compaq smart array

[merlintech]

I am a linux newbie experimenting with redhat.

Have a HP netserver e60 running redhat 8.0 & want to install a compaq smart array controller 221 with Proliant storage system F1. My aim is to run a raid 5 config.

Cannot find any rpm's & configuration software that will run with redhat 8.0, only for v 7.2/ 7.3 & earlier.

Any ideas if this is possible ?. Otherwise I will go to redhat v7.x. Looking for a dummies step by step guide if any exists.

Any help appreciated.

 

[pupu]

You will probably need to recompile kernel. It is not an easy task, but there are many docs according it around. And it is a good training, BTW ;-)

 

[merlintech]

Building the kernal is a subject I have not looked into, but I do enjoy the challenge delving into systems.

I'll have a look around. Thanks.

 

[Riaan]

Since RH6.2, it had build-in support for Compaq RAID adapters (all but the 53xx series, which uses a newer cciss module). The module it uses is cpqarray, and should be automatically selected during installation.

this link provides a list of all the supported options and distro's

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/servers/linux/options-matrix-all.html

unfortunately it does not list your card, since it is so old (2xx series), which does not mean that it should not work. I have used RH8.0 and 7.x with 2DH and 2SL controllers, which sound like they are of the same generation as your card.

The rpms for configuring the array are for online configs (from within a browser) and were designed for 7.3. They may or may not work on 8.0. However, rebuilding your kernel will not make a difference in it working or not.

What worries me is that you are trying to do this on a non-Compaq server. For the online config tool to work, the compaq health and wellness driver and integrated management log (cpqhealth*rpm, which is available for 8.0) should be installed. This will in all probability not install correctly on an HP.

If you have access to a Compaq server, you can plug in the raid adapter and storage enclosure into it, boot from Compaq smartstart CD and configure the array. When you are happy with the config, you can move the adapter + enclosure back to the HP server.


Riaan van Niekerk


UNIX sysadmin

Potchefstroom University

South Africa

 

[merlintech]

Thanks Riaan.

That makes interesting reading. Unfortunatly, I do not have access to a compaq server, so smartstart is not an option.

I do have a machine with W2000 A.server, so will try an install here to see what happens first. Maybe there is some config software & drivers for this OS. I will then go back to an install of RH 7.3.

You are right about the online configs not running under RH8.0.

Of course the other option is to opt for a currently supported controller, but I will persist with the 221 for the moment as this is an experiment.

 

[Riaan]

using/buying a new controller should not make a difference of it working or not with the config tools (in Windows or in Linux) - AFAIK, though I would love to hear otherwise. However, most controllers sold in the pas 18 - 24 months have ROM-based setup tools, which means their BIOS lets you create/modify arrays and you do not need smartstart or a config which allows the online RAID apps to load/work.

the 4xx (e.g.421) and 5xxx (e.g. 5302) series controllers all have ORCA (Online RAID Configuration Application) (*gotta love those acronyms*) which ar ROM-resident and are totally O/S agnostic (I assuming H/W platform e,g. Cpq/HP agnostic as well).
Riaan van Niekerk
Unix sysadmin & groupie
Potchefstroom University
South Africa

 

[merlintech]

Riaan thanks for educating me !

I have loaded the netserver with w2k pro & located the config software this this o/s.

Its going smoothly & have even been able to connect via vpn from home. Unsure though regarding security issues. Time to experiment with different raid & mirroring configs & pulling drives out.

Next step will be trying out with RH7.3

Presumably with the newer OCRA array controllers, as long as the O/S has a driver for the card, its home & dry ?

 

[Riaan]

It's a pleasure to be able to share the knowledge. I

I am glad to hear that running the online configs in Windows do not require a Proliant server. Perhaps this would even apply to Linux as well.

W.r.t. your last question/remark: Since they are configured in BIOS, the O/S does not matter. Riaan van Niekerk
Unix sysadmin & groupie
Potchefstroom University
South Africa