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Mirror communication problem with remote storage array

The storage array is able to communicate with the connected fabric but cannot communicate with the remote storage array.

This problem occurs for the following reasons:

  • The remote storage array has lost power or is not functioning.

  • The remote storage array to fabric switch connection contains a faulty Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) transceiver on either the remote storage array or switch.

  • A loose, damaged, or disconnected cable between the remote storage array and the fabric switch.

  • The local or remote storage arrays is not connected to the correct switch and switch zone.

  • A loose, damaged, or disconnected cable between multiple fabric switches.

  • The remote storage array is connected to a faulty switch or switch port.

Important

  • If the remote storage array has experienced a catastrophic failure and is inaccessible by any hosts, it may be necessary to force promote the associated local secondary volumes to the Primary role for disaster recovery and business continuance purposes.

  • To promote a secondary volume of an asynchronous mirrored pair go to Storage > Asynchronous Mirroring, highlight the mirrored pair's mirror consistency group in the table, and select Change Role under More.

  • To promote a secondary volume of a synchronous mirrored pair go to Storage > Synchronous Mirroring, highlight the mirrored pair in the table, and then select Change Role under More.

  • Forcing the promotion of the secondary volume to the primary role can result in a dual primary role conflict if the remote storage array recovers. Therefore, the secondary volume should only be forced to the Primary role if it is required for disaster recovery or business continuance purposes.

Recovery Steps​

  1. Are you able to open the ThinkSystem System Manager for the remote storage array shown in the Details area?

    • If yes, go to step 2.

    • If no, go to step 3.

  2. Are any problems being reported on the remote storage array?

    • If yes, correct the problems, and then go to step 11.

    • If no, go to step 6.

  3. Are the power supplies in the remote storage array's shelves connected to an operating power source?

    • If yes, go to step 4.

    • If no, correct the problem and go to step 11.

  4. Are the power switches on the shelve's power supplies in the on position?

    • If yes, go to step 5.

    • If no, correct the problem and go to step 11.

  5. Is the network connection to the remote storage array's management ports operational?

    • If yes, contact your Technical Support Engineer.

    • If no, correct the problem, and then go back to step 1.

  6. Are the cables connecting the remote storage array to the fabric switch loose, disconnected, or visibly damaged?

    • If yes, correct the problem, and then go to step 11.

    • If no, go to step 7.

  7. Are the local and remote storage arrays connected to the correct switches and switch zone?

    • If yes, go to step 8.

    • If no, correct the problem, and then go to step 11.

  8. Does the fabric the storage array is connected to contain multiple switches?

    • If yes, go to step 9.

    • If no, go to step 10.

  9. Are the cables connecting the fabric's switches loose, disconnected, or damaged?

    • If yes, correct the problem, and then go to step 11.

    • If no, go to step 10.

  10. Does the switch connected to the remote storage array show any indications of a faulty port, SFP, or other failure?

    • If yes, correct the problem, and then go to step 11.

    • If no, contact your Technical Support Engineer.

  11. Select Recheck to ensure the problem has been resolved.