How to verify IBM i Disk Multipath Status

How To

Summary

This document explains how to verify your IBM i Multi-path disk path status, which group PTFs include multi-path disk updates, collections for further disk path debug, and links to common documents involving disk path issues.

Environment

IBM i with multi-path disk units

Steps

Verify IBM i Disk Multi-path disk path status:
To easily verify multi-path disk path number and status, use any or all of the following methods:
A. IBM i 7.3 or above, use STRSQL and run the following:
SELECT * FROM QSYS2.SYSDISKSTAT ORDER BY UNIT_NUMBER
*Note1: Newer OS releases and Technology levels add IOP, WWPNs, hardware status, etc: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/1136104

*Note2: "Resource Status" will show if the path is Active or Passive for the disk types that support both such as 2145 (Storwize/FlashSystems) whereas "Hardware Status" can be used for disk types that use all Active such as 2107 (DS8K), but is not available until code IBM i 7.5 SF99950 Level 4 or IBM i 7.4 SF99704 Level 25.

B. Through Service Tools - Verify number of disk paths and status (none should be missing or failed):
   1. STRSST and sign in
   2. Option 3. Work with disk units
   3. Option 1. Display disk configuration
   4. Option 9. Display disk path status

C. With IBM i Must Gather Tools installed and proper SST linked authority:
QMGTOOLS/RUNAA RQS(*DSMINFO)
WRKJOB, option 4 (or WRKSPLF), option 5=Display on DSMINFO file, type 'B' in the Control and press enter to go to the bottom, page up to see disk units, path status, WWPNs, etc

If you do not have authority, but just need to know the number of paths per unit, run QMGTOOLS/AUXSTGSUM
Number of disk paths per disk unit are listed near the bottom

For the latest IBM i Disk Multipathing code, the latest levels of the following PTF groups are recommended:

Cumulative
Group HIPER
Technology Refresh
Hardware and Related PTFs

The latest PTF levels that are currently installed on your system can be viewed with the following command:
WRKPTFGRP PTFGRP(*ALL) PTFGRPLVL(*LATEST)
*Note: After pressing enter, you can toggle between status and text for group name with the F11 key.
For the latest PTF group levels, see the 'IBM i Group PTFs with level': https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/ibm-i-group-ptfs-level

Common disk path issue documentation:

Reducing or removing paths for a multipath LUN: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/637719

CPI096E Disk unit connection is missing: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6833860
Repeating SRCB6008000 or SRCB6008001 (CPPEA33) and SRCB6008003 (CPPEA35) can cause performance issues: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6492989
IBM i will not see External Storage units if 'Target Port Mode' is set incorrectly: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/ibm-i-will-not-see-external-storage-units-if-target-port-mode-set-incorrectly

For IBM i Disk Path issues, collect the following debug data:

A) IBM i QMGTOOLS SYSSNAP:
   1) QMGTOOLS/CMPVER, press enter, F6 to automatically download and process the latest update - DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.
   2) QMGTOOLS/SYSSNAP OUTPUT(*IFS) COLLECTDFT(Y) LICLOGS(Y) PALS(Y) QHST(Y) DAYSPRV(5)
       *Note1: Change the DAYSPRV to the number of days to cover when the issue occurred. If more then 10 days, use the starting/ending data parameters to avoid extremely large collections
       *Note2: when the SYSSNAP completes, the link to the data is listed at the bottom of the screen. Copy that file path for the next step.
   3) QMGTOOLS/FTP2IBMCMD INPUT(*IFS) CASENBR(TSxxxxxxxxx) IFSFILE('/tmp/xxxxx.zip)
       *Note3: This now requires a Transfer ID/Password. If you don't already have one, then you can generate one at the following by clicking on the 'Generate new transfer ID' button:
       https://www.secure.ecurep.ibm.com/transferids/
       *Note4: replace the /tmp/xxxxx.zip with the directory file of the SYSSNAP. Alternatively, you can use the GO QMGTOOLS/MG option 10.

B) If VIOS is hosting, VIOS snaps from both VIOS servers:
   http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=isg3T1013064

C) Switch logs:
   Brocade: "Product/Host Supportsave" must be the PRODUCT/HOST supportsave (second option)
   https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/how-collect-supportsave-brocade-switch
       If you select "Product/Host Supportsave", pop-up menu appears.
       Select the SAN switch(es) in left window and move to right window, then select OK.
       BNA will run supportsave collection on each select switch and post zip file on FTP server.
       (Location of configured FTP server is found in Server =>Options=>FTP/SCP/SFTP)

   Cisco Switch: Show Tech and Logging onboard
   https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/691279

D) External Storage:
   Storwize and Flash Systems: Support package > Type 4 - Standard logs plus new statesaves
   https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/what-data-should-you-collect-problem-ibm-san-volume-controller-or-storwize-lenovo-systems
   https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/data-collection-recommendations-v9000

   V.8 and above:
       Settings -> Support -> Support package -> Manual upload instructions ->Download Support Package
   V.7:
       Settings -> Support ->Download Support Package

   DS8K:
   On-Demand Dump - ODD (Non-disruptive): diagsi -action odd

   statesave (Disruptive): diagsi -action warmstart
   PE package: (Generated by Storage Systems Support Team when they sign in)

Additional Information

Document Location

Worldwide

[{"Type":"MASTER","Line of Business":{"code":"LOB57","label":"Power"},"Business Unit":{"code":"BU058","label":"IBM Infrastructure w\/TPS"},"Product":{"code":"SWG60","label":"IBM i"},"ARM Category":[{"code":"a8m3p000000PCSOAA4","label":"Internal LIC and Partitions-\u003EDisk"}],"ARM Case Number":"","Platform":[{"code":"PF012","label":"IBM i"}],"Version":"All Versions"}]

Tips

How to verify IBM i Disk Multipath Status

How To

Summary

Environment

Steps

Additional Information

Document Location

Was this topic helpful?

Document Information

UID

Share your feedback

Need support?