HPE0-J68 HPE Storage Solutions Questions and Answers

When setting up a new HPE StoreOnce appliance for a customer who is using NetBackup and requires the highest performance setup, the best backup target type to recommend is VTL (Virtual Tape Library). VTLs are optimized for high-performance environments, particularly when connected via Fibre Channel (FC), which the customer has in their local setup. VTLs provide the speed and reliability of disk-based storage while emulating the tape systems that many backup solutions, like NetBackup, are designed to work with. This setup will ensure the highest throughput and performance for backup operations over FC.

References:

HPE StoreOnce Overview

HPE VTL Solutions

When managing HPE Primera arrays, it's important to assess the current compaction ratios to understand how effectively data is being stored.

NinjaStars is an HPE tool specifically designed to analyze and report on data reduction technologies, including deduplication and compression, on HPE storage arrays like Primera. It helps in determining the compaction ratios, providing insights into how efficiently the storage capacity is being utilized.

References:

HPE Primera Storage

HPE NinjaTools Suite

HPE InfoSight Cross-Stack Analytics for VMware and Hyper-V provides a comprehensive view of the virtual environment, allowing users to monitor and analyze various aspects of their infrastructure. Two key actions that can be performed within this tool are finding noisy neighbors (Option B) and locating inactive VMs (Option C).

Find noisy neighbors: This feature helps identify virtual machines (VMs) that are consuming excessive resources and negatively impacting the performance of other VMs within the environment. By identifying these "noisy neighbors," administrators can take corrective action to optimize resource allocation and improve overall system performance.

Locate inactive VMs: This functionality allows administrators to detect VMs that are consuming resources but are not actively in use. Identifying and addressing these inactive VMs can help free up resources and improve the efficiency of the virtual environment.

These capabilities make InfoSight Cross-Stack Analytics a powerful tool for maintaining optimal performance in VMware and Hyper-V environments.

References:

HPE InfoSight for Servers

HPE Cross-Stack Analytics Overview

For a high-performance database environment, scale-out storage (Option A) is the recommended solution. Scale-out storage architectures allow for the expansion of storage capacity and performance by adding more nodes to the storage cluster. This approach provides linear scalability, enabling the environment to grow as the database's demands increase. It is particularly effective for high-performance workloads because it balances the load across multiple nodes, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring consistent performance.

Scale-out storage also supports high availability and resilience, which are critical for maintaining uptime and reliability in database environments that require rapid data access and processing.

References:

HPE Scale-Out Storage Solutions

HPE Storage Overview

==================

Veeam's integration with HPE storage solutions, particularly in backup and recovery scenarios, includes features that allow granular recovery of data, such as individual emails.

Explorer for Storage Snapshots is a feature within Veeam that enables customers to perform granular recovery from storage snapshots, including individual items such as emails from an Exchange server. This feature is crucial for minimizing downtime and ensuring quick recovery of specific data without the need to restore entire databases or systems.

This capability provides an efficient and user-friendly way to handle data recovery tasks, which is particularly valuable in environments where data availability and quick recovery are critical.

References:

Veeam and HPE Integration

Veeam Explorer for Storage Snapshots

In the scenario presented, the customer requests an increase in Random Write IOPS for their HPE Primera solution. To achieve this, adding more disks of smaller capacity is the most effective approach (Option A). By increasing the number of disks, the storage system can distribute the write operations across more disks, thereby reducing the write latency and improving the overall Random Write IOPS performance. Smaller capacity disks typically allow for better IOPS performance per GB due to their higher spindle speed and lower data density, which reduces seek times.

This strategy also aligns with best practices in storage design, where increasing the number of spindles (disks) generally enhances the performance of random workloads, particularly in write-intensive environments.

References:

HPE Primera Overview

HPE Storage Products Overview

HPE Flash and Hybrid Storage Solutions

When proposing a Primera array and ensuring high availability with an existing HPE 3PAR array, there are specific RMC (Recovery Manager Central) Peer Copy prerequisites that need to be addressed:

Check that the 3PAR OS version is supported (Option D): It is crucial to verify that the HPE 3PAR OS version is compatible with the RMC version being used. Incompatibility between the OS versions can lead to failures in replication or other high availability features.

RMC 6.2 (Option F): RMC 6.2 is the required version for ensuring compatibility with the features necessary for Peer Copy between Primera and 3PAR arrays. Ensuring that this version is installed and correctly configured is essential for successful implementation.

