IBM PureFlex System and IBM Flex System Products and Technology

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Figure 7-4 illustrates this process.

Figure 7-4 LAN-free backup without disk storage redundancy

Figure 7-4 shows the simplest topology for LAN-free backup. With this topology, the backup

server controls the backup process, and the backup agent moves the backup data from the

disk storage directly to the tape storage. In this case, there is no redundancy provided for the

disk storage and tape storage. Zones are not required because the second Fibre Channel

Switching Module (FCSM) is exclusively used for the backup fabric.

Backup software vendors can use other (or additional) topologies and protocols for backup

operations. Consult the backup software vendor documentation for a list of supported

topologies and features, and additional information.

7.7 Boot from SAN

Boot from SAN (or SAN Boot) is a technique used when the node in the chassis has no local

disk drives. It uses an external storage system LUN to boot the operating system. Both the

operating system and data are on the SAN. This technique is commonly used to provide

higher availability and better utilization of the systems storage (where the operating system

is). Hot spare Nodes or “Rip-n-Replace” techniques can also be easily implemented by using

boot from SAN.

7.7.1 Implementing Boot from SAN

To successfully implement SAN Boot, the following conditions need to be met. Check the

respective storage system compatibility guides for the information you need.

򐂰 Storage system supports SAN Boot.

򐂰 Operating system supports SAN Boot.

򐂰 FC HBAs, or iSCSI initiators support SAN Boot.

Chassis

Node backup agent

Ethernet

I/O Module

Node backup server

Tape Autoloader

FCSM 2

Storage

Network

FCSM

Ethernet

I/O Module

Controller 1 Controller 2

Storage System