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Perform a Legacy VMAX Storage Array Profile

Team Live Optics
  • Updated

Overview

Live Optics supports profiling of the Dell VMAX storage array family. Using the Live Optics collector, configuration and performance data is captured, analyzed, and compiled into a project for viewing. This document outlines the process to produce a Legacy VMAX storage array profile for the following VMAX models:

  • VMAX-1
  • VMAXe
  • VMAX SE
  • VMAX 10K
  • VMAX 20K
  • VMAX 40K

 

Prerequisites

  • Download the Live Optics collector. See Download the Live Optics Collector for further information. The collector can run on any host with IP connectivity to the storage array being profiled.
  • Before an array profile can be completed, the array configuration and performance data must be gathered. Use the VMAX storage array management interface to collect a symapi_db.bin file (configuration data), and contact your local VMAX support resource for instructions for downloading .BPT (or .TTP) files (performance data).

 

Perform a Legacy VMAX Array Profile

  1. Launch the Live Optics collector and select Storage from the left panel. Select VMAX/PowerMax from the options on the right panel.
  2. On the following screen, click Browse for File. Select the symapi_db.bin file for the VMAX Legacy array from which you wish to collect data. 

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  3. The symapi_db.bin file is validated. The following error message displays for unsupported VMAX versions: 

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  4. The arrays and their respective Sym IDs are listed (multiple arrays can exist in one symapi_db.bin file). If a symapi_db.bin file with Solution Enabler version 7.x or 8.x is extracted, this can be selected for processing. Other VMAX arrays may be attached to the same Sym ID, but are not supported due to their associated Solution Enabler version. These arrays cannot be selected and a message highlighting the required Solution Enabler version displays.
  5. Select a VMAX array from the list, and click Next.

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  6. Click Select Folder and browse to the folder that contains the .BTP or .TTP files you collected earlier. Add the .BPT or .TTP file you wish to use and click Next. 

    NOTE: The target directory for .BPT files must not contain .BPT files from other arrays or .BPT files from outside the profiling time period. This might generate incorrect results.

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    The length of the collected performance data is displayed. If it is more than 7 consecutive days, only the most recent 7 days are processed.

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    Only BTP and TTP files can be used. All other file types are rejected, and the following error displays:   

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    The chosen file is checked to verify that it belongs to the Sym ID selected for the array. If the file belongs to another array, the following error displays. Select a valid file and click Next.

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  7. On the Upload Options screen, chose if you wish to upload your collection data automatically or manually (Automatically is the recommended default option). 

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  8. Enter a name for the array profile and click Next. The files are processed and uploaded to the web portal. During the upload, a status bar indicates the progress.  As storage array data can be quite large, the upload may take some time to complete depending on the speed of your Internet connection.

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  9. The collector indicates when the upload is complete. Click Quit to close the collector. You will also receive an email from Live Optics when your project is ready to view on the web portal.
  10. If you selected the manual upload option, "I will upload later", your data is processed and saved to an encrypted file with the name [hostname]_VMAX.siokit. The file is written to the same folder from which the collector was launched. After the collection process completes, the file must be uploaded to the Live Optics web portal. See Upload an SIOKIT file from the Live Optics collector or Upload an SIOKIT file from the Live Optics web portal. 
  11. To view your project results, log on to the Live Optics web portal and select your project from the recent projects listed on the main dashboard. The project details page displays. From here, you can download the report in PowerPoint or Excel format, share, or delete your project. This page also shows the Project ID and the current status of your project.

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