options:

    1. Select the secondary Storage system, Virtual Storage Machine, and Volume type.

      Virtual storage machine information defaults to the primary tab value.
    2. In Advanced Options:

      When you select Basic volumes on the Primary tab, the volumes that correspond to the settings specified on the Primary tab, are displayed on the Secondary tab. Unlike the Primary tab, select DP pools for the secondary storage system (Pools for S-VOL) that correspond to the DP pools configured on the primary tab (Pools for P-VOL). For example, automatic selection of DP volumes will display primary DP pools, and eligible secondary DP pools for volume allocation. You can examine primary tab DP pool and volume details with links. You can accept the DP pools selected for secondary volumes, or make a manual selection by clicking Select Pool to list and select eligible DP pools, and selecting eligible volumes from the DP pools.
    3. In LUN Path options:

      Edit LUN paths from secondary storage ports to hosts. LUN Path Setting Information on Primary Site lists the primary storage system, and No. of LUN Paths per volume. Click the link to display primary storage system mapping information.
    4. Click Host Group and LUN settings for further configuration.

      NoteIf the host operating system is Windows or AIX and you are using the MPIO function, set the host mode option of the host group to 102.
    5. Click Pair Management Server Settings for further configuration.

  5. Click Virtual ID Settings for further configuration.

    These settings display only when options other than the default virtual storage machine are used on the primary storage.
  6. In Pair Settings:

    1. Select the Quorum Disk, and then select whether pairs should belong to a new or existing Copy Group for management purposes. Click New to assign a new copy group to the global-active device pair. Select the CTG ID check box to assign a consistency group (CTG) ID to the new copy group. Click Existing to assign an existing copy group to the global-active device pair. The existing CTG ID will be used if it exists for the selected copy group.

      Tip

      To add the GAD 3DC delta resync configuration to allocated global-active device pair volumes, CTG IDs need to be assigned.

    2. Manually enter a name (Prefix and Start Sequence No.) or select Automatic for Pair Name and a name will be created.

  7. Click Show Plan and confirm that the information in the plan summary is correct. If changes are required, click Back.

  8. (Optional) Update the task name and provide a description.

  9. (Optional) Expand Schedule to specify the task schedule.

    You can schedule the task to run immediately or later. The default setting is Now.
  10. Click Submit.

    If the task is scheduled to run immediately, the process begins.
  11. (Optional) Check the progress and result of the task on the Tasks & Alerts tab. Click the task name to view details of the task.

  12. Confirm the global-active device paired volumes are allocated.

Results

The global-active device pair is allocated to the target host, and initial copy performed. For global-active device pairs that use DP pool volumes, reclaiming zero pages is also automatically performed.

Allocating global-active device pairs using allocated volumes

Existing open-allocated volumes in the same storage system belonging to the same host group (with the same LUN paths) can be converted to P-VOLs, and the P-VOL data migrated to S-VOLs to create a global-active device pair.

Before you begin

You must be authenticated to the storage system and logged in to the pair management server. For details, see the Hitachi Command Suite Administrator Guide.

Procedure

  1. On the Resources tab, or by searching, locate allocated volumes to convert into global-active device pairs.

  2. Select the volume, and click Change to Global-Active Device Volumes.

  3. On the Primary tab, configure the following options:

    1. Verify the displayed hosts, storage systems virtual storage machines for the selected volumes.

    2. Selected Volumes are allocated volumes eligible to become a P-VOL in a global-active device pair. Details such as WWN/iSCSI Name, host group/iSCSI target, and volume characteristics are displayed.

    3. In Pair Management Server Settings:

      Select an available host as the pair management server. For Instance ID, select Existing to use a current configuration definition file and related instance ID number on the pair management server, or select New to create a new configuration definition file, and enter a new instance ID number which will be validated as an available instance ID. You can also specify a UDP Port number for the instance.
  4. On the Secondary tab, configure the following options:

    1. Verify the displayed hosts for the selected volumes, and click Select other Hosts to specify more hosts that can access global-active device pairs.

