Comprehensive Guide to SAN Boot: Principles, Benefits, Drawbacks, and Step‑by‑Step Configuration for Linux, HP‑UX, AIX, Solaris with Emulex HBA
This article explains the SAN Boot concept, its advantages and limitations, and provides detailed step‑by‑step instructions for configuring HBA cards and server BIOS (including legacy mode) to enable SAN Boot on Linux, HP‑UX, AIX, and Solaris systems.
SAN Boot Overview
SAN Boot allows a server to boot its operating system from storage devices over a SAN network instead of local disks, often referred to as Remote Boot. The server supplies compute resources while data resides on a disk array connected via Fibre Channel.
Advantages of SAN Boot
Centralized management enables use of storage features such as RAID protection, online disk replacement, snapshots, cloning for rapid deployment, and remote mirroring for disaster recovery.
Fast fault recovery is possible by remapping volumes to another server, minimizing downtime.
Disadvantages of SAN Boot
Initial deployment is complex and requires skilled IT operations engineers due to hardware‑specific configurations.
High performance demands are placed on the storage system, especially for OS page files accessed over the SAN.
Storage system availability is critical; any storage failure prevents all servers from booting.
HBA Card Configuration Steps
1. Map a LUN to the host and install the OS on it; if using UEFI, configure GRUB accordingly.
2. Reboot and press CTRL+E to enter the HBA BIOS.
3. Select the first port and configure its settings.
4. Configure port parameters.
5. Enable automatic scanning.
6. Set "Any First device" and exit to the parameter menu.
7. Configure port topology.
8. Choose the appropriate HBA topology mode.
9. Open the HBA BIOS.
10. Add the OS LUN to the boot device list and confirm the selection.
11‑14. Confirm LUN ID, select boot method (WWPN), and repeat for the second port; exit configuration.
System BIOS Configuration
Enter the server BIOS, add the OS LUN to the boot sequence, and set it as the first boot device. For IBM System x servers using UEFI, ensure GRUB is used and enable Legacy support if required.
Enabling Legacy Support
Enter UEFI BIOS, navigate to System Settings, disable the SAS controller, and enable Legacy Video and Legacy Thunk support.
Setting Legacy as Preferred Boot Option
In the BIOS Boot Manager, add a "Legacy only" boot option and move it ahead of local disks in the boot order.
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