These prerequisites help ensure that the high availability setup between the Primera and 3PAR arrays functions correctly and that the data protection mechanisms are reliable.

References:

HPE RMC Overview

HPE 3PAR and Primera Compatibility

In a Fibre Channel (FC) SAN, the World Wide Name (WWN) serves as a unique identifier for devices within the network. The WWN is used in several critical functions:

Identification of zone members (Option A): WWNs are used to define and manage zones within a SAN. Zoning is a method of grouping devices, such as servers and storage arrays, to control access and ensure data security. By identifying zone members via their WWNs, administrators can control which devices can communicate within the SAN.

Identification of entities via Storage Name Server (SNS) (Option C): The WWN is registered with the Storage Name Server (SNS) in the SAN fabric. The SNS maintains a database of all devices within the SAN and their associated WWNs, enabling efficient routing of data frames to the correct destination.

These features make the WWN a fundamental element in the operation and management of a Fibre Channel SAN.

References:

HPE SAN and Zoning Overview

HPE Fibre Channel Networking Solutions

For the customer requiring a caching tier that offers extremely low-latency and persistent storage, NVMe Storage Class Memory (SCM) (Option C) is the ideal technology. NVMe SCM provides the performance characteristics of DRAM with the persistence of traditional storage, making it suitable for caching applications where ultra-low latency is crucial. NVMe SCM also supports capacities exceeding 500GB, which aligns with the customer's requirement.

This technology is particularly advantageous in environments where quick access to data is critical, such as in financial services or real-time analytics applications. It bridges the gap between volatile DRAM and slower NAND SSDs, providing a highly responsive and durable storage solution.

References:

HPE NVMe Storage Solutions

HPE Storage Class Memory

Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated

When a customer needs to create a full copy replica of a database for performance testing, the best technology to use is a clone. A clone creates an exact, independent copy of a volume, which can be used separately from the original. This is particularly useful for scenarios such as testing, development, or backup, where an exact copy of the data is required without affecting the production environment.

References:

HPE 3PAR and Primera Clone Technology

HPE Data Protection and Replication

When configuring high availability with HPE Primera and 3PAR arrays using RMC (Recovery Manager Central) Peer Copy, there are specific prerequisites that must be met:

2-port 10 Gb Ethernet Adapter (NIC): Each array must be equipped with a 2-port 10 Gb Ethernet Adapter to support the high-speed data transfer required for Peer Copy operations.

RMC 6.2: The customer must have RMC version 6.2 or later installed, as this version includes the necessary features and enhancements to support Peer Copy between Primera and 3PAR arrays.

These prerequisites are crucial to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance when setting up high availability between the two storage arrays.

References:

HPE Primera and 3PAR Integration

HPE RMC Overview

When addressing a customer's concerns about data loss, the features of the HPE Nimble array that should be emphasized are the quick RAID rebuild (Option A) and triple parity (Option E).

Quick RAID Rebuild: This feature is crucial in reducing downtime and data loss risk after a disk failure. Nimble's RAID technology ensures that if a drive fails, the rebuild process is swift, minimizing the exposure time during which data is vulnerable.

Triple Parity: This feature provides an additional layer of protection against multiple simultaneous drive failures. Triple parity RAID allows the array to withstand up to three drive failures without data loss, which significantly enhances the reliability and durability of the storage system.

These features work together to provide a robust, resilient storage solution that mitigates the risk of data loss and ensures high availability, making them particularly important for customers who have experienced data loss in the past.

References:

HPE Nimble Storage Data Protection

HPE Storage Reliability and Resilience

When deploying a new StoreOnce VSA (Virtual Storage Appliance), expanding storage capacity can be done by the following methods:

Verify sufficient capacity LTUs are available: License to Use (LTU) is required to allocate more storage to the VSA. Ensuring that there are sufficient LTUs available is essential before increasing capacity.

Add a new virtual hard disk to the virtual machine: This is the process of physically increasing the storage allocated to the VSA. By adding a new virtual hard disk to the virtual machine, you expand the storage capacity that the VSA can utilize.

These steps are critical for correctly scaling the storage capacity of a StoreOnce VSA solution.

