Switching from single to HA

[logicmate]

Currently we are testing on a single server with Starwind, we want to create targets using "Image File device". How do we move the existing targets to a HA setup when we get the second server up and running? Can we do this and if so what precautions should we take? or do we have to recreate the targets from scratch?

Thanks,
Ara

[Anatoly (staff)]

For this purposes you need to have image file with 65536 header size. So if you haven`t create it like this you need to create new one and move all the data from old target to new one.

[sensor]

Would this be the same if we are adding a new storage server and want to replicate the current image files to it? We want to make the new server the primary and make the current a backup.

[Anatoly (staff)]

Would this be the same if we are adding a new storage server and want to replicate the current image files to it? We want to make the new server the primary and make the current a backup.

I think you are talking about the Mirror now. If yes then you sont need to change header from default zero value.

[sensor]

OK so I want to make sure I have this.
1. setup new server
2. configure new image files that are the same size as current
3. connect new files to original
4. set replication\sync to run from original to new files.
Should I update the original server to the lastest version before I start any of this?
Does that sound correct?
What happens if I need to remove original storage and image files and only run the new? In other words take the original storage offline and do not replace it.

[Anatoly (staff)]

In order to create the mirror device you need:
1. Create an image file based target (hard disk->basic virtual) on the passive server
2. on the active server go hard disk->advanced virtual->Mirror(raid1) specify a location for the .mir file (keeps the config)->
-->specify an image file for the active mirror and the iSCSI target you have created
(1.) for the passive mirror
The preferred primary mirror caching method is write through, and Replication for the secondary mirror.
On the next step you can either clear both mirrors or synchronize the passive with the active one.
Caching parameters mainly depend on the target purpose, but generally a 500Gb target goes with 512mb of cache 1Tb-1gb of cache For smaller targets we do not recommend to set the cache lower than 128mb.


We are always recommending to use the latest builds only since they contain not only new features but budfixes too.

What happens if I need to remove original storage and image files and only run the new? In other words take the original storage offline and do not replace it.

First of all I`d like to admit that I cannot imagine what this situation should be.
You will need to switch active mirror to the image file that`ll be online first or configure client machines iSCSI initiator to use IP of the second Mirror if you want to delete entire Mirror device. After you can use the existing image file to create new Mirror.

[sensor]

We lease our hardware as part of the customer we support. So we are looking for the best options to move storage as each piece as to be changed out and have as little downtime as possible.

[sensor]

I have been trying to setup a mirrior using a currently running image file on the main storage and a newly created image file on the remote. Everytime I select as the first mirrion a current iamge file it errors. States the file is in use. Is this not possible?

[Anatoly (staff)]

I have been trying to setup a mirror using a currently running image file on the main storage and a newly created image file on the remote. Everytime I select as the first mirrion a current iamge file it errors. States the file is in use. Is this not possible?

Are you trying to connect to image file target or trying to use image file?

[sensor]

I configured an image file on primary storage
setup remote image on backup storage
start to configure mirrior
when it asks for first mirrior target I select the primary storage image file
the second target is the remote image file
I select next and errors stating file in use
If I select to create a new image file on primary storage it works.
It will not work when I select the iamge file on primary storage at all.

[Anatoly (staff)]

So the remote Image File target has no any other connections, correct?
Could you please provide us with screenshots of the error and the SW management console with remote iscsi target selected and opened the iSCSI Session tab?

[sensor]

Here are the 3 screenshots. One of the error and each host iscsi targets

[Anatoly (staff)]

I will ask you to support and one of our engineers will perform remote session with you. Please use email below:
support@starwindsoftware.com

PS Please dont forget to mention that you your question is from forum.

Thanks!

[sensor]

OK I got this fixed. Both systems have to be running the same version. Once I updated our current target I was able to connect a mirrior. Thanks for your assistance.

[anton (staff)]

Thank you very much for keeping us updated! Your final feedback is appreciated! Thanks again!

OK I got this fixed. Both systems have to be running the same version. Once I updated our current target I was able to connect a mirrior. Thanks for your assistance.