    2. Select the secondary storage system where the S-VOLs will be created.

    3. Verify the displayed virtual storage machine.

    4. Click Advanced Options for further configuration.

    5. Click LUN Path Options for further configuration.

      The previously allocated primary path is displayed.
    6. Click Host Group and LUN settings for further configuration.

      NoteIf the host operating system is Windows or AIX and you are using the MPIO function, set the host mode option of the host group to 102.
    7. In Pair Management Server Settings:

      Select an available host as the pair management server. For Instance ID, select Existing to use a current configuration definition file and related instance ID number on the pair management server, or select New to create a new configuration definition file, and enter a new instance ID number which will be validated as an available instance ID. You can also specify a UDP Port number for the instance.
  5. In Pair Settings:

    1. Select the Quorum Disk, and then select whether pairs should belong to a new or existing Copy Group for management purposes. Click New to assign a new copy group to the global-active device pair. Select the CTG ID check box to assign a consistency group (CTG) ID to the new copy group. Click Existing to assign an existing copy group to the global-active device pair. The existing CTG ID will be used if it exists for the selected copy group.

      Tip

      To add the GAD 3DC delta resync configuration to allocated global-active device pair volumes, CTG IDs need to be assigned.

    2. Manually enter a name (Prefix and Start Sequence No.) or select Automatic for Pair Name and a name will be created.

  6. Click Show Plan and confirm that the information in the plan summary is correct. If changes are required, click Back.

  7. (Optional) Update the task name and provide a description.

  8. (Optional) Expand Schedule to specify the task schedule.

    You can schedule the task to run immediately or later. The default setting is Now.
  9. Click Submit.

    If the task is scheduled to run immediately, the process begins.
  10. (Optional) Check the progress and result of the task on the Tasks & Alerts tab. Click the task name to view details of the task.

  11. Confirm the global-active device paired volumes are created by checking volume status information.

    NoteIf you change the ALUA attribute of a volume for which a LUN path is set, you must rediscover the volume on the host.

Results

The global-active device pair has been created from open-allocated volumes, and initial copy performed. For global-active device pairs that use DP pool volumes, reclaiming zero pages is also automatically performed.

Checking global-active device pair status

You can review information (including status) of global-active device pairs or reserved volumes from the volume list and volume details windows in HCS.

NoteFor information on the meaning of the pair status display, see the Replication Manager Online Help or the Hitachi Command Suite Replication Manager User Guide.

Procedure

  1. Open the Replication tab.

  2. If you have received an alert, go the Alerts table and find the entry that matches the error received.

    If you are simply checking the status of a replication configuration, go to the Copy Topology table.
  3. Click the link for the copy topology of the global-active device you wish to examine.

  4. From the Copy Groups or Copy Pairs tables, locate and select the entry showing an error.

  5. (Optional) Click Change Pair Status to correct the status of the copy group or copy pair.

  6. (Optional) In the application area, click the View HRpM Tasks link to confirm the task has completed.

Monitoring global-active device pair performance

Hitachi Tuning Manager will collect and display performance information for global-active device pairs. If an administrator suspects a performance problem, or receives an alert indicating a performance problem, the administrator can investigate and resolve the issue.

Because global-active device pairs are kept synchronized, I/O issues on either the primary or secondary storage system can impact host performance. Status information and I/O metrics related to P-VOL and S-VOL performance can be examined to identify the problem, and resolve host I/O issues.

Before you begin

  • Hitachi Tuning Manager must be installed, licensed and configured.
  • When selecting one member of a global-active device pair, a single Device Manager managing the pair is required for analyzing the performance of the P-VOL and S-VOL simultaneously.

Procedure

  1. On the Analytics tab, open the Hosts tree, select a host OS, and then select the target host as follows:

    1. Select the radio button next to the target host name, and then click Identify Performance Problems.

    2. Click Host Name to select target host volumes, and then click Identify Performance Problems.

    TipWhen you select volumes from a host volume list or from within the Identify Performance Problems wizard, if you select a global-active device volume in a single Device Manager environment, the P-VOL and S-VOL will both be targets for analysis. To identify global-active device volumes, use Column Settings to include Copy Info (P-VOL), Copy Info (S-VOL), and Virtual LDEV ID in the host volume list or the Identify Performance Problems wizard.
    The Identify Performance Problems wizard is displayed (starting on the Introduction page). Review displayed messages.
  2. Click Next.

