1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Dot Hill Systems Manuals
  4. Storage
  5. RAIDCore
  6. User manual

Dot Hill Systems RAIDCore User Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

RAIDCore User Manual
P/N 83-00004638-12
Revision A
December 2009

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the RAIDCore and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Dot Hill Systems RAIDCore

Summary of Contents for Dot Hill Systems RAIDCore

  • Page 1 RAIDCore User Manual P/N 83-00004638-12 Revision A December 2009...
  • Page 2 Copyright Protected Material 2009. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are proprietary to their respective owners. The material in this document is for information only and is subject to change without notice. While reasonable efforts have been made in the preparation of this document to assure its accuracy, changes in the product design can be made without reservation and without notification to its users.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Distributed Sparing (supported only by RAIDCore VST) ........
  • Page 4 Supplemental Linux Information ............52 Manually Install RAIDCore Drivers on an Existing Installation of Linux ......52 Install the RAIDCore software driver .
  • Page 5 Split a mirror using the advanced split option ..........91 Add or Remove Distributed Spares (supported only by RAIDCore VST) ......92 Add a distributed spare while creating an array .
  • Page 6 Stop and restart the RAIDCore Event Service program ....... . .
  • Page 7 Before you begin..............124 Copy Arrays: bcadm --create-copy (supported only by RAIDCore VST) ......124 Before you begin...
  • Page 8 RAIDCore User Manual...
  • Page 9 4 Example of a RAID 5 Swapped for a RAID 10 (typical window) ....... . 59 5 Controller Options Section of the RAIDCore(tm) Array Configuration Window (typical) ....61 6 First Time Run Dialog Box (typical) .
  • Page 10 Figures...
  • Page 11 22 Components Installed with the Management Suite (Linux) ........51 23 Reasons for Using the RAIDCore BIOS Configuration Utility (Option ROM) ..... . . 53 24 BIOS Color Codes .
  • Page 12 61 Restrictions and Conditions When Transforming a Legacy Disk ....... 125 RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 13: Preface

    System output • Code • Text typed at the command-line • Code variables Monospace, italic font • Command-line variables Emphasis of file and directory names, system output, code, and Monospace, bold font text typed at the command line RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 14: Customer Support

    CAUTION: Indicates that failure to follow directions could result in damage to equipment or data. IMPORTANT: Provides clarifying information or specific instructions. NOTE: Provides additional information. TIP: Provides helpful hints and shortcuts. Customer Support For customer support, contact your system or motherboard supplier. Preface...

  • Page 15: Chapter 1 Safety Precautions

    CAUTION: All components (drivers and applications) must be installed when upgrading to the latest version of RAIDCore. This means that an older version driver will not work with the latest version of the RAIDCore application and vice versa.
  • Page 16 Chapter 1 Safety Precautions...

  • Page 17: Chapter 2 Getting Started

    Chapter 2 Getting Started RAIDCore Technology RAIDCore consists of (a) storage management and (b) RAID controller and port virtualization. RAIDCore runs on existing systems by using a motherboard’s built-in SATA ports or enhanced chipsets that have SAS disk or expansion capability.

  • Page 18: Features Of Raidcore

    Features of RAIDCore The features of RAIDCore described in this user manual apply to all license levels and supported operating systems. See Supported Operating Systems on page 15. The following table describes these features. Also see Table 4 on page 21 for a summary of features that are available with each license level of RAIDCore: RAIDCore Basic, RAIDCore Plus, and RAIDCore VST.
  • Page 19 A Consistency Check can be scheduled or started manually by the system user. Controller spanning A unique feature of RAIDCore that allows very wide arrays to be created from disks connected to different controllers. NOTE: This feature is available only with RAIDCore VST.
  • Page 20 RAIDCore Feature Description Fault tolerance The following fault tolerance features are available with RAIDCore, in order to prevent data loss in case of a failed disk. • Disk failure detection (automatic). • Array rebuild using hot spares (automatic, if the hot spare is configured for this functionality).
  • Page 21 RAID Level Support Supports RAID levels 0, 1, 1n, 5, 10, 10n, 50, and Volume. NOTE: RAID 5 is supported by RAIDCore Plus and RAIDCore VST. RAID 1n, 10n, and 50 are supported by RAIDCore VST. Self-Monitoring Analysis and The SMART feature monitors disks and attempts to detect and Reporting Technology (SMART) report potential or impending failures.

