Compaq StorageWorks 4000 - RAID Array White Paper
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Compaq Manuals
  4. Storage
  5. StorageWorks 4000 - RAID Array
  6. White paper
Compaq StorageWorks 4000 - RAID Array White Paper

Compaq StorageWorks 4000 - RAID Array White Paper

Understanding compaq storageworks raid array 4000 and infrastructure cabling
Hide thumbs Also See for StorageWorks 4000 - RAID Array:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual See also: Troubleshooting Manual, White Paper
White Paper
June 1999
ECG02030699A
Prepared by ECG Technology
Communications Group
Compaq Computer Corporation
Contents
Channel Transmission .............. 3
Hubs........................................ 6
Connectors .............................. 7
Components .............................. 8
Components ............................ 8
Configurations.......................... 9
Infrastructure Cabling ..............13
Testing ......................................14
Test Specifications ..................14
Connectors ...............................15
References................................15

Understanding Compaq

StorageWorks RAID Array 4000
and Infrastructure Cabling
Abstract: Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000
storage solutions shatter distance, connectivity, capacity, and
bandwidth limitations of small computer systems interface (SCSI)
technology. RA4000 allows highly scalable, high-performance
storage solutions for the most demanding applications. While SCSI
technology continues to satisfy the needs of many applications,
inherent input/output (I/O) and physical limitations prevent SCSI
technology from satisfying all of the expanding needs of enterprise
storage. Compaq believes that the RA4000 is the best interconnect
technology choice for future storage solutions and is committed to
delivering enterprise storage solutions based on this technology.
This paper describes Fibre Channel transmission and the cabling and
components used to assemble the RA4000 system. It also describes
how and when infrastructure cabling might be used.
If plans for a Fibre Channel storage solution include using
infrastructure cabling, a company that provides installation and
testing services can be helpful, even necessary, to determine
appropriate cabling to meet data transmission rate and distance
requirements. See Acknowledgments and References later in this
document.
Note: Not all Fibre Channel configurations require connection to
infrastructure cabling. It is common to have all system components
located near each other, eliminating the need for infrastructure
cabling. This paper includes examples of RA4000 configurations
with and without infrastructure cabling.
For more information on Fibre Channel technology, refer to the
Compaq website:
www.compaq.com/products/servers/storage/fibre.html
1
RA4000 was known as the Fibre Channel Storage System.
1
(RA4000)

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the StorageWorks 4000 - RAID Array and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for Compaq StorageWorks 4000 - RAID Array

Summary of Contents for Compaq StorageWorks 4000 - RAID Array

  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    Overview of System technology from satisfying all of the expanding needs of enterprise Components ......8 storage. Compaq believes that the RA4000 is the best interconnect RAID Array 4000 technology choice for future storage solutions and is committed to Configurations......9 delivering enterprise storage solutions based on this technology.
  • Page 2 PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION OR LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION), EVEN IF COMPAQ HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. The limited warranties for Compaq products are exclusively set forth in the documentation accompanying such products. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting a further or additional warranty.

  • Page 3: Understanding Fibre Channel Transmission

    Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling Understanding Fibre Channel Transmission Note: This paper includes the terms fibre and fiber. Fibre is the international spelling that refers to the Fibre Channel Standards that include both optical and copper media. Fiber refers to the optical media used to implement Fibre Channel.

  • Page 4: Understanding Fiber Types

    Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling In Figure 2, the small diameter of a single-mode fiber allows one coherent stream of light to travel along a single path. Longwave lasers are used with single-mode fiber to transmit data up to 10 kilometers.

  • Page 5: Connection Components

    Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling Distance Limitations Two factors that can limit the distance between the components are: 1. The data transmission rate—as shown in Table 1, the distance between the components of each fiber type tends to decrease as the data transmission rate increases.

  • Page 6: Hubs

    Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling Hubs Hubs provide the ability to use different fibre channel cables in the same loop to accommodate different types of infrastructure cabling. Figure 3 shows an example of a 62.5-micron multi-mode cable, a 50-micron multi-mode cable, and a 9-micron single-mode cable used in the same loop.

  • Page 7: Fibre Channel Cables And Connectors

    A cable labeled M6 can be used with an M5 GBIC. Compaq only supports shortwave lasers without open fiber control (OFC), the SN version. OFC limits the amount of light transmitted when the fiber connection is broken to prevent eye injury. Improvements in laser control technology have eliminated the need for OFC.

  • Page 8: Interconnecting System Components

    Compaq RA4000 system components interconnect using 50-micron and 62.5-micron multi-mode cables and 9-micron single-mode cables. However, Compaq only provides 50-micron multi-mode cables with the product. Customers can acquire the other cable types from Compaq and other sources. Refer to Acknowledgements and References later in this document.

  • Page 9: Raid Array 4000 Configurations

    Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling RAID Array 4000 Configurations This section discusses possible RA4000 configurations without infrastructure cabling. For simplicity, only a few possible configurations will be discussed. For more information on fibre channel technology, refer to the Compaq website: www.compaq.com/products/storageworks/...
  • Page 10 Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling The RA4000 brings no single point of failure (NSPOF) functionality to workgroup and departmental servers with optional redundant array controllers and failover software. In a redundant configuration, if the active controller or other component fails or becomes inoperative, the standby controller will take over, notify the system administrator of the problem, and maintain operation of the storage subsystem.

  • Page 11: Using Infrastructure Cabling

    Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling Figure 7 shows a clustered server environment with NSPOF. Figure 7. Redundant controllers in a clustered configuration Since many enterprises’ storage components are located across greater distances, the servers are connected through single-mode cabling.
  • Page 12 Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling Typical Fiber Infrastructure Cabling Scheme Figure 8 shows a fiber infrastructure-cabling scheme across three floors. A fibre channel cable (or a patch cable) connects servers to work area outlets. Horizontal fiber cable connects work area outlets to telecommunications closets.

  • Page 13: Compaq Storageworks Raid Array 4000 Using Infrastructure Cabling

    To support expansion and increased data transmission rates, 50 micron fiber or 9 micron fiber may be required. If you have no fiber cable installed in the building, Compaq recommends that you use 50 micron fiber. The primary standard for fibre channel connections is 50 micron fiber which allows flexibility for system expansion and supports faster data transmission rates across greater distances.

  • Page 14: Testing

    Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling Testing Testing ensures proper operation and reduces the error rate. The power generated by the transmitter and the sensitivity of the receiver determine the amount of power available. This amount must be greater than the sum of any power penalties and the attenuation between the optical transmitter and receiver.

  • Page 15: Handling Fiber And Fiber Connectors

    Avoid kinking or small-bend radii of the fiber. The rule of thumb is that the bend radius should be greater than 10 times the outside diameter of the cable. For Compaq-supplied fibre channel cables, the bend radius is 30 milimeters, or 1.25 inches.

This manual is also suitable for:

Storageworks 4000

Table of Contents