Configuration: device mapper multipath for linux, Overview, Configuration: device mapper – Dell POWERVAULT MD3600F User Manual

Page 219: Multipath for linux

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Configuration: Device Mapper Multipath for Linux

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Configuration: Device Mapper

Multipath for Linux

Overview

The MD3600f Series storage array uses a Linux operating system software

framework, known as Device Mapper (DM), to enable multipath capabilities

on Linux Host Servers. The DM multipath functionality is provided by a

combination of drivers and utilities. This chapter describes how to use those

utilities to complete the process of enabling an MD3600f Series storage array

on a Linux system.

NOTE:

The Device Mapper technology replaces an earlier, proprietary technology,

known as MPP. MPP was used to enable multipathing for a previous MD

generation, the MD3000 Series of storage arrays.

NOTE:

The required Device Mapper software components are installed on a Linux

host server by running the MD3600f Series Resource media installation program on

the server, and selecting either the Full or Host install option. For detailed

installation procedures, see the

Dell PowerVault MD3600f and MD3620f storage

arrays Deployment Guide at dell.com/support/manuals.

Benefits of using DM Multipath include:

• Detects path failure and re-routes I/O to other available paths
• Revalidates failed paths after path restoration
• Utilizes multiple available paths to maximize performance
• Reconfigures path usage based on path states and error conditions
• Unifies multiple device nodes into a single logical multipath device node
• Indentifies a new multipathed LU and automatically configures a new

multipath node

• Provides device name persistency for DM devices under /dev/mapper/

book.book Page 219 Tuesday, June 18, 2013 3:03 PM

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