Unidentified Devices; Recovering From An Unidentified Storage Array - Dell PowerVault MD3260i Administrator's Manual

Unidentified Devices

An unidentified node or device occurs when the MD Storage Manager cannot access a new storage array. Causes for
this error include network connection problems, the storage array is turned off, or the storage array does not exist.
NOTE: Before beginning any recovery procedure, make sure that the Host Context Agent software is installed and
running. If you started the host before the host was connected to the storage array, the Host Context Agent
software is not able to find the storage array. If so, make sure that the connections are tight, and restart the Host
Context Agent software.
• If a storage array is managed by using both out-of-band management and in-band management using the same
host, a management network connection problem may prevent direct communication with the storage array.
However, you may still be able to manage the storage array over the in-band connections. The opposite
situation can also occur.
• If a storage array is managed through more than one host, it is possible that the storage array may become
unresponsive to communication over the connections given by one host. However, you may still be able to
manage the storage array over the connections provided by another host.

Recovering From An Unidentified Storage Array

To recover from an unidentified storage array:
1. Make sure that the network connection to the storage management station is functional.
2. Make sure that the controllers are installed and that the power to the storage array is turned on. Correct any
existing problems before continuing.
3. If you have an in-band storage array, use the following procedure. Click Refresh after each step to check the
results:
a) Make sure that the Host Context Agent software is installed and running. If you started the host before the host
was connected to the controllers in the storage array, the Host Context Agent software is not able to find the
controllers. If so, make sure that the connections are tight, and restart the Host Context Agent software.
b) Make sure that the network can access the host by using the ping command in the following syntax: ping
<host-name-or-IP-address-of-the-host>
If the network can access the host, continue to step c. If the network cannot access the host, skip to step d.
c) Remove the host with the unresponsive status from the MD Storage Manager, and add that host again.
If the host returns to optimal status, you have completed this procedure.
d) Make sure that the power to the host is turned on and that the host is operational.
e) If applicable, make sure that the host bus adapters have been installed in the host.
f) Examine all external cables and switches or hubs to make sure that you cannot see any damage and that they
are tightly connected.
g) If you have recently replaced or added the controller, restart the Host Context Agent software so that the new
controller is found.
If a problem exists, make the appropriate modifications to the host.
4. If you have an out-of-band storage array, use the following procedure. Click Refresh after each step to make sure
of the results:
a) Make sure that the network can access the controllers by using the ping command. Use the following syntax:
ping <controller-IP-address>
If the network can access the controllers, continue to step b. If the network cannot access the controllers, skip
to step c.
b) Remove the storage array with the unresponsive status from MD Storage Manager, and add that storage array
again.
If the storage array returns to optimal status, you have completed this procedure.
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