About FC Host Port Failover

When I/O blades are installed in the library, the optional Fibre Channel (FC) host port failover feature can be enabled and configured using the Web client. The feature is disabled by default. For instructions on how to enable and configure host port failover, see Configuring FC Host Port Failover.

Configure the FC host port failover feature so that an I/O blade's "standby" target port (1 or 2) can assume the identity and LUN mapping configuration of the designated "active" target port (1 or 2) if the active port fails. The host port failover feature enables the library to continue operations without requiring you to reconfigure the host or the SAN.

Both I/O blade target ports 1 and 2 must be attached to the same SAN fabric to provide host access. The primary active port is used for host communications, while the passive standby port is kept idle.

To enable host port failover, target ports 1 and 2 on the I/O blade must be configured as point-to-point connections. For more information about configuring I/O blade ports, see Configuring I/O Blade Ports. In addition, channel zoning must be configured so that target ports 1 and 2 have access to all initiator ports (3–6). For more information on how to configure channel zoning, see Configuring Channel Zoning.

The library generates a Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS) ticket when port failover occurs. Examine the ticket to determine the reason for the failover and for information on how to repair the failed target port. For information about viewing and resolving RAS tickets, see Working With RAS Tickets.

When the failed port is repaired, the port must be enabled to make it available for host port failover as either the standby port or active port. For instructions on how to repair and enable a failed target port, see Repairing and Enabling a Failed Port.

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