Step 01 -- Installing Multipath-IO
Overview
Multipathing solutions use redundant physical path components — adapters, cables, and switches — to create logical paths between the server and the Pure Storage FlashArray. In the event that one or more of these components fails, causing a path to the FlashArray to fail, Multipath I/O logic uses an alternate path for I/O so that applications can still access their data from a Pure Storage volume. Each network interface card (iSCSI) or HBA (Fibre Channel) should be connected by using redundant switch infrastructures to provide continued access to the FlashArray in the event of a failure in a storage fabric component.
The Pure Storage FlashArray leverages the Multipath I/O (Multipath-IO) feature of Windows Server. There is no separate Device Specific Module (DSM) to install. Read the full details about the Multipath I/O Features and Components for more details.
Windows Server 2008 R2 and 2008 R2 (Service Pack 1)
Adding Multipath-IO using Windows Server Manager
Option 1
- Select Add features from the Initial Configuration Tasks tool. This will open the Add Features Wizard.
Option 2
- Open up Server Manager.
- Scroll down to the Features Summary section and click Add Features, this will open the Add Features Wizard.
After the Add Features Wizard is open.
- Check the Multipath I/O feature.
- Click Next.
- Click Install.
- Click Close.
Note: Reboot Required: When installing Multipath I/O on Windows Server 2008 R2 or 2008 R2 (Service Pack 1) a reboot is not indicated or prompted. Per the instructions in Installing and Configuring MPIO a restart is required.
If Option 1 was used once installed the Initial Configuration Tasks will display.
If Option 2 was used once install the Server Manager will display.
Adding Multipath-IO using Windows PowerShell
Windows Server 2008 R2 and 2008 R2 (Service Pack 1) do not have some of the PowerShell cmdlets that newer versions of Windows Server. To install the Multipath-IO feature using Windows PowerShell the tool Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool (DISM) needs to be used. The following PowerShell will install the Multipath-IO feature.
PS C:\Users\Administrator> dism /online /enable-feature:MultipathIo Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool Version: 6.1.7600.16385 Image Version: 6.1.7600.16385 Enabling feature(s) [==========================100.0%==========================] The operation completed successfully.
Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2, 2016 and 2019
Adding Multipath-IO using Windows Server Manager
- Open up Server Manager. By default Server Manager starts when logging into Windows Server.
- Click Manage and select Add Roles and Features to start the Add Roles and Features Wizard.
- Navigate to the Features step of the wizard.
- Scroll down in the list of Features and check the Multipath I/O feature.
- Click Next and choose Restart the destination server automatically if required option.
Note: Reboot Required: When installing Multipath I/O a restart is required.
- A dialog box will be displayed indicating that a restart will happen immediately after installation click Yes to continue with the installation.
- Click Install.
Adding Multipath-IO using Windows PowerShell
Follow the examples below to check and install Multipath-IO.
Open up a Windows PowerShell session as an Administrator and run the following PowerShell to determine if the Multipath-IO feature is installed.
PS C:\> Get-WindowsFeature -Name 'Multipath-IO' Display Name Name Install State ------------ ---- ------------- [ ] Multipath I/O Multipath-IO Available
Using the same Windows PowerShell session run the following PowerShell to install the Multipath-IO feature.
PS C:\> Add-WindowsFeature -Name 'Multipath-IO'
Success Restart Needed Exit Code Feature Result
------- -------------- --------- --------------
True Yes SuccessRest... {Multipath I/O}
WARNING: You must restart this server to finish the installation process.
Reboot Required -- When installing Multipath I/O a restart is required.