  • Page 22: Raidcore Licensing Overview

    RAIDCore Licensing Overview RAIDCore ships with a 30-day trial license that can be activated only once on any given system and expires 30 days after the activation. The trial license is included with the RAIDCore installation and does not need an Internet connection to be activated.

  • Page 23: Features Set: By Raidcore License Level

    Features Set: by RAIDCore License Level Table 4 Feature Set for RAIDCore: by RAIDCore License Level License Levels Features Sub-Features RAIDCore RAIDCore RAIDCore Basic Plus Legacy/boot drive support Create array O-ROM (BIOS) support Delete array Boot/INT13 control Volume RAID levels supported...
  • Page 24 RAID levels, and performance and reliability considerations. c. The unique ability of RAIDCore to provide online expansion to RAID levels across multiple disks becomes extremely valuable when expanding storage is a requirement. d. Disk roaming allows arrays to be moved from port to port, either within the same system or between systems.

  • Page 25: Chapter 3 Arrays, Disks, And Raid Levels

    RAID 10, RAID 10n, RAID 50 NOTE: It is highly recommended that this user manual be reviewed in its entirety before configuring arrays. Some of the advanced features of RAIDCore (such as sparing options) must be understood by the user before creating arrays.
  • Page 26 2. Write performance is not an issue due to the tendency of In the event of a failure, operating systems to perform RAIDCore can restore the lost data many more reads than writes. of the failed disk from the other surviving disks.

  • Page 27: Array States

    Normal to either the Critical or Offline, depending on the RAID level. Rescanning Disks for Changes in State on page 29 for a discussion of when to rescan disks and the outcomes when doing so. RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 28: Creating Arrays: Future Expansion

    Because RAIDCore software is limited to eight arrays, if a large number of logical volumes are needed, use a logical volume manager (LVM). Expanding Disk Capacity Online: Using OCE (supported only by RAIDCore VST) Online Capacity Expansion (OCE) allows: •...

  • Page 29: Array Tasks: Starting And Stopping Tasks

    While verifying that the parity on a RAID 5 set, or the mirror halves on a RAID 1 or RAID 10 set, are consistent. This action is performed automatically to ensure that data is not corrupted whenever a system crashes. Not_Active When no other tasks are being performed. RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 30: Understanding Disks

    Offline Whenever the disk fails and RAIDCore detects an error condition on the disk. SMART Error Whenever the disk reports a SMART error(s) to RAIDCore. If a disk fails it is displayed in the Disk List as Online until a rescan is performed. (If host I/O is going to a failed disk and the disk is used in a single array, the disk appears as Online in the Disk List but is highlighted in red;...

  • Page 31: Rescanning Disks For Changes In State

    A disk within an array can have a state of Failed in the Array View field, while at the same time it can show a state of Online in the Disk List. Sparing Options: Disks and Arrays RAIDCore supports multiple sparing options. Spares are restored in the order indicated in the following table. Table 13 Sparing Options Option...

  • Page 32: Distributed Sparing (Supported Only By Raidcore Vst)

    Distributed Sparing (supported only by RAIDCore VST) RAIDCore’s proprietary distributed sparing feature reserves space on each disk in an array. This space is used when the data from a failed disk is being regenerated during a Restore task. Whereas other methods of sparing (such as dedicated spares) provide the same level of protection, distributed sparing provides better performance.

  • Page 33: Global Sparing

    RAID functions increase performance by putting more disks to work and by buffering data for the host. Many disks can transfer data at greater than 50 MB per second. RAIDCore can aggregate this bandwidth in an almost linear fashion, as more of the same disks are included in an array.

  • Page 34: Raid Reliability Considerations

    Before configuring an array, consider the following points to enhance the flexibility of the RAID system. Multiple RAID Levels With RAIDCore, different RAID levels can be created on the same disk, to adapt each array to the I/O that it processes. Also, more than one array can be created per disk.

  • Page 35: Chapter 4 Installing Software

    Chapter 4 Installing Software Before You Begin... This chapter is designed to get RAIDCore up and running by using default settings. For most users these are the optimal settings. CAUTION: All components (drivers and applications) must be installed when installing or upgrading RAIDCore.

  • Page 36: Copy Drivers To Removable Storage Media: Windows Operating Systems

    USB or similar port. 2. Insert the RAIDCore Media CD-ROM into a second CD-ROM or DVD drive. 3. Copy the files from the applicable folder on the RAIDCore Media CD-ROM, as indicated in the following table.

