Array Design Considerations; Array Hardware Configuration - HP Surestore Disk Array 12h - And FC60 Advanced User's Manual

Array Design Considerations

The Disk Array FC60 provides the versatility to meet varying application storage needs. To
meet a specific application need, the array should be configured to optimize the features
most important for the application. Array features include:
•
High availability
•
Performance (high I/O transfer rates)
•
Storage capacity (optimize for lowest cost/Mbyte)
•
Scalability
Optimizing array operation for a specific feature is managed by configuring various array
installation and operation options. These options include: hardware configuration, RAID
level and LUN creation, the number of SC10 disk enclosures used, and system support
software. It should be noted that optimizing the disk array for one feature may compromise
another. For example, optimizing for maximum performance may increase the cost per
megabyte of storeage.

Array Hardware Configuration

Array configuration options that affect high availability, performance, and storage capacity
include Fibre Channel connections, disk enclosure bus configuration, and internal Ultra2
SCSI channels. This information is presented first, because it is the basis for some of the
array configuration planning.
Fibre Channel Connection
If the controller enclosure has both controller modules installed, dual Fibre Channels can
be connected to the controller enclosure (if only one controller module is installed, only
one Fibre Channel cable can be connected). Using dual Fibre Channel-AL connections
increases the data throughput and provides for higher data availability.
Ultra2 SCSI Channel Operations
The disk array controller enclosure provides six Ultra2 SCSI channel connections for up to
six disk enclosures. Six separate SCSI channels provide configuration flexibility. Disk
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