  3. On the Target Selection page:

    1. If prompted, select the Storage system type/volume type (location). For example: {VSP G1000, VSP G1500, VSP F1500} /HDP Volume (Internal).

    2. Click List of added volumes to view analysis targets, including global-active device volumes.

      Note When the global-active device pair (P-VOL and S-VOL) of a selected global-active device volume are not found in HCS, the volume cannot be set to a target for analysis. These volumes are listed separately.
    3. In Select volumes to analyze, Select all selects all listed volumes for analysis. Click Select manually to individually select volumes or global-active device pairs (P-VOL and S-VOL) for analysis, and then click Add to update the Selected Volumes list.

    4. For Select time period to analyze within 30 days before the current time, configure the time period to analyze.

    5. Click Next.

  4. On the Overview page:

    1. Check the analysis results and cautions. If there is a resource that exceeds a threshold value, there might be a performance issue related to the storage system.

    2. Click Next.

  5. On the Volume page:

    1. Review the Response Time and IOPS graphs displaying both P-VOL and S-VOL performance metrics.

      TipIf there is a large disparity between the performance metrics for the P-VOL and S-VOL, complete the wizard steps to investigate the issue further and determine the root cause. For example, there could be significant load variances between the connected hosts for the primary/secondary storage systems, remote path latencies, or multi-path software configuration issues.
  6. Continue stepping through the Identify Performance Problems wizard to review further information on Cache, MP Blades, and Parity Groups.

Results

The performance metrics of global-active device pairs have been displayed for analysis.

Unallocating global-active device pairs

When a host with global-active device pairs is no longer needed, or the volume redundancy provided by global-active device pairs is no longer required, you can unallocate the global-active device pairs.

Depending on conditions, when a user unallocates global-active device volumes, the copy pair relationship will be ended, and related copy groups and configuration definition files (horcmN.conf) could be deleted as a result.

NoteWhen you unallocate the primary volumes of non-default virtual storage machines, an error might result. If this occurs, check the volume status and then delete virtual information and the GAD Reserved attribute. To delete this information, use Device Manager - Storage Navigator or the ModifyVLDEV and CancelVLDEVReservation command of the Device Manager CLI. After doing so, unallocate the volumes.

Before you begin

  • Identify the name of the target host, and the global-active device volumes to unallocate.
  • If necessary, back up data on the target volumes.
  • Unmount all allocated volumes that you plan to unallocate. An IT administrator might have to perform this task.

Procedure

  1. Select a host OS, then select a host using global-active device volumes and click Unallocate Volumes.

    TipIf you select specific volumes for the host, Unallocate Volumes will go directly to the Show Plan window.
  2. From the Unallocate Volumes dialog box, verify that the host is correct, and then select the P-VOL or S-VOL of the global-active device pair, and select Unallocate global-active device pair simultaneously.

  3. Click Show Plan and confirm that the information in the plan summary is correct. If changes are required, click Back.

  4. (Optional) Update the task name and provide a description.

  5. (Optional) Expand Schedule to specify the task schedule.

    You can schedule the task to run immediately or later. The default setting is Now. If the task is scheduled to run immediately, you can select View task status to monitor the task after it is submitted.
  6. Click Submit.

    If the task is scheduled to run immediately, the process begins.
  7. (Optional) Check the progress and result of the task on the Tasks & Alerts tab. Click the task name to view details of the task.

Results

Unallocated global-active device volumes are added back to the storage system Open-Unallocated volume list.

Unallocating individual global-active device volumes

Individual global-active device primary or secondary volumes can be unallocated.

Before you begin

  • Identify the name of the target host, and the global-active device primary or secondary volume to unallocate.
  • If necessary, back-up data for the target volume.
Note
  • If you want to delete copy pairs for which CTG IDs were assigned and continue I/O with the secondary volumes, you need to perform operations on a per-copy-group basis. Delete all copy pairs within the copy topology from the Replication tab, or use the DeleteReplication command of the Device Manager CLI to delete all copy pairs within the copy group to which the target copy pair belongs.
  • When you unallocate the primary volumes of non-default virtual storage machines, an error might result. If this occurs, check the volume status and then delete virtual information and the GAD Reserved attribute. To delete this information, use Device Manager - Storage Navigator or the ModifyVLDEV and CancelVLDEVReservation command of the Device Manager CLI.