References:

HPE StoreOnce VSA Deployment

HPE StoreOnce Capacity Licensing

To integrate an HPE 3PAR StoreServ array with a third-party monitoring application, SNMPv3 (Simple Network Management Protocol version 3) can be configured. SNMPv3 is a protocol that supports the forwarding of events from the array to external monitoring tools. It is a secure and standardized method for managing and monitoring network devices, including storage arrays like HPE 3PAR StoreServ.

References:

HPE 3PAR StoreServ Management

HPE 3PAR SNMP Configuration

When replacing an existing LTO-6 tape library with a new HPE StoreEver MSL2024 tape library, and the customer wants to reuse their LTO-6 tape cartridges, LTO7 (Option D) is the latest tape drive technology that provides backward compatibility with LTO-6 tapes.

LTO7 drives can read and write to LTO-6 cartridges, making them the optimal choice for ensuring the customer's existing media can be utilized effectively while also providing the benefits of newer tape technology, such as higher capacity and faster data transfer rates.

References:

HPE StoreEver Tape Solutions

HPE LTO Tape Technology

The HPE SimpliVity Data Virtualization Platform is designed with a modular architecture that includes several key layers. Among these, the Presentation Layer and the Data Management Layer are fundamental components (Options A and D).

The Presentation Layer is responsible for the user interface and the interaction between the user and the system. It provides the tools necessary for administrators to manage and monitor the storage environment efficiently.

The Data Management Layer handles the core functions of the SimpliVity platform, including data deduplication, compression, and optimization. This layer ensures that data is stored and managed efficiently, reducing storage costs and improving performance.

These layers work together to deliver the full capabilities of the SimpliVity platform, enabling simplified management and robust data services in a hyper-converged infrastructure environment.

References:

HPE SimpliVity Overview

HPE SimpliVity Data Virtualization

To make the integration of a Windows-based server with an all-flash Nimble array easier, HPE's Connection Manager (Option C) is the recommended tool. Connection Manager simplifies the configuration of iSCSI or Fibre Channel connections between the server and the Nimble storage array. It helps automate the setup process, ensuring that the best practices for connectivity are followed, which results in optimized performance and reliability.

This tool is particularly useful for administrators who may not be storage experts, as it streamlines the complex tasks associated with connecting servers to enterprise-grade storage systems.

References:

HPE Nimble Connection Manager

HPE Storage Integration Tools

The REST API (Option A) is a critical feature that allows HPE Primera, HPE Nimble, and HPE XP arrays to work with third-party management tools. REST APIs provide a standardized interface for programmatically accessing and controlling the storage arrays. This enables integration with various management platforms, automation scripts, and orchestration tools, allowing for greater flexibility and streamlined management in diverse IT environments.

By using REST API, organizations can integrate their HPE storage systems with existing management frameworks, ensuring a cohesive and efficient infrastructure management approach.

References:

HPE REST API for Storage

HPE Storage Management

Given the customer's requirements for a storage solution in a VMware environment, with 20 TB of standard business data, 400 TB of video archive files, and a concern for cost, HPE MSA is the most cost-effective solution that meets these needs. HPE MSA offers affordable storage with enterprise features such as snapshots and replication. It supports iSCSI connectivity, which aligns with the customer’s 10 GB iSCSI requirements. Additionally, MSA provides a balance of performance and capacity, making it a suitable choice for environments where budget is a primary concern.

The HPE MSA 2050 comes with a base set of features, including the ability to create up to 64 snapshots. However, for customers who require more extensive snapshot capabilities as their data services grow, the Advanced Data Services Suite license is the appropriate solution. This license extends the functionality of the MSA, including an increase in the number of snapshots that can be created and managed, thus addressing the customer's concerns about future growth.

References:

HPE MSA 2050 Storage

HPE MSA Advanced Data Services

The issue of seeing multiple volumes after creating just a single volume on the MSA is likely due to a lack of zoning on the Fibre Channel switches. Zoning is a method used in Fibre Channel networks to segment a fabric into smaller, manageable zones, which helps in controlling access between devices. By enabling zoning on the SN3000B switches, the customer can isolate the connections and ensure that only the desired host can see specific volumes. This prevents the scenario where multiple volumes are visible to a host that should only have access to one.

References:

HPE MSA Storage Overview

HPE B-series SN3000B Switches

For monitoring the health and utilization of the HPE StoreEver MSL6480 Tape Library, StoreServ TapeAssure Advanced is the recommended software. TapeAssure Advanced provides detailed insights into the operational status of tape libraries, including health checks, utilization metrics, and predictive analytics. This tool is essential for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of tape storage environments.

