3.5.1 Matrix Server Administration Guide

Chapter 5: Configure the SAN 66

You can use the mxmpconf utility to fix any problems with the

membership partitions.

Device Access

Once imported, a shared device can be accessed only with its global

device name, such as psd6p4. On each server, the SCL creates device

node entries in the directory /dev/psd for every partition on the disk. The

names of the entries match the global device names of the partitions. The

original /dev entries for the partitions are disabled, giving Matrix Server

complete control over all accesses to those shared devices.

Import SAN Disks

SAN disks to be used for PSFS filesystems must be imported into the

matrix. This step gives the matrix control over access to the disks. Before

importing disks, you should be aware of the following:

• If servers from multiple matrices can access the SAN via a shared FC

fabric, avoid importing the same disk into more than one matrix.

Filesystem corruption can occur when different matrices attempt to

share the same filesystem.

• If you want to change the partition table on a disk after it has been

imported, you will need to deport the disk, make the changes, and

then import the disk again.

• Disks containing an active membership partition cannot be imported.

You will need to use mxmpconf to inactivate the partition (see

“Manage Membership Partitions with mxmpconf” on page 287). After

the partition is inactivated, you can import the disk into the matrix.

• If you import a large number of disks sequentially, it can take several

minutes to complete the imports. The imports will be faster if you

specify all of the disks in one operation, either by selecting multiple

disks on the Import Disks window or by specifying multiple disks on

the mx disk import command line.

When you import a disk, the SCL gives it a global device name such as

psd25. It also assigns global device names to all of the partitions on the