Back to: Brocade FC (Fibre Channel) Switches
Introduction
SANnav is Brocade’s next-generation SAN management solution, designed to simplify and streamline the monitoring, management, and automation of storage networks. This guide will walk you through the installation, configuration, and monitoring features of SANnav.
1. SANnav Overview
SANnav comes in two primary editions:
- SANnav Management Portal (MP): For managing up to 20 Brocade switches, ideal for smaller environments.
- SANnav Global View (GV): Designed for larger, multi-fabric SAN environments, providing a consolidated view of distributed fabrics.
Key Features:
- Real-time performance monitoring
- Proactive alerting and troubleshooting
- Visual topology maps
- Automated workflows and telemetry streaming
2. Installation
System Requirements
SANnav Management Portal requires the following:
- CPU: 8 cores minimum
- Memory: 32 GB RAM
- Storage: 500 GB
- OS: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 7/8 or CentOS 7/8
- Java: OpenJDK 11
Installation Steps
- Download SANnav: Get the installer from Broadcom’s portal.
- Install dependencies:
sudo yum install java-11-openjdksudo yum install net-tools - Run the installer:
sudo ./SANnavInstaller.bin - Follow the prompts:
- Accept license
- Define installation path
- Configure admin credentials
- Start SANnav:
sudo systemctl start SANnav - Access GUI: Open a browser and navigate to:
https://<SANnav_Server_IP>:8443
3. Initial Configuration
Adding Switches
- Log in to the SANnav portal.
- Go to Inventory > Add Devices.
- Enter the switch IP addresses.
- Provide administrator credentials for each switch.
- Click Add — switches will be discovered and listed.
Configuring Fabrics
- Navigate to Fabrics.
- Click Add Fabric.
- Assign a name and select switches.
- Save configuration.
Setting Up Authentication
- Local Authentication: Configure users and roles directly in SANnav.
- LDAP Integration: Enable directory-based authentication under Settings > Authentication.
4. Monitoring with SANnav
Real-time Monitoring
- Dashboard: The homepage shows key SAN health metrics — latency, IOPS, and capacity.
- Performance Graphs: Under Monitor > Performance, view real-time and historical performance graphs.
Alerts and Notifications
- Create an Alert Policy:
- Go to Monitor > Alerts > Policies.
- Click Create Policy.
- Define Thresholds:
- Set conditions for latency (e.g., >5ms), IOPS, and capacity usage.
- Set Notification Method:
- Email, SNMP traps, or webhook integration.
- Enable the Policy:
- Assign the policy to switches or fabrics.
Health Checks
- Use Health Reports to identify failing ports, high-traffic areas, and fabric errors.
- Schedule automatic health scans under Reports > Schedule Report.
5. Automation and Reporting
Automating Tasks
- Workflows: Automate common tasks like zoning configuration and firmware upgrades.
- Telemetry Streaming: Forward telemetry data to external analytics platforms (Splunk, Prometheus).
Generating Reports
- Go to Reports: Monitor > Reports.
- Choose Report Type:
- Port utilization
- Fabric summary
- Error statistics
- Schedule Reports: Define frequency (daily, weekly, etc.) and output format (PDF, CSV).
- Export Data: Reports can be emailed automatically.
6. Troubleshooting Guide
Common Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Switch not appearing in SANnav | IP misconfiguration | Verify switch IP and credentials |
| High latency alert triggered | Congestion or failing port | Check port stats and reroute traffic |
| Authentication failures | Incorrect credentials or LDAP issue | Test login and validate LDAP setup |
| Report not generating | Misconfigured schedule | Reconfigure and test report setup |
| Fabric discovery incomplete | Unreachable switch | Confirm network routes and access |
Logs and Diagnostics
- View Logs:
sudo tail -f /var/log/SANnav/sannav.log - Generate Support Files: Go to Help > Support > Generate Logs.
- Fabric Diag Tool: Use SANnav’s built-in diagnostic tool for advanced troubleshooting.
7. Best Practices
- Regular Monitoring: Check latency and IOPS graphs daily.
- Threshold Tuning: Adjust alert thresholds as workloads change.
- Backup Configurations: Periodically export SANnav and switch configs.
- Upgrade Firmware: Ensure switches run the latest firmware to support Gen 7 capabilities.
Conclusion
SANnav provides a powerful and user-friendly platform for managing Brocade SAN environments. By leveraging real-time monitoring, automation, and analytics, you can ensure optimal storage network performance and quickly troubleshoot issues.