References:

HPE StoreEver Tape Libraries

HPE TapeAssure Advanced

The most likely reason the 10GBase-T adapter installed in the StoreOnce 3620 is not configurable is that the customer failed to install a License to Use (LTU) for it (Option C). HPE StoreOnce systems require an LTU for certain hardware components and features. Without the appropriate license, the system will not recognize or allow configuration of the newly installed hardware.

Ensuring that the LTU is correctly installed would likely resolve the issue and allow the adapter to be fully operational.

References:

HPE StoreOnce Overview

HPE Licensing and Support

A picture containing diagram Description automatically generated

Graphical user interface, website, timeline Description automatically generated

In StoreOnce Gen4 systems, certain features are included with the system software without requiring additional licenses:

Catalyst: HPE StoreOnce Catalyst is included and provides advanced data reduction and deduplication capabilities, as well as integration with backup software.

VTL/NAS replication: This feature allows replication of Virtual Tape Libraries (VTL) and NAS shares between StoreOnce systems, ensuring data protection and disaster recovery, and it comes standard with the system software.

These features enhance the StoreOnce system's functionality, providing value without additional costs.

References:

HPE StoreOnce Features

StoreOnce Gen4 Technical Specifications

When deploying a Recovery Manager Central (RMC) appliance and integrating it with a customer's HPE 3PAR system, the following information is critical:

vCenter IP address or hostname (Option B): The RMC appliance needs to communicate with the VMware vCenter server for managing virtual machines and performing data protection tasks. The IP address or hostname of the vCenter server is necessary for this integration.

IP address of the RMC (Option D): The IP address of the RMC appliance itself is required during the installation process to ensure proper network configuration and communication between the RMC appliance, the 3PAR storage system, and other network components.

Collecting this information beforehand ensures that the installation process proceeds smoothly and that the RMC appliance can be correctly configured to protect the customer’s data environment.

References:

HPE RMC Installation Guide

HPE 3PAR Integration with RMC

The typical protocol used to access data from object storage is HTTP (Option C). Object storage systems, such as those used in cloud environments, typically expose their data through RESTful APIs over HTTP. This allows for easy access and manipulation of data objects over the web. Unlike traditional block or file storage, object storage is designed for scalability and is commonly used for storing large amounts of unstructured data, such as media files, backups, and archives.

HTTP is the standard protocol for web communications, making it the ideal choice for accessing data in object storage environments, which are often cloud-based or designed for remote access.

References:

HPE Object Storage Overview

HPE Cloud and Object Storage Solutions

Virtual Disk group

Tier

Volume Group

Virtual pool

Virtual Volume

For a customer looking for a cost-effective storage solution with good performance, while also having a limited IT staff concerned about learning new technologies, recommending Ethernet switches, a Nimble iSCSI card, and dedicated NICs for servers (Option C) is the most appropriate choice.

This configuration is cost-effective and simplifies management by using familiar Ethernet networking technology, which most IT staff are already familiar with. The Nimble iSCSI card provides the necessary storage connectivity while leveraging Ethernet infrastructure, making it easier to deploy and manage compared to Fibre Channel solutions.

References:

HPE Nimble Storage Connectivity Options

HPE Networking Solutions

Given that the customer's core application requires 100% availability, the HPE Primera (Option C) is the best storage solution to recommend. HPE Primera is designed for mission-critical applications that demand the highest levels of availability, performance, and resilience. It offers advanced data services, AI-driven predictive analytics, and a 100% availability guarantee, making it the ideal choice for environments where downtime is not an option.

Primera's architecture is built to ensure continuous availability, even in the face of hardware failures or other unexpected issues, which makes it superior to other options like Nimble or MSA for this specific requirement.

References:

HPE Primera Overview

HPE Mission-Critical Storage Solutions

When reviewing an installation plan for a new Primera storage array in an existing environment, the best resource to find appropriate installation and planning guides is SPOCK (Option D). SPOCK (Single Point of Connectivity Knowledge) provides detailed interoperability and configuration guides, ensuring that all components in the existing infrastructure (such as C7000s, Brocade switches, and 3PAR 7400) are compatible with the new Primera array.

SPOCK is an essential tool for ensuring that the installation process is seamless and that the environment will support the new storage solution without any compatibility issues.