  • Page 37: Copy Drivers To Removable Storage Media: Linux Operating Systems

    Copy Drivers to Removable Storage Media: Linux Operating Systems To install a bootable array, copy the drivers on the RAIDCore Media CD-ROM to removable USB storage media. • A SATA DVD drive cannot be used to load the drivers. •...

  • Page 38: Install Drivers And Applications: Windows Operating Systems

    System is Installed CAUTION: All components (drivers and applications) must be installed when installing or upgrading RAIDCore. This means that a previous version driver will not work with the current version of RAIDCore applications and vice versa. Follow these functions, if the operating system is being loaded onto a RAIDCore bootable array: •...

  • Page 39: Install Drivers, Configuration Devices, And The Management Suite: Windows

    Install Drivers, Configuration Devices, and the Management Suite: Windows Installing or upgrading RAIDCore involves the installation of RAIDCore drivers, RAIDCore configuration devices, and the Management Suite. NOTE: The windows shown in this section are typical. Path names and text can vary, depending on user-designated selections and other parameters.
  • Page 40 For a licensed version of RAIDCore: Enter an Activation ID number. Click Next. • For a trial version of RAIDCore: Check I do not have an Activation ID. Click Next. 18. Activation was successful a. Appears only for a licensed version of RAIDCore.
  • Page 41 When Next is selected the installation process advances to the Install Complete window. See step 20. 20. Install Complete window Click Done to restart the system. 21. RAIDCore Media CD-ROM Remove the RAIDCore Media CD-ROM from the CD-ROM or DVD drive. Table 17 Components of the Management Suite Component Description For More Information...

  • Page 42: Dot Hill ® Window, Showing Install Windows Management Suite Selected

    ® Figure 1 Dot Hill window, showing Install Windows Management Suite selected Figure 2 License Agreement window, showing I accept the terms of the License Agreement selected. Chapter 4 Installing Software...

  • Page 43: Install Drivers And Applications: Linux Operating Systems

    NOTE: The Linux operating system modules must include the gcc+ compiler and the pthreads library, so that the bcadm program can be installed properly. The Linux operating system and the RAIDCore software drivers can be installed at the same time. There are separate procedures in this section for: •...

  • Page 44: Install Drivers At The Same Time That Red Hat Linux Is Installed

    Install Drivers at the Same Time That Red Hat Linux is Installed NOTE: Prior to starting this procedure, copy the RAIDCore drivers on the RAIDCore Media CD-ROM to removable storage media. See Copy Drivers to Removable Storage Media: Linux Operating Systems on page 35.
  • Page 45 18. RAIDCore array check box a. Check the check box next to the RAIDCore array that was created in the BIOS Configuration Utility. b. Un-check the check-box(es) next to other arrays. c. Click Next.
  • Page 46 Element Action 22. Desktop Environments and a. Highlight the desktop environments one at a time. GNOME Desktop b. Leave the default package settings as-is. Environment window c. Check-mark the following packages: • Development • Development Libraries • Development Tools • Legacy Software Development •...

  • Page 47: Install Drivers At The Same Time That Suse Linux Is Installed

    Install Drivers at the Same Time That SUSE Linux is Installed NOTE: Prior to starting this procedure, copy the RAIDCore drivers on the RAIDCore Media CD-ROM to removable storage media. See Copy Drivers to Removable Storage Media: Linux Operating Systems on page 35 NOTE: The SUSE driver CD-ROM .iso image contains all Linux variations for a particular release (smp,...
  • Page 48 Element Action 11. Software Selection a. At the Software Selection and System Tasks window: Select the Development category. b. Check the C/C++ Compiler and Tools check-box. c. Click the Details... button. d. At the Filter: pull-down menu, choose Search. e. At Search, enter libstdC++. Click Search. f.
  • Page 49 Click Next. 11. Installation Settings window a. Click the Overview tab. b. Click the Software category. c. At the Development category, check the C/C++ Compiler and Tools check-box. d. Click the Details... button. RAIDCore User Manual...
  • Page 50 At the Installation Settings window: a. Click the Overview tab. b. Click the Partitioning category. 16. Preparing Hard Disk: Step 1 a. Select the RAIDCore array that was created in step 4. window b. Click Next. 17. Preparing Hard Disk -- Step a.

