Determine storage configuration

Use this page to determine if you will be using a host-agent management method or a direct-management method.

Host-agent management method: This method requires host-agent software that you install on the host server. The host-agent software allows the IBM System Storage™ DS6000 Storage Manager client program to manage the storage unit using the same fibre-channel connections between the host server and the storage subsystem. You must install at least one management station and a software agent host. The management station can be the host or a workstation on the Ethernet network.
Direct-management method: This method uses Ethernet connections from a management station to each controller. You must install at least one management station. The management station can be the host or a workstation on the Ethernet network. Attach Ethernet cables to each management station (one pair per server enclosure). You will connect the cables to each controller later when you install the server enclosure.

If you are using the host-agent management method, refer to the IBM System Storage DS6000 Host Attachment Guide to read more about the following fibre-channel configurations. Determine which host fibre-channel configuration that you will be using.

Point-to-point topology (direct connect)
Switched-fabric topology
Arbitrated loop topology