References:

HPE SPOCK Compatibility Tool

HPE Installation and Planning Guides

Graphical user interface, application Description automatically generated

After implementing an HPE Primera solution, the most appropriate tool to verify performance counters such as IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) is the Primera on-node management GUI. This GUI provides real-time monitoring and detailed performance analytics directly from the Primera storage system itself. It allows users to track various performance metrics and ensure they align with the customer's requirements.

References:

HPE Primera Management

HPE Primera Performance Tools

For a customer concerned about offsite disaster recovery without the need to deploy a secondary site, HPE StoreOnce CloudBank is the ideal solution. CloudBank extends HPE StoreOnce to the cloud, providing cost-effective, scalable, and secure offsite storage for long-term data retention and disaster recovery. It allows customers to back up data directly to the cloud (public or private), offering a simple and affordable way to protect against site disasters without the overhead of managing a secondary physical site.

StoreOnce CloudBank supports integration with existing backup and data management solutions, ensuring a seamless disaster recovery process.

For detailed information, refer to:

HPE StoreOnce Overview

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation with All HPE Storage ReferencesWhen adding a new host to an HPE 3PAR StoreServ system for a proof-of-concept, in addition to the host name, the minimum required information is the Host WWN (World Wide Name). The WWN is a unique identifier used in storage networks to address the host within the SAN. It is critical for ensuring the correct host is recognized by the storage system and is necessary for establishing the connection between the host and the storage volumes.

HPE Storage References:

HPE 3PAR StoreServ Host Configuration

HPE 3PAR StoreServ SAN Connectivity

The HPE Alletra 9000 NVMe-oF 100 GbE 2-port host bus adapter (HBA) is a versatile component that can be used for multiple purposes. While it is primarily designed for high-speed host connectivity, it can also be used for connecting extra drive enclosures to the HPE Alletra 9000 storage array. This flexibility allows it to serve dual roles depending on the specific requirements of the deployment, either expanding storage capacity by connecting additional enclosures or providing high-speed connectivity to hosts.

References:

HPE Alletra 9000 Overview

HPE NVMe-oF Solutions

HPE 3PAR StoreServ systems perform Data-at-Rest Encryption at the ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) level. This approach ensures that encryption is handled efficiently with minimal impact on performance. The ASIC is responsible for encrypting all data as it is written to the physical disks, providing a secure layer of protection for stored data without compromising the high performance that 3PAR systems are known for.

For more details, refer to:

HPE 3PAR StoreServ Encryption

The Catalyst Store backup repository is designed to provide strong protection against ransomware attacks by reducing the opportunity for backups to become encrypted by malicious software. HPE StoreOnce Catalyst provides secure, deduplicated, and encrypted storage for backups, which can be further protected by air-gapping techniques and other security measures to prevent ransomware from accessing and encrypting the backup data.

For more information, refer to:

HPE StoreOnce and Catalyst Overview

Linear Tape File System (LTFS) is a file system that enables tape to be used in a manner similar to disk storage, providing file management capabilities directly on the tape cartridges. This allows users to access files stored on tape in a more intuitive way, with the ability to drag and drop files, just like on a traditional file system. LTFS makes tape more accessible and easier to use, especially for archival and data retrieval purposes, which is particularly advantageous for media agencies that manage large volumes of data.

LTFS does not inherently provide WORM (Write Once, Read Many) functionality or file encryption; these features require additional software or configurations.

For more information, see:

HPE StoreEver Tape Storage Solutions

To integrate HPE 3PAR StoreServ arrays into an HPE OneView environment for automated volume provisioning, the installation of the 3PAR Host Explorer is required. The 3PAR Host Explorer software facilitates the communication between the HPE 3PAR StoreServ storage array and the OneView management platform. This software collects detailed host configuration information, which is then used by HPE OneView to optimize the management and provisioning of storage resources, ensuring that the storage is allocated correctly according to the system requirements.

This integration allows for better automation, management, and monitoring of the storage environment, thereby improving efficiency and reducing the likelihood of manual errors.

For more detailed information on HPE 3PAR StoreServ integration with OneView, please refer to the following HPE Storage references:

HPE Storage Products Overview

HPE Storage Solutions

HPE 3PAR StoreServ Information

In a B-Series trunk group, the maximum number of Inter-Switch Links (ISLs) that can be combined to enhance the performance and availability of switch connections is 8. By aggregating up to 8 ISLs into a single trunk group, the system increases bandwidth and provides redundancy, ensuring that the loss of a single ISL does not impact the overall connectivity or performance.

