SCSI reservation conflict errors with AIX, Symmetrix and Powerpath

Gregory Beckowski

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Oct 3, 2002, 2:19:12 PM10/3/02

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Our environment consists of Symmetrix 8730s and AIX machines
(v4.3.3-10, with and with HACMP/ES)
connected via Connectrix and Brocade switches.
We run with AIX 6227 and 6228 FC adapters, PowerPath v3.0.1,
Timefinder, etc.

I have not given alot of detail yet since I am trying to find anyone
who has experienced the following:

At different time a host will log SC_DISK_ERR2 errors. The SENSE DATA
contains a 0118 which indicates a SCSI reservation conflict.
These errors sometimes come one at a time or in bursts of hundreds per
second, probably based on read/write activity.
The more active the disks, the better chance the database will come
down. It bahaves as if IO is blocked to the devices in the
error report. We have yet to find a common thread in front-end
adapters, hosts, VGs, back-end devices, etc.

I would like to compare notes if you have had a similar experience
with this hardware.

Greg
-------------
Gregory Beckowski
gbeck...@rohmhaas.com
Rohm and Haas Company

Kollie

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Oct 3, 2002, 2:58:09 PM10/3/02

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EMC2.....?!!

"Gregory Beckowski" <gbeck...@rohmhaas.com> wrote in message
news:35e7709.02100...@posting.google.com...

Don Davis

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Oct 3, 2002, 4:00:09 PM10/3/02

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Gregory Beckowski wrote:

PowerPath v3.0.2 is out, probably fixing errors in 3.0.1

I run a similar config RS/6000 6F1 with Fibre channel
AIX 4.3.3 ML10, PowerPath,Timefinder, etc..
with no problems. My PowerPath is 2.1.3
With the scsi error you report, I would target the investigation
to PowerPath. Hope this helps.

Swen Jung

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Oct 4, 2002, 11:35:35 AM10/4/02

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Hi Greg,

I had some problems with SCSI reservations on AIX 4.3.3_ML08. I was
able to resolve the problems with folowing steps:

1. Update the IBM server pSeries & RS/6000 Microcode system/service
processor microcode
(http://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/mdownload/)

2. Update the adapter microcode for the gigabit fibre channel adapter
and the necessary APARs

3. Install EMC PowerPath 3.0.2
(ftp://ftp.emc.com/pub/symm3000/powerpath/aix/)

Regards,

Swen

Gregory Beckowski

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Oct 30, 2002, 9:23:08 AM10/30/02

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ChS....@t-online.de (Swen Jung) wrote in message news:<fbc62f87.02100...@posting.google.com>...

What versions did you upgrade to for microcode?

How did the 0118 errors manifest themselves? Similar to what I
described? Did they coincide with any SAN events, like granting
volume access, fabric zoning, etc. Any detail would be appreciated.

Greg

Swen Jung

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Nov 1, 2002, 11:20:08 AM11/1/02

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Hi Greg,

I had problems with 7026 H80. The Firmware Level CM011004 includes the
following fixes:

Added support for IBM Gigabit Fibre Channel Adapter for PCI Bus, Type
4-S, Feature Code 6227.
Added support for IBM Gigabit Fibre Channel Adapter for 64-bit PCI
Bus, Type 4-W, Feature Code 6228.

I found the following tips at https://powerlink.emc.com

Please check if you have installed the following APARs:
IY07531 - Add support for LUN reset in parallel SCSI
IY07467 - HACMP must use LUN resets on parallel SCSI (HACMP 4.3.1)
IY07313 - correct ghost disk handling for fibre disks (HACMP 4.3.1)
IY14528 - HACMP OEM disk enablement (HACMP 4.4.0)

Confirm the Symmetrix microcode is at least one of the levels listed:
5266.18.16S / 5566.19.16S
5567.37.21 / 5267.31.21
5568.19.10A / 5268.11.10A

Regards,

Swen