HP StorageWorks Auto Path VA Software - Manual (Page 6)

6 Overview
Automatic Switching to Alternate Path
If a data path fails, Auto Path VA automatically switches to an alternate path, dropping the failed path
out of the I/O rotation without any loss of data. The switchover is completely transparent to
applications, so normal operation continues without downtime.
All path changes are logged in the Windows Event Viewer log, allowing administrators to investigate
and repair failed paths. After a failed path is repaired, Auto Path VA automatically begins using the
path with the set load balancing policy. If the failed path was set as a preferred path, you must use the
Device Settings window to reset the device’s preferred path back to the repaired path’s number.
User Interfaces
Auto Path VA provides two user interfaces: a graphical user interface (GUI) and a command-line user
interface (CLUI). These interfaces enable a system administrator to view path information and select
either load balancing policies or preferred paths. The GUI consists of two components: server and
client. The server runs on the host connected to the HP SureStore Virtual Array. The client can run on
either the host that the server is on or from a remote host connected through the network.
The CLUI can be used only on hosts that are both connected to an HP SureStore Virtual Array and
have the Auto Path VA driver installed. You can execute CLUI commands only from the directory
where the installed Auto Path VA program files reside.