References:

HPE B-Series Switches Overview

HPE Networking Solutions

When moving from an HPE StoreOnce backup appliance to HPE GreenLake Backup and Recovery, the HPE StoreOnce appliance can still be utilized as an on-premises Protection Store copy target. This means that the existing StoreOnce hardware can be integrated into the new GreenLake Backup and Recovery environment, allowing for on-premises data protection and efficient backup processes while leveraging the cloud capabilities of GreenLake for additional flexibility and scalability.

References:

HPE GreenLake Backup and Recovery

HPE StoreOnce Integration

The HPE 3PAR StoreServ Persistent Port feature allows a host to continue I/O operations uninterrupted during a firmware update. It achieves this by automatically failing over the ports of the storage system to a peer port on another node, ensuring continuous data availability and service delivery. This feature is crucial during firmware upgrades or any maintenance activity where minimal disruption is desired.

HPE Storage References:

HPE 3PAR StoreServ Architecture

HPE 3PAR StoreServ Features

For HPE GreenLake for Block Storage systems, particularly when equipped with two enclosures or cages, and considering a high availability (HA) level for drives, the maximum set size value that can be manually set is 6+2. This configuration means there are six data drives and two parity drives, ensuring that the system can withstand the failure of two drives while still protecting the data.

References:

HPE GreenLake Block Storage

HPE Storage Availability and Performance

HPE StoreVirtual Network RAID provides redundancy by managing it on a per-volume basis. This means that the level of RAID protection (e.g., Network RAID 0, 10, 10+1, etc.) is set individually for each volume, allowing flexibility in how data protection is applied depending on the importance and performance requirements of the data stored. Unlike traditional RAID, which is managed at the disk level, Network RAID in StoreVirtual VSA allows for more granular control and can be tailored to the specific needs of different workloads.

The red rectangle in the exhibit is likely asking for an iSCSI Qualified Name (IQN), which is a unique identifier used in iSCSI environments to address devices on a storage network. The format "iqn.2015-02.com.hpe

" follows the standard IQN naming convention, which is used to identify the iSCSI initiators and targets in an HPE storage environment.

HPE Storage References:

HPE Storage Networking

HPE iSCSI and SAN Solutions

The HPE Alletra 9000 allows the configuration of up to 64 performance alerts. These alerts are crucial for monitoring the performance of the storage system, ensuring that administrators are notified of any performance issues or anomalies. The ability to configure multiple alerts provides flexibility in managing different aspects of the system's performance, enabling proactive management and optimization of the storage environment.

References:

HPE Alletra 9000 Management Features

HPE Storage Performance Monitoring

The Core-Edge SAN topology offers the highest centralized data access performance. In this topology, the core switch provides centralized connectivity, and the edge switches connect to the hosts and storage devices. This architecture is highly scalable and supports high-performance data access while maintaining low latency. It is ideal for large SAN environments where centralized data management and high throughput are crucial.

References:

HPE SAN Solutions

SAN Topology Guide

The SimpliVity 380 is the recommended solution for a customer who has acquired another company with an outdated and costly infrastructure. This hyper-converged infrastructure solution minimizes the footprint in the data center by combining compute, storage, and networking into a single, integrated system. SimpliVity 380 offers quick deployment, simplified management, and reduced operational costs, making it ideal for modernizing IT environments rapidly and efficiently.

HPE Storage References:

HPE SimpliVity 380 Overview

HPE Converged and Hyper-Converged Solutions

HPE 3PAR StoreServ systems support multiple front-end protocols to provide connectivity options suitable for various enterprise environments. The two primary protocols used in the front end by HPE 3PAR StoreServ systems are:

iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface): A popular protocol for connecting storage devices over IP networks, iSCSI allows data to be transferred over long distances using existing network infrastructure. It is widely used in environments where cost-effective IP-based storage solutions are required.

FC (Fibre Channel): A high-speed network technology primarily used for storage networking. It provides a reliable and fast connection for block storage, making it ideal for high-performance environments requiring low latency and high throughput.

These protocols enable HPE 3PAR systems to integrate seamlessly into a wide range of IT infrastructures, providing flexibility and performance for various workloads.

