Installing dual storage IOA configurations

Use this procedure to install a dual storage I/O adapter (IOA) configuration.

To avoid problems during installation, follow the steps exactly as written.

Each storage adapter requires a supported release of IBM® i and other possible code prerequisites. Go to the IBM Prerequisites website and click the Feature Prerequisites tab.

To install a dual storage IOA configuration, complete the following steps:

1. Verify that all prerequisites are permanently applied.
2. Install the SAS storage adapters on the system or partition. For instructions, see the following PCI adapters topic collections, as applicable to your system type and model:
   • PCI adapters for the 8202-E4B, 8202-E4C, 8202-E4D, 8205-E6B, 8205-E6C, or 8205-E6D systems
   • PCI adapters for the 8231-E2B, 8231-E1C, 8231-E1D, 8231-E2C, 8231-E2D, or 8268-E1D systems
   • PCI adapters for the 8233-E8B or 8236-E8C systems
   • PCI adapters for the 8248-L4T, 8408-E8D, or 9109-RMD systems
   • PCI adapters for the 8412-EAD, 9117-MMB, 9117-MMC, 9117-MMD, 9179-MHB, 9179-MHC, or 9179-MHD systems
   Note: Do not attach any cables to the SAS storage adapters.
3. To prevent errors while connecting the cables, perform a normal shutdown of the system or partition before you attach the cables.
4. Attach the necessary SAS cables from the shared disk enclosure to the same SAS connector on each storage adapter. For examples on how to cable the Dual storage IOA configurations, see SAS cabling considerations.
5. Power on your system or partition.
6. Verify that the cabling and functioning of the storage adapters are correct by using the Dual Storage IOA configuration screen, see Viewing dual storage IOA attributes.
7. Best performance is achieved when dual storage IOA access characteristics for each disk array are such that the workload is balanced between the two storage adapters. See Dual storage IOA access optimization and create or change the RAID configuration as necessary.