  • Page 51: Install Drivers, Configuration Devices, And The Management Suite: Linux

    52, for the manual driver installation procedure, in case you do not want to use the graphical installer. NOTE: The operating system should automount the RAIDCore Media CD-ROM, but it might need to be mounted manually. Table 21 Linux Operating System: Install Drivers, Configuration Devices, and Management Suite...
  • Page 52 For a licensed version of the RAIDCore software: enter an Activation ID number. Click Next. • For a trial version of the RAIDCore software: check I do not have an Activation ID. Click Next. 16. Activation was successful a. Appears only for a licensed version of the RAIDCore software.
  • Page 53 A command-line alternative for managing the Appendix B bcadm Command controller, disks, and arrays Line Tool. RAIDConsole A management application that has a graphical Chapter 6 RAIDConsole user interface (GUI) and an array maintenance Graphical User Interface (GUI). service application. RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 54: Booting From A Legacy Disk

    Supplemental Linux Information Manually Install RAIDCore Drivers on an Existing Installation of Linux If Linux has already been installed on the system, you need only to install the drivers for the RAIDCore software. Install the RAIDCore software driver 1.

  • Page 55: Chapter 5 Bios Configuration Utility

    Chapter 5 BIOS Configuration Utility When to Use the RAIDCore BIOS Configuration Utility The RAIDCore BIOS Configuration Utility is also known as the option ROM (O-ROM) or the RAIDCore(tm) /VST Array Configuration. Use the utility to accomplish the actions indicated in the following table.

  • Page 56: Initialize Disks

    Before you begin... • To boot from a RAIDCore array and continue to use the hard disks connected to the controller, refer to the motherboard manual for the specific BIOS Configuration Utility settings. This will establish the proper boot order.

  • Page 57: Create Arrays

    RAID levels to use for the array. NOTE: If the system is booted from a RAIDCore bootable array, the first array in the Arrays list must be the bootable array. The system boots only from the first array in the list.

  • Page 58: Select An Array Size

    7. Continue with the procedure, Resume the Boot Process on page 57. NOTE: The array is marked Ready for use. The text at the top of the RAIDCore(tm) Array Configuration window returns to a description of the menu items. Chapter 5 BIOS Configuration Utility...

  • Page 59: Resume The Boot Process

    Change the Controller Options on page NOTE: A RAIDCore bootable array must be the first array listed in the Arrays list. If necessary, use the Swap Two Arrays feature to place the bootable array in the first position. RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 60: Delete Arrays

    Delete Arrays CAUTION: Deleting an array permanently destroys all data that was on the array. This action cannot be undone. Delete an Array 1. Highlight Delete Arrays from the Main Menu. Press Enter. 2. Do one of the following: • Highlight each array to delete.

  • Page 61: View Disk Details

    3. Information about the disk is displayed in the Information field across the top: • Disk Number • Controller Number • Channel Number • Disk Type (SATA/SAS/SSD) • Disk Size • New/Legacy/Empty/InArray • Free space • Disk Model Number RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 62: View Array Details

    Selecting Controller Options allows the user to configure whether RAIDCore arrays might be bootable, as well as other aspects of the boot process. The default is to configure an array. An operating system can boot from RAIDCore. If an error occurs, an error message is displayed.

  • Page 63: Select A Boot Option

    Select a Boot Option 1. From the Main Menu, select Controller Options. NOTE: The controller options are displayed in the Controller Options section of the RAIDCore(tm) Array Configuration window, as shown in the figure below. Figure 5 Controller Options Section of the RAIDCore(tm) Array Configuration Window (typical) 2.

  • Page 64: Change The Staggered Spinup Count

    For example, if a system has six disks and the staggered spinup count is set to “2,” RAIDCore sends a command to spin-up disks 1 and 2 together, then disks 3 and 4, and finally disks 5 and 6.

  • Page 65: Chapter 6 Raidconsole Graphical User Interface (Gui)

    Access RAIDConsole by using one of three methods: • Click Start, then click the RAIDConsole icon: • Select Start -> Programs [All Programs] -> RAIDCore -> RAIDCore Management Suite -> RAIDConsole • Click the RAIDConsole icon on the system desktop (if applicable).

