Re: Windows Server 2003 Storport Action / Experiences ?

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

From: Jeff Goldner [MS] (jeffgo_at_iworkatmicrosoft)
Date: 01/25/05 

Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 08:00:43 -0800

If you are using QLogic HBAs, single HBA zoning is a must. Since QLogic
loads firmware from the driver, that's one less thing to worry about (the
BIOS firmware image is not used at runtime).

In this configuration, you are not likely to see any perf differences. This
is more likely to be shown on macho servers with many adapters and many
spindles. Not all HBA vendors have tuned their drivers for Storport either
and this is an ongoing process so stay up-to-date with latest qualified
driver supported by your storage vendor.

Jeff [MS]

"Geoff N. Hiten" <SRDBA@Careerbuilder.com> wrote in message
news:%23G$4RxoAFHA.824@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
>I don't think EMC fully supports MPIO yet, but they are building a future
> version of PowerPath around it. I have a couple of CX-600s using McData
> switches and 4 Emulex HBAs per host node. Single-HBA zoning is the only
> way
> to get 16 pathways to work. We recently upgraded to the latest PowerPath
> to
> get StorPort support. Emulex had a bug where it didn't release the SCSI
> reservation on the bus if the host bluescreened. Clustering without
> failover isn't very fun. So far (60-90 days) there have been no problems.
> My counterpart here has a CX-700 with QLogic HBAs and hasn't had any
> problems with connectivity. Don't ask about DAE reliability and Clariion
> stability. I think they have the bugs out of the CX-700 line by now. At
> least he seems to be getting some sleep lately.
>
> --
> Geoff N. Hiten
> Microsoft SQL Server MVP
> Senior Database Administrator
> Careerbuilder.com
>
> I support the Professional Association for SQL Server
> www.sqlpass.org
>
> "Andy Ball" <ng@spamno77greenfell.com> wrote in message
> news:eGQczqoAFHA.2640@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
>> Ryan,
>>
>> thanks for that , good to hear someone using a similar config to ours is
> not
>> having probs. We are using McData switches.
>>
>> Hear you re Firmware / Drivers etc, we have been very careful in the past
>> with this.
>>
>> One thing I didn't mention is that we use EMC Powerpath for MPIO with 2
>> QL2340's in each host. We don't intend to use the Win2k3 MPIO.
>>
>> thanks again,
>> Andy.
>>
>> "Ryan Sokolowski [Avanade]" <ryan@newsgroups.avanade.com> wrote in
>> message
>> news:%23UC4K6kAFHA.2012@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>> > Yes, I've done implementations with almost this exact config...QLogic
>> > 2340s and EMC CLARiiON...also combined it with Boot-from-SAN (but was
>> > on
>> > Dell servers). Everything worked very nicely; be sure to get the
>> > EMC-specific Storport drivers directly from the QLogic web site for
>> > best
>> > results.
>> >
>> > Also, make sure everything is up-to-snuff with your HBA firmware,
>> > server
>> > BIOSes, etc. You wouldn't believe how minor differences can make a
>> > difference sometimes...
>> >
>> > I didn't notice any performance issues with the combination - I've
> always
>> > liked the QLogic HBAs as well as the Emulex ones (bonus: you can save
> some
>> > money as the QLogic ones can be less expensive). Many times your
>> > performance issues can be resolved by ensuring that you know what you
> are
>> > doing with regards to SAN switch zoning, multipathing, cabling, etc.
>> >
>> > EMC preaches "Single HBA Zoning" and I subscribe to that philosophy.
> EMC
>> > has some great documents on their site around HBA / hardware
> compatibility
>> > testing, so check there...Brocade (if that's your switch vendor [and I
>> > hope for you that they are]) also has good information on their Brocade
>> > Connect site...good resources abound...
>> >
>> > Best of luck to you!
>> >
>> > --
>> > Ryan Sokolowski
>> > MCSE, CCNA, CCDA, BCFP
>> > Avanade
>> > http://www.Avanade.com
>> >
>> > "A troubleshooter's best tool is the Event Viewer and understanding the
>> > events and messages contained therein."
>> >
>> > This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
>> > rights.
>> >
>> > "Andy Ball" <ng@spamno77greenfell.com> wrote in message
>> > news:egc3v6GAFHA.1564@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
>> >> Looking to do a Windows Server 2003 build for Exchange \ SQL Server
>> >> and
>> >> been researching about the new Storport driver model as per link
>> >> below.
>> >>
>> >> All sounds good, seems the best way to go but wondering if anyone here
>> >> has real world experiences to share ? Number one concern is stability
>> >> obviously , but also would be interested to hear of any benchmark /
>> >> performance stuff. Aiming to do our own of course
>> >>
>> >>
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/storage/technologies/storport/default.mspx
>> >>
>> >> What I know already :
>> >>
>> >> - Vendor Driver / Firmware / Match up / HCL HCL HCL HCL HCL HCL HCL
>> >> :-)
>> >> - Check Vendor support.
>> >> - Test Test Test Test with realistic workloads.
>> >> - Operational Testing / failover etc.
>> >> - Hotfixes -
>> >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;883646
>> >>
>> >> Environment is HP DL580/585 QLogic 2340 HBA's , EMC Clariion Cx700
>> >>
>> >> cheers,
>> >> Andy.
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

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