ICTNWK617
Configure and manage a storage area network


Application

This unit addresses the knowledge, processes and techniques necessary to configure and manage a Storage Area Network (SAN) which are widely used in the enterprise datacenter space and when coupled with server virtualisation technology, form the basis for highly available datacentres.

It applies to specialist technicians and storage engineers who manage and maintain highly available data storage in a networked environment.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Determine specifications for a Storage Area Network

1.1 Analyse and document client requirements.

1.2 Analyse and document the required topology to support a storage area network.

1.3 Analyse and determine the required storage capacity according to current and future business requirements.

1.4 Determine the storage protocols to be used to meet organisational requirements.

1.5 Determine the requirements for network management, backup, security and redundancy, according to organisational policy.

1.6 Analyse and recommend a SAN model based on client design requirements.

2. Configure network settings on a Storage Area Network filer/node.

2.1 Configure the initial SAN Network settings to facilitate network communication using the recommended process.

2.2 Configure Management Interface address to allow configuration of remaining network interfaces.

2.3 Create logical interfaces to support network-attached storage (NAS) protocols

2.4 Create logical interfaces to support SAN protocols

2.5 Configure virtual local area networks (VLAN) to segment the network according to the design brief

3. Provision storage

3.1 Create aggregate/s using recommended redundant array of independent disks (RAID) levels in accordance with the documented design brief.

3.2 Create logical volume/s in accordance with the documented design brief.

3.3 Create logical unit number/s (LUN) in accordance with the documented design brief.

3.4 Provision a share using NAS protocols in accordance with the documented design brief.

3.5 Provision storage using SAN protocols in accordance with the documented design brief.

4. Connect client and/or server to provisioned storage.

4.1 Connect client and/or server to shared storage using NAS protocols and verify operations.

4.2 Connect client to shared storage using SAN protocols and verify operations.

5. Configure advanced Storage Area Network Features.

5.1 Provision and test SAN based volume snapshot operations.

5.2 Provision and test SAN based data deduplication operations.

6. Configure Backup and Disaster recovery features.

6.1 Provision and test SAN based data replication operations.

6.2 Provision and test SAN based backup and restore operations.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

determine and document the specifications for a Storage Area network (SAN) solution

select the appropriate SAN solution to meet the client requirements

document and design a SAN solution that includes backup, security and redundancy

install and configure a storage cluster, either physically or in a simulated/virtualised environment

configure network settings to facilitate management of a SAN

verify and troubleshoot network connectivity

configure network protocols to facilitate storage access via a client/server environment

provision shared storage using suitable protocols

configure and use advanced SAN features if available

monitor and report on capacity utilization

resize existing storage to increase the size of existing datastores

create new datastores utilising capacity on a storage system.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

describe the function and applications of the following network protocols:

common internet file system CIFS

sever message block (SMB)

network file system (NFS)

internet small computer system interface (iSCSI)

fibre channel (FC)

fibre channel over Ethernet (FCOE)

describe the advanced SAN features including:

snapshots

data deduplication

flexible volumes

replication

backup and restore

describe the advantages and disadvantages of storage area networks (SAN) versus direct attached storage (DAS) devices

identify and describe common hard drive types including:

serial attached SCSI (small computer system interface) -SAS

serial ATA (SATA)

solid state disk (SSD)

identify and describe common network cable types and connectors

outline the common network topologies

describe the implementation and configuration of SANs

recognise and describe redundant array of independent disks (RAID) configurations and state their application in data storage

describe which features of advanced storage systems can be applied in server and/or virtualized environments

describe the functional and interconnection relationship between storage systems and servers in server and/or virtualized environments

describe how storage systems can protect against data storage failures and the functional process for recovering data.


Assessment Conditions

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the networking field of work and include access to:

site or prototype where a storage area network may be implemented

storage area network appliance or simulated appliance

network technical requirements

appropriate software.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance

Criteria

Description

Reading

1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1, 4.2

Recognises and interprets technical and organisational documentation to determine and confirm job requirements.

Writing

1.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.3

Develops a range of workplace documentation for a specific audience using clear and detailed language in order to convey explicit information, requirements and recommendations.

Oral Communication

1.1, 3.1

Uses listening and questioning skills to confirm understanding for requirements

Establishes and maintains complex and effective spoken communication in a broad range of contexts

Navigate the world of work

1.4, 1.5

Recognises and responds to both explicit and implicit protocols within familiar work contexts and appreciates the importance of identifying and responding to protocols in new situations

Get the work done

1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1,5.2, 6.1, 6.2

Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of principles, concepts, language and practices associated with the digital world

May operate from a broad conceptual plan, developing the operational detail in stages, regularly reviewing priorities and performance during implementation, identifying and addressing issues

Actively identifies systems, devices and applications with potential to meet current and/or future needs

Uses nuanced understanding of context to recognise anomalies in a virtualised machine environment and subtle deviations to normal expectations, focussing attention and remedying problems promptly


Sectors

Networking