Firmware - Compaq StorageWorks 4000 - RAID Array Technology Brief

Compaq RAID Array 4000 Overview
Important goals in deploying the RA4000 include:
Expanding the storage capacity accessible by a server.
Supporting shared storage configurations.
Enabling customers to scale storage capacity economically to meet their needs.
By moving disk array controllers outside of the server and into external drive array housings and
by connecting them through a storage hub to a host-based adapter occupying a single server slot,
a single server can access up to eleven RA4000s with a potential storage capacity of 3.2 TB using
only one I/O slot and the Storage Hub 12.
The RA4000 supports optional online spare drives. Data availability and reliability are enhanced
by RAID functionality provided in the RA4000 Controller and by the data integrity features and
low error rates of Fibre Channel technology. A redundant, hot-pluggable fan assembly and an
optional, redundant hot-pluggable power supply add to the subsystem availability.
The RA4000 brings NSPOF functionality to workgroup and departmental servers with optional
redundant array controllers and failover software. If the active controller or other component fails
or becomes inoperative in a redundant configuration, the failover software will activate the
standby controller or component, notify the system administrator of the problem, and maintain
operation of the storage subsystem.
This redundant technology:
Minimizes unplanned downtime.
Provides for enhanced scalability.
Provides for enhanced performance
Increases availability.

Firmware

The firmware stored in read only memory (ROM) on the Fibre Channel Host Adapter and on
RA4000 Controllers defines the features of the RA4000. The firmware controls RAID operation,
error handling, and management information as reported to Compaq Insight Manager. The
RA4000 ships with the appropriate firmware loaded. To install previously used disk drives in an
RA4000, flash the disk ROM to upgrade the firmware on the used disk drives.
For easy maintenance, flash firmware upgrades for the RA4000 onto the RA4000 Controller
using Compaq Options ROMPaq. It is provided on the Compaq SmartStart and Support Software
CD 4.30 or later that is provided with the Fibre Channel Host Adapter. Controllers in redundant
configurations must have the same firmware version (2.36 or later).
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For detailed informaton, refer to the RAID Array 4000 Storage System: Deployment and Configuraton White Paper.
ECG0205699A
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