Can I connect two storage in the same SAN.

[Mahmoud Marie]

Hello 

We have two Cisco MDS 9148S switches linked to EMC storage, and one of these SANs is connected to another Cisco MDS 9148T, as shown in the diagram below.

SAN-1 and SAN-2 are located in the same building (Building-1), while SAN-3 is in a different building (Building-2). The server in Building-2 is connected to a LUN on Storage-1. The two storage systems are linked at the network layer for replication.

Can I connect the SAN-3 with Storage-2 and create zoning between the server and Storage-2. as I need to replicate the LUN from Storage-1 to Storage-2 and the server access from Storage-2.

So is that applicable or not.

Appreciate your help 

Thanks

[AshSe]

Hi @Mahmoud Marie 

Yes, it is possible to connect SAN-3 with Storage-2 and create zoning between the server in Building-2 and Storage-2, provided certain conditions are met. Here's a detailed explanation:

Key Considerations:

1. Physical Connectivity:

   • Ensure that SAN-3 (Cisco MDS 9148T) has available ports to connect to Storage-2.
   • Verify that the fiber optic cabling between SAN-3 and Storage-2 is properly installed and supports the required distance and speed.

2. Zoning:

   • You can create zoning on SAN-3 to allow the server in Building-2 to access Storage-2. Zoning ensures that the server's Host Bus Adapter (HBA) WWPN is allowed to communicate with the WWPN of Storage-2.

3. Replication:

   • Since Storage-1 and Storage-2 are already linked at the network layer for replication, you can replicate the LUN from Storage-1 to Storage-2. Ensure that the replication is configured correctly on the storage systems (e.g., using EMC's replication tools like SRDF or RecoverPoint, depending on the storage model).

4. Server Access:

   • After the LUN is replicated to Storage-2, the server in Building-2 can access the replicated LUN from Storage-2. This requires proper zoning and LUN masking on Storage-2 to present the LUN to the server.

5. SAN Fabric Configuration:

   • Ensure that the SAN fabric is properly configured to allow communication between SAN-3 and Storage-2. This includes verifying the interoperability between the Cisco MDS 9148T and the EMC storage system.

6. Performance and Latency:

   • Since Building-1 and Building-2 are in different locations, consider the latency and bandwidth of the connection between the two buildings. This is especially important for replication and server access to the LUN.

Steps to Implement:

1. Connect Storage-2 to SAN-3:

   • Physically connect Storage-2 to SAN-3 using fiber optic cables.
   • Configure the appropriate VSAN on SAN-3 for the connection.

2. Create Zoning:

   • On SAN-3, create a zone that includes the WWPN of the server's HBA and the WWPN of Storage-2's front-end ports.
   • Activate the zone configuration.

3. Configure LUN Replication:

   • Set up replication between Storage-1 and Storage-2 at the storage level. This will replicate the LUN from Storage-1 to Storage-2.

4. Present the LUN to the Server:

   • On Storage-2, configure LUN masking to present the replicated LUN to the server in Building-2.

5. Test Access:

   • Verify that the server in Building-2 can access the LUN on Storage-2.
   • Test the performance and ensure that the server can read/write to the LUN without issues.

Conclusion:

Yes, it is applicable to connect SAN-3 with Storage-2 and create zoning between the server and Storage-2. This setup will allow you to replicate the LUN from Storage-1 to Storage-2 and enable the server in Building-2 to access the replicated LUN on Storage-2. Just ensure that all the necessary configurations (physical connectivity, zoning, replication, and LUN masking) are properly implemented.

Hope This Helps!!!

AshSe

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