  • Page 66: First Time Run Dialog Box (Typical)

    Password protection for the application can be enabled or disabled the first time it is started, using the First Time Run dialog box. If the user chooses not to protect the application with a password at this time, the user can do it later from the Options menu. Figure 6 First Time Run Dialog Box (typical) Chapter 6 RAIDConsole Graphical User Interface (GUI)

  • Page 67: Things To Know About Passwords

    Change a Password from the Options Menu 1. On the Options drop-down menu, select Password. 2. Check Change Password. 3. Type the current password. 4. Type a new password. 5. Confirm the password by typing it again. RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 68: Help And About Windows

    Help and About Windows To view the software version and build number information for the GUI itself, access the Help drop-drop menu and select About. The RAIDConsole Dot Hill window appears. See the figure below. Figure 7 RAIDConsole Dot Hill Window (typical) To view detailed software release and component version information at the RAIDConsole, perform the following.

  • Page 69: Array Status Window: Accessing Array Properties

    See the following figure. Figure 8 Array Status Window: Accessing Array Properties 3. The RAIDConsole Properties window appears, with information about component versions, license level, and firmware. See the figure below. Figure 9 RAIDConsole Properties Window (typical) RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 70: Reviewing The Gui

    Version information for the following is displayed: • The RAIDCore driver (bcraid.sys) • The configuration driver (bccfg.sys) • The array maintenance service (bc_service.exe) • The remote management service (bcapiservice) • The pop-up message utility (bcpopup) • The dynamic link library (bc_vbdll.dll).

  • Page 71: The Array View Section Of The Array Status Window

    Table 27 Elements at the Array View Section of the Array Status Window Element Description Controller Group The RAIDCore controller for the arrays displayed below it. Array The array number assigned to created or creating arrays. Array name The name assigned to an array.

  • Page 72: The Disk List Section Of The Array Status Window

    1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes 1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes NOTE: Because the ATA storage industry has standardized the meanings of MB as 1,000,000 bytes and GB as 1,000,000,000 bytes, RAIDCore reports the same units. Free Space Total amount of space unused on the disk.

  • Page 73: The Array List Section Of The Array Status Window

    Current cache setting (NC = No Cache, R = Read Cache, WB = Write Back Cache, RW = Read/Write Cache) Dst Spare Indicates whether the distributed spare option is being used. Ded Spare Indicates the number of dedicated spares assigned to the array. RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 74: The Event View Section Of The Array Status Window

    The system on which the event occurred. The controller group to which the event applies. Event The RAIDCore Asynchronous Event Notification (AEN) number of the event. Priority The notification priority of the event: Low, Informational, Warning, Critical, or Fatal. Text A brief description of the event.

  • Page 75: Working With Disks

    When a disk is initialized, RAIDCore configuration information (metadata) is written to the disks. If a disk is new and has not been used before, it must be initialized before it can be used in RAIDCore arrays. After a disk is initialized, it shows as Disk in the Disk List.

  • Page 76: Change Disk Caching Properties

    Change disk caching properties 1. From the Disk drop-down menu, select Properties. The Properties window appears. 2. Select the disks. 3. Under Disk Properties, click Enable or Disable for the WB Cache and Read Ahead settings. 4. Click Exit. Change Disk View Settings At the View drop-down menu click either Disk List View or Physical View.

  • Page 77: Legacy Disks

    RAIDCore recognizes disks with valid DOS partition tables as legacy disks. With the Copy command, data can be moved from a legacy disk onto a RAIDCore array. The legacy disk can be reused within a RAIDCore array. There are a few restrictions and some different behaviors when transforming a legacy disk, as compared to a...

  • Page 78: Working With Arrays

    Create and Format Arrays RAIDCore allows the partitioning and creation of as many as eight arrays across installed disks. Portions of disks can be used to create arrays, at the same time that other arrays use different portions of the same disks.

  • Page 79: Select Options And Configurations

    1. Right click in the white section surrounding the new partition and select Create Volume. 2. Follow the instructions provided by the Create Volume Wizard to format the disk. TIP: Future expansion is easiest if the array is formatted with NTFS. RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 80: Name Arrays

    TIP: Names can be up to 30 characters long. However, the BIOS Configuration Utility displays only 17 of those characters. Transform Arrays (supported only by RAIDCore VST) With the Transform task, an array can be transformed from one RAID level to almost any other RAID level.

  • Page 81: Transform An Array

    Transform is insufficient available space. 6. Click Commit. NOTE: If the system is not licensed for RAIDCore VST, a License Issue message appears when the user clicks Commit. NOTE: Unless the transformation is instantaneous, the Array Status window updates to show the source and destination arrays, along with the progress of the transformation.

