Cabling Concepts And Best Practices; Cabling Concepts; Fabric (Switched) Topologies Compared To Direct-Attach Topologies; Trays And Shelves - Quantum StorNext QD7000 Hardware Manual

Cabling concepts and best practices

This chapter describes cabling concepts, best practices, and common procedures that apply generally
across the specific cabling configuration that are covered in subsequent chapters.

Cabling concepts

Learn more about cabling concepts to help you cable your storage array.

Fabric (switched) topologies compared to direct-attach topologies

Fabric topologies use a switch or router, while direct-attach topologies do not. A fabric topology is
required if the number of host connections to a controller-drive tray is greater than the number of
available host ports on that tray's controllers.
Host connections might be InfiniBand, SAS, Fibre Channel, iSCSI, or a mix of connection types.
Switches or routers must support the required connection type or types. A combination of switches or
routers of different types might be appropriate for some configurations that support a mixture of
connection types. Drive connections are always direct.

Trays and shelves

Storage arrays with an E2800 controller shelf typically use SANtricity System Manager. You might
also use the Enterprise Management Window (EMW) from SANtricity Storage Manager to manage
E2800 controller shelves. All other controller-drive trays referenced in this document use SANtricity
Storage Manager. The following table summarizes differences in terminology between E2800
controller shelves and earlier models of controller drive trays.
Term used for E2700 and
E5600 storage arrays, and
EF560 flash arrays
tray
controller-drive tray
drive tray (or "expansion drive
tray")
slot
Term used for E2800 storage
arrays
shelf
controller shelf
drive shelf (or "expansion drive
shelf")
bay
Definition
An enclosure you can install in
a cabinet or rack. E-Series and
EF-Series enclosures might
include controller canisters and
drives, or they might contain
drives only.
An enclosure that includes one
or two controller canisters and
drives.
An enclosure that includes
drives and either two
environmental service modules
(ESMs) or two I/O modules
(IOMs).
One of the locations in an
enclosure for a drive, controller
canister, or ESM or IOM.
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