Target or iniator ?

[l_augeard]

Hello

I configure my first netapp FAS2020 active/active, what is target or initiator, by default 0a and 0b are initiator, but is not reconized by server, if I change 0a to target is ok, but is it good ?

[adamfox · Accepted solution]

Initiators are used for disk shelves connected to the controller or tape drives/libraries connected to the controller for backup.

Targets are for SAN connectivity to hosts.

An FC port can either be an initiator or a target, not both.

Hope this helps.

-- Adam Fox

[lwei]

If you use 0a and 0b to connect to host HBAs, you should set 0a and 0b as target. The host HBA ports are initiators.   -Wei

[jayadratha]

Hello. With 2020 system you don't have choice.

Because there is only 2 fc port and you cannot install addtional fc hba adapter.

So one port configre for disks/library - initiator, another port for hosts - target.

p.s. with additional shelfs to controller and for library you need initiator port.

For hosts access only targets.

[ogra]

Yes, you only have 1 cable going to Disk shelf and only 1 cable from server. That is why I always recommend customer to buy FAS2020 in Cluster and configure.

This atleast helps to have no SPOF.

-Bakshana

[l_augeard]

You say in my FAS2020 it possible to use only one port ? i can't use 2 FC for 2 server ?

[adamfox]

You can use both ports for front-end FCP servers, but you will not be able to add any expansion shelves to your 2020 so you will be forever stuck with the 12 internal disks.

There are only 2 FC ports on the 2020 (as it's an entry level controller).  Of course if you want to expand later, you could get an FC switch, then go back to using 1 port for FCP and one port for disk expansion.

Hope this helps.

[l_augeard]

I have 2  ESX servers, I plug the 1 to node 1 and the second at node 2.


LUNs are configured on the node 1,  why the server connect to node 2 see the LUNs?

[adamfox]

If the LUNs are configured on node 1, and the ESX server getting those LUNs is connected to node 2, it will work as the partner can get access to the LUNs on node 1 through the cluster interconnect.

But the performance will be less since you are introducing an extra hop.  Whether you notice the difference or not, I can't tell.  But that is one way around the limit.  You may be better off matching LUNs to the controller accessing those LUNs.

[l_augeard]

Yes but it's just for tolérance, because i haven't switch FC...