About DataCore MPIO
DataCore MPIO is a high availability software product that provides fault-tolerance to multipath virtual disks presented by DataCore Servers over Fibre Channel or iSCSI. MPIO manages multiple paths to virtual disks, differentiates between preferred and non-preferred paths, and provides intelligent failover and failback over those paths. Asymmetric Logical Unit Access (ALUA) is supported and required for hosts. See Monitoring MPIO for notes pertaining to ALUA and DataCoreMPIO.
In an MPIO software configuration, virtual disks with redundant front-end paths are served from DataCore Servers to hosts. Hosts will see each virtual disk as one storage device with multiple paths. MPIO identifies when virtual disks or paths are detected, removed, or lost. A failure on the active path of a virtual disk will result in a failover to a passive path. The software will continue to monitor and failback when possible if it is required. Path management is automatic and controlled in DataCore SANsymphony through host settings.
The MPIO Console is used to monitor MPIO software on the MPIO host server. Refer to Monitoring MPIO for more information.
Getting Started with MPIO
This section provides information and setup guidance when using the DataCoreMPIO. Before you start:
- Review the DataCore Windows Integration Kit User Guide.
- Install the MPIO software on the hosts. The software must be installed before serving DataCore SANsymphony virtual disks.
Do not install MPIO software on DataCore Servers.
Procedural Overview
Follow the steps in order and click the hyperlinks for additional instructions.
| Steps | Procedures | Where |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
If using iSCSI, configure Microsoft iSCSI Initiator software to add target portals to DataCore Servers panels and log on to those connections. See Configuring iSCSI Targets. |
Host |
|
2 |
Verify host configuration in DataCore SANsymphony software: Hosts are registered on DataCore SANsymphony's and ports have been assigned. Multipathing and ALUA must be enabled. Ensure that host ports are recognized by the server target ports. Check the Server Port Details>Remote tab for the server target ports. Refer to the DataCore SANsymphony Help for instructions if necessary. |
DataCore Server |
|
3 |
Create multipath virtual disks (if necessary) and serve them to hosts. Refer to the DataCore SANsymphony Help for instructions if necessary. |
DataCore Server |
|
4 |
Open the console from the desktop shortcut or the Start menu.
In the MPIO Console, discover the served virtual disks as new disks on the host. See Performing Disk Rescans. |
Host |
|
5 |
In the MPIO Console, verify that virtual disks are healthy and paths are online. See Monitoring MPIO. |
Host |
|
6 |
In Windows Disk Management, create partitions and format the volumes as required. The volumes are ready to use. |
Host |