References:

HPE 3PAR StoreServ Overview

HPE Storage Protocols

For a cloud service provider using HPE 3PAR StoreServ 9000, Priority Optimization is the recommended solution to ensure the quality of service (QoS) and protect tenants from unpredictable bursts of I/O from other tenants. Priority Optimization allows administrators to set service levels for different workloads, ensuring that critical workloads receive the necessary resources while maintaining overall system performance. This feature helps manage and enforce QoS in a multi-tenant environment, providing predictable performance and preventing noisy neighbors from impacting other tenants.

References:

HPE 3PAR Priority Optimization

HPE 3PAR StoreServ 9000 Overview

HPE StoreVirtual VSA’s Adaptive Optimization feature is ideal for addressing the challenge of intermittent heavy disk I/O in mission-critical applications. Adaptive Optimization dynamically adjusts the storage tiering based on real-time workloads, ensuring that the most frequently accessed data is moved to faster storage tiers like SSDs, without the need for manual intervention. This feature allows the customer to benefit from SSD performance when needed, without permanently dedicating SSD resources, thus optimizing both performance and cost.

References:

HPE StoreVirtual VSA Adaptive Optimization

HPE Storage Performance Features

To create a configuration including the sizing and performance values for a customer solution for Alletra MP, the recommended HPE tool is Ninja STARS. This tool is specifically designed for storage sizing and configuration, providing detailed insights into the performance requirements and helping to tailor the solution to meet the specific needs of the customer. Ninja STARS helps in accurately sizing the storage solution to ensure it meets both current and future demands.

For further details, refer to:

HPE Ninja STARS Tool

StoreVirtual VSA Ready Nodes provide configurations for HPE-tested and referenced configurations in a software-defined storage environment. These configurations are pre-validated and optimized for specific workloads, ensuring that they meet performance and reliability requirements. StoreVirtual VSA (Virtual Storage Appliance) enables the deployment of HPE’s software-defined storage solutions on industry-standard servers, making it a flexible and cost-effective option for various storage needs.

References:

HPE StoreVirtual VSA

HPE Ready Nodes

The correct action to optimize the storage configuration when adding new enclosures and drives to an existing HPE 3PAR StoreServ 8400 array is to run the tunesys command. This utility performs a system-wide optimization that includes rebalancing the data across all physical disks to ensure optimal performance and space utilization. tunesys is especially useful when new drives are added because it ensures that the workload is evenly distributed across both the new and existing drives, preventing potential hotspots and improving overall system efficiency. Defragmenting the Common Provisioning Groups (CPGs) and aligning the drives would be beneficial in certain scenarios, but the first and most comprehensive step is to use tunesys.

For more details, refer to the following HPE Storage references:

HPE 3PAR StoreServ Storage

This feature cannot be retroactively applied to existing backup devices; it must be configured at the time of setup to ensure that all data written to the storage device is encrypted. This hardware-assisted encryption feature is critical for enhancing the security of stored data, protecting it from unauthorized access in the event of physical theft or unauthorized access.

For further details, refer to:

HPE StoreOnce Overview

HPE GreenLake Backup and Recovery is the recommended software stack for a backup platform that includes a pay-per-use model, supports virtualized workloads, and integrates with the HPE Data Services Cloud Console (DSCC). This solution offers low Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs) in minutes, supports HPE Alletra 9000, and provides the flexibility and scalability needed for modern backup environments. It is part of the HPE GreenLake ecosystem, which provides cloud-like agility and economics with on-premises control.

References:

HPE GreenLake Backup and Recovery

HPE Alletra 9000 Integration

In HPE StoreOnce environments, the two most commonly used file protocols are CIFS (Common Internet File System) and NFS (Network File System).

CIFS: This protocol is widely used in Windows environments for file sharing. It enables users and applications to access files on remote servers as if they were local, making it ideal for integration with Windows-based systems.

NFS: This protocol is commonly used in Unix and Linux environments for file sharing. It allows a user on a client computer to access files over a network much like local storage is accessed.

These protocols are integral to HPE StoreOnce's capability to provide flexible and efficient file-based backup and recovery solutions across different operating environments.

References:

HPE StoreOnce Overview

HPE File Protocols

Recovery Time Objective (RTO) refers to the maximum amount of time that is allowed to elapse before the recovery of application processing is completed after a disaster or failure occurs. This metric is crucial for business continuity planning as it defines the acceptable downtime that the business can tolerate before the system is back online and fully functional.

