Configuring a Storage Array 43Configuring a Storage ArrayThis chapter explains how to run script commands from the command line tocreate a virtual disk from a group of physical disks and how to configure aredundant array of independent disks (RAID) storage array. This chapterassumes that you understand basic RAID concepts and terminology. Beforeconfiguring the storage array, become familiar with the concepts of physicaldisks, disk groups, virtual disks, host groups, hosts, and RAID controllermodules. Additional information about configuring a storage array andrelated definitions is in the online help, the Installation Guide, the MDStorage Manager User’s Guide, and the Owner’s Manual.Configuring a RAID storage array requires caution and planning to ensure thatyou define the correct RAID level and configuration for your storage array. Themain purpose in configuring a storage array is to create virtual disksaddressable by the hosts from a collection of physical disks. The commandsdescribed in this chapter enable you to set up and run a RAID storage array.Additional commands are also available to provide more control andflexibility. Many of these commands, however, require a deeper understandingof the firmware as well as various structures that need to be mapped. Use allof the command line interface (CLI) commands and script commands withcaution.The following sections in this chapter show some, but not all, of the CLI andscript commands. The purpose of showing these commands is to explain howyou can use the commands to configure a storage array. The presentation inthis chapter does not explain all possible usage and syntax for the commands.(For complete definitions of the commands, including syntax, parameters,and usage notes, see "Script Commands" on page 105.)This chapter contains examples of CLI and script command usage. Thecommand syntax used in the examples is for a host running a Microsoft®Windows® operating system. As part of the examples, the complete C:\prompt and DOS path for the commands are shown. Depending on youroperating system, the prompt and path construct will vary.For most commands, the syntax is the same for all Windows and Linuxoperating systems, as well as for a script file. Windows operating systems,however, have an additional requirement when entering names in a
