Re: Correct sequence to present new SAN disks to W2K3 cluster

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Thank you Adam,

We have only one storage group, containing both cluster nodes, defined in
the SAN, so I was wondering how we would present the new LUNs to only one
node.
Also I did not reboot or restart the powerpath service, which I now assume
would have helped, although would doing that cause loss of connectivity to
then SAN?

REhards,

Geejay

"Betzold, Adam" <abetzold@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:488E1420.2090106@xxxxxxxxxxxx
I've noticed before that powerpath doesn't always manage the paths
immediately. Did you reboot after you presented the LUNs or restart the
powerpath service? Shouldn't have to but for some reason it helps me.

I work with EMC SANs a lot. If you can size down your LUNs (perhaps they
are mount points or being concatenated) I'd recommend that. If you have a
single storage group for your cluster you won't be able to do step 3 below
very easily. Make sure you don't lost connectivity to your quorum.

Tim Walsh wrote:
My experience is with HPs EVAs and MSAs, but what I'd do is:

1) Delete the resources for the new disks from the cluster, and then
verify that the cluster was working okay.
2) I'd move the resources all to a single node and pause the passive node
of my cluster
3) Open the management console for the SAN and modify the configuration
so the new disks are only presented to the passive node.
4) I'd create the partitions and format the new disks using the passive
node
5) I'd shutdown the passive node.
6) I'd open the management console for the SAN and modify the
configuration so that the new disks are now presented to the active node
7) On the active node I'd manage the computer and find new hardware which
should be the new disks
8) I'd set the new disks up on the active node, by assigning the same
drive letters that I used on the passive node
9) Now that the disks have been presented to both nodes, I'd create the
cluster resources for the disks on the active node and bring them on line
10) I'd then start up the passive node and unpause it.
11) Once the passive node was up and running again I'd move the new
resources back and forth a couple times and verify that they work as
expected.


"gjb" <gjb@xxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:ur3Aqp17IHA.3692@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi,

I have just had a disasterous day trying to add new SAN disks to an
existing W2K3 cluster. The SAN install and config was done by the SAN
supplier.
Basically 4 new disk groups (RAID5) were created, 12 new LUNS were added
and then bound to the SAN server group containing both cluster nodes.
(SAN is DELL/EMC CX300)
At the time I was concerned becauise both nodes were up and running but
was told that would be ok. Anyway I initialized all 12 new disk in disk
management on node-1 (active), created partitions and left them
formatting overnight (each LUN/DISK 1.99TB).
To cut a long story short the cluster service hung overnight following a
no of errors from clusterplugandplay ("timeout sending notification of
target device change tp Windows of Clusterdiskpnpwatcher), and following
several reboots the cluster was left in a bit of a confused state re
the new disks (not as confused as me btw!).

On node-1 (Active) I was able to create disk resources for all of the
disks. I tried to failover the cluster and some of the new disk
resources failed to come on-line.This appeared to be because although
node-2 could see all the new disks, they did not have drive letters on
that node. When I added drive letters to the disks I could then create
disk resources and all disks are now on line. (I have not been able to
failback yet to confirm they all come on line on node1)

I have to add new enclosures to 2 other SANs in the next few weeks, so I
need some advice on the correct/safest/most relaible methodology for
carrying out this task.

Eternal gratitude for any assistance,

Many thanks,

Geeja



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