For example, if an RTO is set to 2 hours, the business must ensure that the affected systems are restored and operational within that timeframe.

For more detailed information, see:

HPE Storage Solutions

When designing an Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) stack for a Nimble storage solution using HPE FlexFabric 5900CP switches with iSCSI connectivity, the IRF stack typically supports up to two switches for optimal performance and redundancy. This limitation ensures that the iSCSI traffic is managed effectively without overcomplicating the network topology, which could potentially introduce latency or complexity in managing the stack.

Utilizing more than two switches in an IRF stack when connecting to storage could result in diminished returns in performance or increased management overhead, which is why HPE typically recommends limiting the IRF stack to two switches in such configurations.

For further details, refer to:

HPE Nimble Storage Overview

HPE FlexFabric Switches

The deduplication process on HPE StoreOnce is applied on a per-VTL (Virtual Tape Library), NAS, or Catalyst Store basis. This means that deduplication settings can be configured individually for each store type, allowing for flexible data reduction strategies depending on the specific use case. Deduplication helps to significantly reduce the amount of storage required by eliminating duplicate data, making it a key feature in data protection environments.

References:

HPE StoreOnce Deduplication

HPE Data Reduction Technologies

The HPE 3PAR SSMC (StoreServ Management Console) System Reporter is the tool that should be used to generate and schedule high-resolution performance reports, including service time and I/O workload information. By configuring System Reporter to send daily email reports, both you and the customer can monitor the impact of changes made to the Adaptive Optimization (AO) configuration. This ensures that any latency issues or performance improvements are documented and can be analyzed regularly.

References:

HPE 3PAR SSMC System Reporter

HPE Performance Monitoring Tools

HPE Synergy Composer is the tool used to manage the HPE 3PAR StoreServ system when it is connected to a Synergy-based composable infrastructure via direct-attach. Synergy Composer is powered by HPE OneView and provides a unified interface for managing compute, storage, and networking resources within the Synergy environment. It allows administrators to manage the storage configurations, provisioning, and lifecycle management of the connected HPE 3PAR StoreServ system, ensuring seamless integration with the composable infrastructure.

References:

HPE Synergy Composer

HPE 3PAR and Synergy Integration

CloudPhysics is the tool recommended for creating a sizing based on an existing VMware legacy configuration for a new HPE SimpliVity setup. CloudPhysics provides in-depth analytics and simulation capabilities that can assess the current environment, including resource utilization, and generate an optimized configuration for HPE SimpliVity based on the collected data.

This tool helps solution architects and IT professionals make informed decisions by providing a clear understanding of the resource requirements and ensuring that the new HPE SimpliVity solution is properly sized.

References:

HPE SimpliVity Overview

HPE CloudPhysics

The HPE 3PAR StoreServ Persistent Port feature ensures transparent and uninterrupted failover during specific events such as firmware upgrades and node maintenance or failure. During a firmware upgrade, the persistent port feature allows data paths to automatically fail over to an alternate path, maintaining uninterrupted host connectivity. Similarly, in the event of node maintenance or failure, the persistent port feature seamlessly redirects I/O to another available node without disrupting the service, ensuring high availability and reliability.

References:

HPE 3PAR StoreServ All-Flash Arrays

HPE Storage Solutions

Peer Motion is a storage feature supported by both HPE StoreVirtual and HPE 3PAR StoreServ storage systems. It is a key differentiator of HPE storage solutions because it allows for non-disruptive, federated data mobility across storage systems. Peer Motion enables customers to move volumes between storage arrays seamlessly without downtime, making it ideal for data migration, load balancing, and tiering across heterogeneous environments.

This feature enhances flexibility and simplifies storage management, allowing organizations to optimize their storage resources dynamically and reduce the complexity of managing multiple storage systems.

References:

HPE Peer Motion Overview

HPE 3PAR StoreServ and StoreVirtual

The capacity of an HPE StoreOnce 3620 can be expanded by adding disk enclosures. This method allows the system to scale its storage capacity by adding additional disk shelves to the existing configuration, providing more storage space for backups. The StoreOnce 3620 is designed to support this expansion, enabling businesses to meet growing data protection needs without replacing the entire system.

For more information, refer to:

HPE StoreOnce 3620 Documentation