Re: To zone or not to zone.

[Jim Oberholtzer <midrangel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

If the VTL supports multiple libraries, then as they are configured they
should show up, regardless of the zoning.

If the VTL supports putting each virtual library on different Fibre/SCSI
ports, then I would put the second one on a different port/LUN combination,
throughput will improve to the limit of the card, but also LUNs do fail
occasionally, and even in the best data centers, Fibre gets crunched some
times (my favorite trick is to put the excess Fiber in a real tight bundle
so it takes up less space.  That kills fibre speed, nothing less than a 6"
bend or service loop please, 12" is better)  so having the extra LUN/Port
defined just makes getting past those types of issues much easier.  Also it
lets you deal with it in the morning,

--
Jim Oberholtzer
Chief Technical Architect
Agile Technology Architects


On Fri, May 13, 2022 at 11:44 AM Rob Berendt <rob@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> On an earlier thread I mentioned that we are running high on our 8gbFc
> when backing up multiple lpars simultaneously to the same VTL.
> We're upgrading our VTL to a newer model.  Already installed and migration
> is in progress. (No sales calls please.)
>
> Right now we only have one VIOS lpar actively supporting FC.  No
> redundancy, etc.  And we're only using one of the FC ports on that VIOS
> card.
> All the FC SFP's are in the same zone.  If I have that terminology wrong
> I'm not a network guy.
>
> Since the vtl has multiple fc ports available we thought about zoning it
> up to spread the load.
>
> Let's leave redundancy out of the picture for now.  Good data center with
> little possibility of errant mop lady, etc.
>
> Is it worth zoning to enhance load?
> Note:  We save on H/A machines nightly.  When we do our quarterly full
> system saves the longest SSD based lpar is under 3 hours.
> Suck it up and wait for 16gb?
> If I start zoning will that make the vtl appear as multiple libraries?
> If so, does that complicate balancing media between all the lpars?
> STRBALBRM ACTION(*BALANCE)
>
>
> Rob Berendt
> --
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