After performing either of these operations, be sure and unallocate the volumes.

Procedure

  1. On the Resources tab, select a host OS, then select a host using global-active device volumes, and click Unallocate Volumes.

    TipIf you select specific volumes for the host, Unallocate Volumes will go directly to the Show Plan window.
  2. In the Unallocate Volumes dialog box, verify that the host is correct, and then select the P-VOL or S-VOL of the global-active device pair to unallocate.

    Note When unallocating the secondary volume, the primary volume is retained as a basic volume. When unallocating the primary volume, the secondary volume is retained as a basic volume.
  3. Click Show Plan and confirm that the information in the plan summary is correct. If changes are required, click Back.

  4. (Optional) Update the task name and provide a description.

  5. (Optional) Expand Schedule to specify the task schedule.

    You can schedule the task to run immediately or later. The default setting is Now. If the task is scheduled to run immediately, you can select View task status to monitor the task after it is submitted.
  6. Click Submit.

    If the task is scheduled to run immediately, the process begins.
  7. (Optional) Check the progress and result of the task on the Tasks & Alerts tab. Click the task name to view details of the task.

Results

Unallocated global-active device primary or secondary volumes are added back to the storage system Open-Unallocated volume list.

Discontinuing a global-active device environment

To discontinue the use of a global-active device environment, you must delete remote path settings, delete and unvirtualize the quorum disk, delete the command devices for pair management servers, and delete the virtual storage machine.

Before you begin

  • Data on affected global-active device pairs has been saved.
  • All global-active device pairs are unallocated, or the global-active device S-VOLs unallocated leaving basic volumes in use by hosts.

Procedure

  1. Delete global-active device remote path settings.

    1. On the Resources tab, right-click the target storage system, and select Remote Connections.

    2. To delete a remote path, select a remote connection to be deleted in the Connections (To) tab, and then select Remove Remote Paths.

    3. To delete all remote paths allocated to the secondary storage system on the primary storage system, select the remote connections to be deleted in the Connections (To) tab, and then select Remove Remote Connections.

  2. Delete and unvirtualize the global-active device quorum disk.

    1. On the Resources tab, in the Storage Systems tree, select and then right-click the target storage system. From the menu, select Remote Connections.

    2. In the Remote Connections window, on the Quorum disk tab, select the quorum disk, confirm it is correct, and delete it.

      NoteTo delete a quorum disk, all global-active device pairs that use the quorum disk must be unallocated.
    3. From General Tasks, select Unvirtualize Volumes. In the Unvirtualize Volumes dialog box, select the external storage system (quorum) and the internal storage system (primary or secondary storage system) and unvirtualize the external volume (quorum disk). Be sure to perform this for both the primary and secondary storage.

  3. Delete the command devices for global-active device pair management servers.

    1. In the Unallocate Volumes dialog box, unallocate the pair management server and the command device.

    2. On the Resources tab, in the Storage Systems tree, select the primary or secondary storage system, and select Volumes. In the application area, click the System GUI link.

    3. From the volume list (LDEVs) that appear, select the command device that you want to delete.

      TipLook for Command Device in the Attribute column.
    4. From More Actions, select Edit Command Devices and in the dialog box that appears, delete the command device.

  4. Delete the global-active device virtual storage machine and remove the secondary storage system resources from the global-active device virtual storage machine.

    NoteBefore removing secondary storage system resources, you must unallocate the volumes on the global-active device virtual storage machine.
    1. On the Administration tab, select Virtual Storage Machine.

    2. Select the virtual storage machine related to global-active device pairs and click Edit Virtual Storage Machine.

    3. In the Edit Virtual Storage Machine window, select the secondary storage system, and then select Remove Storage Systems.

Results

The global-active device environment no longer exists.