[an error occurred while processing this directive]

HP OpenVMS Systems

Ask the Wizard
» 

HP OpenVMS Systems

OpenVMS information

» What's new on our site
» Upcoming events
» Configuration and buying assistance
» Send us your comments

HP OpenVMS systems

» OpenVMS software
» Supported Servers
» OpenVMS virtualization
» OpenVMS solutions and partners
» OpenVMS success stories
» OpenVMS service and support
» OpenVMS resources and information
» OpenVMS documentation
» Education and training

Quick Links

» Non-javascript page
» Ask the Wizard
» OpenVMS FAQ

Test Drive OpenVMS

» OpenVMS I64 test drive
» Java test drive

Other information resources available to you include:

» OpenVMS freeware
» ECO kits, software and hardware support, prior version support
» Alpha SRM, ARC, and AlphaBIOS firmware updates
» ENCOMPASS - HP user group
» OpenVMS software downloads, OpenVMS freeware CD-ROM
» OpenVMS firmware locations
» DECconnect passive adaptor charts
» Cables reference guide
» MicroVAX console commands
» OpenVMS student research

Select a topic below to see Questions Frequently Asked by partners

» Using the online documentation library(installing BNU from the asap SDK)
» Global sections(how to create and use.)
» xx$CREATE_BUFOBJ system service(usage)
» Ethernet address(methods of determination)
» Shareable images(cookbook approach to creating one)
» Sharing data/code at absolute addresses(a guide with examples)
» Determining the Alpha microprocessor
» Using GETSYI to get hardware status

Evolving business value

» Business Systems Evolution
» AlphaServer systems transition planning
» Alpha RetainTrust program

Related links

» HP Integrity servers
» HP Alpha systems
» HP storage
» HP software
» HP products and services
» HP solutions
» HP support
disaster proof
HP Integrity server animation
HP Integrity server animation
Content starts here

Ask the Wizard Questions

Cluster: SWXCR in SCSI cluster

The Question is:

I want to form a high availability NI cluster from my 2
2100 4/275s. I have a storageworks raid 210 subsystem on the
eisa bus of each system (swxcr-eb). The goal is to have
shared storage; if I loose a node, the other one will
always be able to see the data. I've done alot of homework
and have not seen a way to incorporate the swxcr's into
the configuration. BTW, I have defpa-aa on each.
(I also do not have another $40k to spend on ISE's)
1. Am I missing something - IS there a way to use the
   swxcr's?
2. If I ditch the swxcr's, can I achieve a scsi cluster
   with my existing ba350's and kzpaa adapters? Do I need
   signal converters to do this? Will you draw me a pictur
   of the cabeling to achieve multi-host scsi and shared
   storage? (I'm a girl, I need pictures).
2b.Can I achieve raid level 5 with software to make up
   for loosing the swxcr's?

I already realize I'll need to go to at least 6.2 to do
the scsi thing.

Thanks and cheers,



The Answer is:

>1. Am I missing something - IS there a way to use the swxcr's?

    No. Not if you want to survive any node failure.

> 2. If I ditch the swxcr's, can I achieve a scsi cluster
>   with my existing ba350's and kzpaa adapters?

    Yes.

>    Do I need signal converters to do this?

    Only if the physical distance cause the cable length to exceed SCSI specs.
    The KZPAA is 'Single Ended' scsi as is the BA350. No converter needed.
    The KZPSA would allow long cables but requires a DWZAA to hook up the BA350.

>    Will you draw me a pictur  of the cabeling to achieve multi-host scsi
>     and shared storage? (I'm a girl, I need pictures).

    We did. Check the VMS V6.2 New features manual for pretty pictures of
    how to configure scsi clusters.

>    2b.Can I achieve raid level 5 with software to make up
>   for loosing the swxcr's?

    Yes, using StorageWorks RAID software.