After Installation and Initial Setup

Software Updates, Host Connection, Groups, Volumes (iSCSI and FC)

Continue your configuration by following instructions in the GUI Administration Guide or CLI Administration Guide to create performance policies, set up connections, and complete setup in the Storage Setup Manager. HPE storage arrays support both iSCSI and Fibre Channel protocols, and provides information for your specific host connection method to create initiator groups and volumes. Additional configuration options include creating and managing storage pools, volume collections, snapshots, replication strategies, security policies, and performance monitoring.

Learn about these post-installation configuration tasks in the GUI Administration Guide or the CLI Administration Guide.

Windows Environments

The Windows Toolkit, mentioned briefly in this guide, includes features that go beyond setting up the array. The VSS requester and the VSS hardware provider enable you to take application-consistent snapshots on an array. The Storage Connection Manager sets up the optimum number of data connections, and finds the best data connection to use under MPIO. The Windows Toolkit includes a DSM kernel driver that claims and aggregates data paths for the storage array.

See the Windows Integration Guide for more information.

VMware Environments

HPE storage array integration with VMware consists of features preinstalled in the operating system and features installed separately. The vStorage APIs for Array Integration (VAAI) enable the WRITE SAME, UNMAP, ATS, Copy Offload, and XCOPY APIs. The HPE vCenter plugin creates and manages datastores on the storage array.The OS also includes a VASA Provider for vVol support. VMware Synchronized Snapshots enable application consistent snapshots within VMware environments. SRA for SRM lets you set up disaster recovery plans. Connection Manager installs on the ESXi host and consists of two components:
  • HPE Storage Connection Service – CIM provider. Optimized connection management.
  • HPE Storage Path Selection Plugin – Optimized path management.

See the VMware Integration Guide for more information.

Linux Environments

The HPE storage array fits well into a generic Linux environment. For help setting up MPIO in a Linux environment, see the Linux Integration Guide.

Using the Array OS

The operating system has a multitude of features only touched upon in this document. Over time, you might need to update your network settings, performance policies, or replication partners, as well as create new volumes and groups and make administrative changes to your HPE storage array.

Anytime you have a question, in the GUI, click Help at the top right of the screen.

In the CLI type ? to see a list of commands.

Also refer to the GUI Administration Guide, the CLI Administration Guide, or the Command Reference.

Updates and Upgrades

When the time comes to update the operating system on your array, refer to the GUI Administration Guide or the CLI Administration Guide for information on how to update using the GUI or CLI.

The Command Reference also covers updates.

Depending on which model array you have, there are upgrade paths for the controllers and cache drives. When you are ready to upgrade, contact HPE Support first.

See the quick start guide that ships with the upgrade component. The Hardware Guide also covers upgrades.

Maintenance and Repair

The HPE storage array is a proven and reliable product. But on occasion, you may need to replace a controller, power supply, drive, or other component.

Refer to the Hardware Guide for more information.

How Do I Obtain these Guides?

The guides discussed here are available for download from the HPE InfoSight portal at https://infosight.hpe.com/.

Questions?

HPE Support offers troubleshooting and other guidance online, by phone and by email.

All documentation and knowledge base articles are available on the HPE InfoSight portal at https://infosight.hpe.com/. To register on HPE InfoSight, click the Enroll Now link on the main page.

Email: support@nimblestorage.com

For all other general support contact information, go to https://www.hpe.com/us/en/services/nimble-storage.html .