24 Considerations when planning for the root volumeConsiderations when planning for the root volumeRoot volumedefinedEach gateway has a special volume called a root volume. The root volume isrequired for the system to be able to boot and to function properly. The rootvolume contains system files and configuration information. The root volume canalso contain data if you want it to. Core dump files, which are important fortroubleshooting, are written to the root volume if there is enough space.On a gateway with native disks, the root volume can be on a disk shelf or on anarray LUN.Options for thelocation of the rootvolumeThe benefits of the root volume on a native disk shelf are as follows:◆ For a new gateway, initial setup and configuration is easier because you havefewer steps to perform.If you order a gateway with disk shelves, your system is delivered with theroot volume and with three disks—a RAID-DP aggregate with one paritydisk and two data disks. The root volume configured at the factory is aFlexVol volume with a block checksum type.◆ Greater availability of core dump filesWhen a native disk shelf is installed on a gateway and the root volume isinstalled on a disk, core dumps are likely to be more available. If the rootvolume is on an array LUN, a core file cannot be saved if the array LUNbecomes unavailable for some reason (for example, because of switch orstorage array issues). Installing the root volume on a native disk eliminatesthe impact of network and network device failures on core file production.NoteA core dump file is a valuable tool for technical support to use whiletroubleshooting why a gateway crashed. When a gateway crashes, a coredump file is saved to the root volume if adequate space is available on theroot volume.
