3.6.0 Matrix Server 3.6.0 Administration Guide (5697-7081, December 2007)

Chapter 7: Configure the SAN 65

This issue occurs because the Windows partition table causes space to be

reserved at the start of the LUN, which can cause a misalignment with the

array’s storage. If your storage array is affected by this issue, the simplest

way to avoid the situation is to create an unused partition at the start of

the LUN and then ensure that the second partition starts on an aligned

boundary. The Windows Logical Disk Manager or utilities such as

diskpart can be used to create the partitions.

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.

• Only basic disks can be imported. Dynamic disks are not supported.

• Shared disks must be partitioned before they are imported into the

matrix. If there is not a partition table in place on the disk, you will not

be able to access it via Matrix Server.

If you want to extend a PSFS filesystem and the underlying partition,

you can use the Extend option provided on the PolyServe

Management Console. To make other changes to the partition table

after a disk has been imported, you will need to deport the disk, make

the changes with the Windows Disk Management utility, and then

import the disk again.

• Matrix Server supports a maximum of 31 partitions on a disk. Disks

containing a larger number of partitions cannot be imported into the

matrix. (If you upgraded from a Matrix Server release earlier than 3.4,

you may currently have imported disks or LUNs with more than 31

partitions, and may have created dynamic volumes using those

higher-numbered partitions. See “Disks Containing More Than 31

Partitions” on page 63 for more information.)