Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools For Linux 1.1 – Some Notes

Troubleshooting

Integrating Dell EqualLogic arrays with Linux environments involves careful configuration to ensure optimal performance and reliability. The Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools for Linux (HIT/LE) version 1.1 offers utilities for improved management of iSCSI storage. Here we provide a concise guide to installing and configuring these tools on RPM-based Linux distributions such as CentOS.

Prerequisites for Installation

  • Ensure your Linux distribution is compatible with the RPM package format.
  • Confirm the necessary packages are installed, including iscsi-initiator-utils, libpcap, gcc, and make.
  • Install dkms as it is not included in the base installation.
  • Import any required GPG keys for package verification or disable this check carefully using the –nogpgcheck option during installation.

Installation Instructions

  1. Acquire the HIT/LE package and mount the ISO media.
  2. Run the installation script: 
    ./install --nogpgcheck
  3. During the configuration phase, specify whether you want HIT/LE to manage MPIO (Multipath I/O) and iSCSI sessions.
  4. Choose the subnets or NICs for MPIO. If uncertain, consult your network topology or system administrator.
  5. After installation, run the eqltune tool to examine and optimize your system settings: 
    eqltune -v # For details on settings
eqltune fix # To automatically fix critical issues

Configuring iSCSI and MPIO

  1. Use iscsiadm to discover and log into your iSCSI targets: 
    iscsiadm -m discoverydb -o new -D -t st -p GROUP_IP
ehcmcli login --target TARGET_IQN --portal GROUP_IP:3260
  2. Verify the status of your connections: 
    ehcmcli status

Utilizing AutoSnapshot Manager (ASM)

To use ASM for managing snapshots, create a credential set to access your storage group:

asmcli create group-access --name GROUP_NAME --ip-address GROUP_IP --user-name EQL_USER

If you encounter issues with user permissions, particularly with the grpadmin user, refer to the latest updates or patches from Dell EqualLogic’s support resources.

Managing Snapshots

Create a Smart Copy (snapshot) of your mounted filesystems using ASM:

asmcli create smart-copy --source /MOUNT_POINT

Once created, these snapshots can be managed using standard ASM commands.

Additional Tips

  • Avoid running the multipathd daemon for EqualLogic configurations, as the HIT/LE tools handle MPIO independently.
  • Regularly review Dell EqualLogic’s [official deployment guides](https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/equallogic-ps-series/docs) for updates and best practices. Dell Knowledge Base

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