  • Page 82: Copy Arrays (Supported Only By Raidcore Vst)

    Copy Arrays (supported only by RAIDCore VST) The Copy task on the Array drop-down menu is used to create a new array that contains an exact copy of the data on a source array. It combines the Create Array and Copy Array tasks into a single command.
  • Page 83 While the task reads 100%, the arrays are still linked. Copying might occur as the source array changes. After the copying is complete, the destination array comes back linked to the source array and hidden. There are three options for unlinking the copied arrays. See Table 36 on page 82. RAIDCore User Manual...
  • Page 84 Table 36 Options for Unlinking Copied Arrays If This Action Do This... Then This... Occurred... Unhide the destination array by Unlink on copy finished was selected using the Un-Hide command. This allows the data to be accessed. NOTE: The destination array is automatically unlinked when the copy is complete.

  • Page 85: Use The Un-Link And Un-Hide Commands

    3. Select the destination array in the Array View and right-click it. 4. From the pop-up menu, select the Un-Hide command. CAUTION: The destination array must be unhidden in all cases to access the data, regardless of which method is used to unlink the two arrays. RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 86: Access Additional Space

    Access Additional Space When an array has been transformed to a larger size, use the operating system tools to access the additional space. There are several possible methods for expanding the existing file system on an array that has been transformed to a large size.

  • Page 87: Delete Arrays

    The Recover Array option attempts to force a failed array back into a functioning state. This option is provided as a last resort to recover whatever data might be present after an array has failed and its data cannot be recreated by RAIDCore. Recover an array 1.

  • Page 88: Change Cache Settings For Arrays

    Change Cache Settings for Arrays There are four array caching options from which to choose. Table 38 Cache Array Options Option Description No Cache When the No Cache option is selected for an array, I/O requests are translated and passed to the disks without keeping a cached copy of the data available for future requests.

  • Page 89: Change The Priority Level Of A Task

    3. If Task -> Pause is selected, right-click on the highlighted paused array. Locate a Task -> Resume option to use to continue the task. CAUTION: When a Copy task is cancelled, data that is in the part of the task that did not finish copying will be lost on the destination array. RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 90: Check For Consistency

    If inconsistent areas are found, they are corrected during this process. Having consistent arrays is very important. If an array is inconsistent and a drive fails, data is lost. RAIDCore is designed to maintain consistent arrays, but it is good practice to frequently run consistency checks. See Schedule a Consistency Check on page 89.

  • Page 91: Schedule A Consistency Check

    1. Click the array on which to delete the Consistency Check. 2. From the Array drop-down menu or by selecting an array and right-clicking, select Check Consistency. 3. Click Schedule. 4. At the Consistency Check dialog box, click Cancel. RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 92: Scan An Array In The Background

    NOTE: The Scan Array task can also be enabled for an array when it is created or copied. Split Mirrored Arrays (supported only by RAIDCore VST) A mirrored array can be split into separate arrays using either of the following procedures: •...

  • Page 93: Before You Start

    Splitting a mirrored array cannot be undone. To remirror, the array needs to be transformed back to a mirror. For information about transforming arrays, see Transform Arrays (supported only by RAIDCore VST) page 78. Use default settings to split a RAID 1 or RAID 10 1.

  • Page 94: Add Or Remove Distributed Spares (Supported Only By Raidcore Vst)

    Add or Remove Distributed Spares (supported only by RAIDCore VST) Add a distributed spare while creating an array 1. From the Array menu or by right-clicking the array, select Create. 2. Configure the array. 3. In the Distributed Spare field, click Enabled.

  • Page 95: Remove All Dedicated Spares

    3. Click OK. Remove a global spare 1. In the Disk List section, right-click the disk that will be removed as the global spare. 2. At the Options dialog box, select Remove as Global Spare. 3. Click OK. RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 96: Working With Options

    NOTE: The unauthorized creation of an upgrade license key/Activation ID for this product invalidates the product warranty and might be considered theft. NOTE: RAIDCore is shipped with a 30-day trial license. After the trial period expires, RAIDCore runs with extremely degraded performance.
  • Page 97 ID was issued. A license key/Activation ID and upgrade license key/Activation ID are unique for the system and cannot be used to upgrade other systems. NOTE: To inquire about RAIDCore licensing and license keys, visit the Dot Hills Systems Web site at http://www.dothill.com/products/data-protection-software/raidcore.htm click the Contact Us segment of the window.

