Requirements for a MetroCluster configuration with array LUNs

There are some unique requirements for setting up a MetroCluster configuration with array LUNs.

Requirements for Data ONTAP systems using array LUNs in a MetroCluster configuration

The platforms must be identified as supported for MetroCluster configurations.
NetApp Interoperability Matrix Tool
All the Data ONTAP systems in a MetroCluster configuration must be of the same model.
Ensure that FC-VI adapters are installed into the appropriate slots for each Data ONTAP system depending on the platform model.
NetApp Hardware Universe
Sharing of multiple FC initiator ports with a single target port is not supported in a MetroCluster configuration. Similarly, sharing of multiple target ports with a single FC initiator port is also not supported.

The storage arrays must be identified as supported for MetroCluster configurations.
NetApp Interoperability Matrix Tool
The storage arrays in the MetroCluster configuration must be symmetric, which means the following:
- The two storage arrays must be from the same supported vendor family and have the same firmware version installed.
  FlexArray Virtualization Implementation Guide for NetApp E-Series Storage
  
  FlexArray Virtualization Implementation Guide for Third-Party Storage
- You must have two sets of array LUNs—one set for the aggregate on the local storage array and another set of LUNs at the remote storage array for the mirror of the aggregate.
  
  The array LUNs must be of the same size for mirroring the aggregate.
- Disk types (for example, SATA, SSD, or SAS) used for mirrored storage must be the same on both storage arrays.
- The parameters for configuring storage arrays, such as raid type and tiering, should be the same across both the sites.

The switches and switch firmware must be identified as supported for MetroCluster configurations.
NetApp Interoperability Matrix Tool
Each fabric must have two switches.
Each Data ONTAP system must be connected to storage using redundant components so that there is redundancy in case of device and path failures.
Data ONTAP supports using up to four ISLs, depending on the configuration.

Note: For more information about basic switch configuration, ISL settings, and FC-VI configurations, see Configuring the Cisco or Brocade FC switches manually.

A single-initiator to single-target zoning scheme must be followed for MetroCluster configurations.
Single-initiator to single-target zoning limits each zone to a single FC initiator port and a single target port.
FC-VI ports must be zoned end-to-end across the fabric.
Sharing of multiple initiator ports with a single target port is not supported. Similarly, sharing of multiple target ports with a single initiator port is also not supported.

SyncMirror is required for a MetroCluster configuration.
Two separate storage arrays are required for the mirrored storage.
Two sets of LUNs are required—one set for the aggregate on the local storage array (pool0) and another set at the remote storage array for the mirror of the aggregate (the other plex of the aggregate, pool1).
Clustered Data ONTAP 8.3 Data Protection Guide