Automatic Configuration Using The Modular Disk Configuration Utility - Dell PowerVault MD3800i Series Deployment Manual

Automatic Configuration Using the Modular Disk Configuration Utility

NOTE: If MDCU is not installed, it can be installed from the MD series resource media.
The MDCU provides a consolidated approach for configuring the iSCSI network of host servers and
iSCSI-based storage arrays using a wizard‑driven interface. This utility also enables the user to configure
the iSCSI sessions of the host server according to the best practices and to achieve load-balanced paths
with the storage array iSCSI host ports. If you select Launch the MDCU after reboot during the
installation of the host software, the utility automatically launches after the next host server reboot. This
utility can also be launched manually.
The utility has a context sensitive online help to guide you through each step of the wizard. The MDCU
performs:
• Storage array configuration
• Host configuration
Storage Array Configuration
Before a host iSCSI initiator and an iSCSI-based storage array can communicate, they must be configured
with information such as which IP addresses and authentication method to use. Since iSCSI initiators
establish connections with an already configured storage array, the first task is to configure your storage
arrays to make them available for iSCSI initiators.
This utility requires network access to the management ports of the storage arrays you wish to configure.
You must have a properly functioning network infrastructure before attempting to configure your storage
arrays. If your storage arrays are already configured, you can skip directly to the host configuration.
This configuration task generally involves the following steps:
1. Discover available storage array(s) for configuration.
2. Select a storage array to configure.
3. Set a storage array name and password.
4. Configure the IP protocols and addresses for the management ports.
5. Configure the IP protocols and addresses for the iSCSI ports.
6. Specify the CHAP authentication method.
7. Apply the settings after reviewing a summary.
8. Repeat the process starting from step 2 to configure additional arrays.
Host Configuration (Host Connectivity Configuration)
After you have completed configuring your iSCSI-based storage arrays, the next task is to run this utility
on all hosts that need to access the storage arrays. Depending on your network configuration, your host
may be the same machine you use to manage your storage arrays, or it may be on a completely separate
network.
The option to configure a host is disabled if the machine on which the utility is running does not have an
iSCSI initiator or the required driver components installed. When the option is disabled, the utility also
displays an informational message. If you are running the utility on a host which is not connected to the
iSCSI–based storage array (or which you do not wish to connect to the array), the informational message
can be ignored. The task generally involves the following steps:
1. Discover available storage array(s) for connection.
2. Select a storage array.
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