  • Page 98: Change Password Settings

    Change Password Settings A password can be enabled, disabled, or changed at the Options drop-down menu. See Password Protection page 63. Change View Settings On the Options drop-down menu, the View command allows the user to: • Change the size of the icons used in the graphical user interface •...

  • Page 99: Edit Exit Columns In The Disk List

    Figure 18 Select Display Columns Window: Edit Columns 3. To show or hide a column, highlight its name and use the >> or << buttons to move it into or out of the Show These Fields: list. RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 100: Edit The Physical View Of The Disks

    The View Log window displays all of the messages generated by RAIDCore. All messages are logged, not just the ones enabled in Notification. All messages received from the RAIDCore driver are sent to a message log file. If desired, change the name of this file in the Notification window.

  • Page 101: Set Event Notifications

    The system user should to be informed about this event, but will probably not need to take action. Critical The system user must be informed about this event and should take action. Fatal The RAID subsystem has shut down. RAIDCore User Manual...

  • Page 102: Set Or Change Event Notifications

    3. In the From User box, specify a user address, as the sender of the e-mail notifications. (By default, the system on which RAIDCore is installed is used). 4. Click Send Test Message to verify that the e-mail notification works.

  • Page 103: Set Up Remote Management

    Set Up Remote Management Remote management of a RAIDCore storage system can be set up using the RAIDConsole Setup Remote Management option. NOTE: A remote system can be added using the Add Remote System option. See Add a Remote System below.

  • Page 104: Read Smart Information From Disks

    Read SMART Information from Disks RAIDCore supports the output of Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART) data from disks that support it. SMART is disabled by default and must be manually enabled, as described by the procedure in this section.

  • Page 105: Turn On Advanced Options

    Stop and Restart the RAIDCore Event Service The Stop Service and Start Service advanced options are used to stop and restart the RAIDCore Event Service. Stopping the RAIDCore Event Service does not damage arrays or data.
  • Page 106 104 Chapter 6 RAIDConsole Graphical User Interface (GUI)

  • Page 107: Chapter 7 Troubleshooting

    3. Use the Swap Two Arrays option to swap the arrays and place the bootable legacy array in the first position of the Arrays field. NOTE: A legacy array can be created from Legacy disks (which are disks initialized by using a non-RAIDCore controller). RAIDCore User Manual 105...

  • Page 108: Warning Messages: Post Screen

    Table 44 The BIOS Configuration Utility Does Not Display Possible Causes Corrective Actions The controller mode is set Set the system BIOS to the correct SATA setting [or equivalent]. incorrectly in the system BIOS Warning Messages: POST Screen The POST screen is one of the first screens to appear during the system’s boot sequence. If the system’s arrays were in Normal or Ready state prior to a system boot, the boot sequence continues normally to the operating system.
  • Page 109 If the state remains at Offline, the disk(s) has failed and the bootable array has suffered an unrecoverable failure. Replace the disk(s), create a new bootable array, and reinstall the operating system and drivers to the new bootable array. RAIDCore User Manual 107...
  • Page 110 Table 45 Warning Messages: POST Screen (continued) Warning Message Corrective Action This warning message appears when multiple arrays are in Critical and Offline state and WARNING: Toggle Pause if Critical or Toggle Pause if Offline are set to ON at the BIOS Configuration Found arrays Utility.

  • Page 111: Array-Related Errors

    • If the array is redundant, the failure of two or more disks causes the array to fail. The array cannot be restored (rebuilt). Create a new array. Restore the data from a backup storage source. RAIDCore User Manual 109...

  • Page 112: Troubleshooting: An Array Is In A Critical State

    Table 48 Troubleshooting: An Array is in a Critical State Possible Causes Corrective Actions A disk was removed • Re-install the original disk, if it was inadvertently disconnected. Perform a rescan. A disk that appears as Missing in Array View can appear as Online after a rescan.

  • Page 113: Troubleshooting: Cannot Create A Global Hot Spare

    • A disk with a legacy state can be initialized, if desired, but it is no longer legacy (initialization adds RAIDCore configuration information to the disk). The disk is already part of an array A global hot spare cannot be selected if it is already part of an existing array.

  • Page 114: Troubleshooting: Cannot Create An Array Larger Than 2 Tb

    Table 51 Troubleshooting: Cannot Create an Array Larger Than 2 TB Possible Causes Corrective Actions RAIDConsole does not allow the user to There is a limit of approximately 2 TB per array in the Windows create an array larger than the limit set by architecture.

