8 Introduction
Cluster Storage
Cluster nodes can share access to external storage systems. However, only one
of the nodes can own any RAID volume in the external storage system at any
time. Microsoft Cluster Services (MSCS) controls which node has access to
each RAID volume in the shared storage system.
Table 1-2 lists the supported storage systems and the configuration
requirements for the cluster nodes and stand-alone systems connected to the
storage systems.
The storage systems work together with the following hardware components:
• Disk Processor Enclosure (DPE)—Configured with storage processors that
control the RAID arrays in the storage system and provide storage
functionalities such as snapshots, LUN masking, and remote mirroring.
• Disk Array Enclosure (DAE)—Provides additional storage and is attached
to the disk processor enclosure.
• Standby Power Supply (SPS)—Provides backup power to protect the
integrity of the disk processor write cache. The SPS is connected to the
disk processor enclosure.
Table 1-3 lists hardware requirements for the AX4-5i storage array.
Table 1-2. Cluster Storage Requirements
Hardware Components Requirement
Supported storage
systems
One to four supported Dell|EMC storage systems.
For specific storage system requirements, see Table 1-3.
Cluster nodes All nodes must be directly attached to a single storage
system or attached to one or more storage systems
through a SAN.
Multiple clusters and
stand-alone systems
Can share one or more supported storage systems.