  • Page 115: Troubleshooting: Recreating A Deleted Array

    NOTE: If multiple arrays were deleted, all of the deleted arrays must be recreated (exactly as stated in steps 2 and 5) in order to recover the desired array. RAIDCore User Manual 113...

  • Page 116: Disk-Related Errors

    Check if the disk assigned as the hot spare has failed. The dedicated spare is not visible in • RAIDCore cannot communicate with the hot spare. the BIOS Configuration Utility or is • Check if the disk has been removed or has failed.

  • Page 117: Appendix A Software License: Eula

    If you are an OEM, distributor, reseller, installer, integrator or other entity in the business of providing technology products and/or services which has been expressly authorized by Dot Hill Systems Corp. ("Dot Hill") to distribute copies of the Software to End User(s), you are an "Authorized Distributor." Dot Hill hereby...

  • Page 118: Proprietary Rights

    4. Proprietary Rights The Software contains certain third party software components ("Third Party Components") that are, and will continue to be, owned by such licensors of Dot Hill (collectively "Dot Hill's Licensors"). In no event shall any Licensee obtain title to the Software or any component thereof including any Third Party Components. As between Dot Hill and Licensee, Dot Hill has all rights, title, interest, ownership and proprietary rights in and to the Software.

  • Page 119: Limitation Of Liability

    Agreement including any purchase order or ordering document. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except in writing and signed by Dot Hill. RAIDCore User Manual 117...
  • Page 120 118 Appendix A Software License: EULA...

  • Page 121: Appendix B Bcadm Command Line Tool

    Appendix B bcadm Command Line Tool What is bcadm? The bcadm program is a command line user interface (CLUI) for managing RAIDCore in the Windows or Linux operating system. The bcadm program initiates RAIDCore operations, such as: • Manage RAIDCore, arrays and disks (see...

  • Page 122: Manage Arrays And Disks: Bcadm --Manage

    Manage Arrays and Disks: bcadm --manage The bcadm --manage or bcadm -M command allows the user to view information about RAIDCore and manage the arrays and disks. For example, the user can: • Query information about and list the controllers.

  • Page 123: Bcadm Disk List Elements

    1 GB = 1 000 000 000 bytes NOTE: Because the ATA storage industry has standardized the meanings of MB as 1 000 000 bytes and GB as 1 000 000 000 bytes, RAIDCore reports the same units. Free Space Total amount of space unused on the disk.

  • Page 124: Bcadm Array List Elements

    • 1GB = 1 000 000 000 bytes Hide Whether the array is hidden from the operating system. Globally unique identifier for the array assigned by RAIDCore. Task Task type (Transform, Copy, Check, Check_Bitmap, Not_Active, Create, Restore). With the --verbose qualifier, the Copy task type displays the source and destination array numbers.

  • Page 125: View Help From The Command Line

    CAUTION: In some circumstances, more than eight arrays are possible. They might appear to function properly, but are not supported by Dot Hill Systems Corp. NOTE: The array size of the new array is limited to 2.199 TB with Windows Server 2003. Refer to the operating system documentation for details on maximum array sizes.

  • Page 126: Transform Arrays: Bcadm --Transform (Supported Only By Raidcore Vst)

    Transform Arrays: bcadm --transform (supported only by RAIDCore VST) The bcadm --transform or bcadm -T command allows the user to transform (migrate) an array from one RAID level to almost any other RAID level, and to expand the array dynamically, even under I/O load.

  • Page 127: Legacy Disks: Bcadm --Create-Copy (Supported Only By Raidcore Vst)

    A disk that was previously controlled by a non-RAIDCore SATA controller can be used with RAIDCore. RAIDCore recognizes disks with valid DOS partition tables as legacy disks. With the --create-copy command, data can be moved from a legacy disk onto a RAIDCore array. The legacy disk can be reused within a RAIDCore array.

  • Page 128: Follow Or Monitor Arrays And Disks: Bcadm --Follow

    The bcadm --license or bcadm -L command allows the user to view current license information or change the licensing level. There are three license levels supported by RAIDCore. Various features are enabled when different license levels are purchased. Before you begin...

  • Page 129: Glossary

    When the legacy disk is initializing RAIDCore, RAIDCore configuration data is written to the disk. The legacy array then becomes an online disk that can be used in a RAIDCore array. A feature (available with a RAIDCore VST license) that allows users to add up to 32 disks to an OCE (Online Capacity array at any time and continue to access data while it is being redistributed.
  • Page 130 128 Glossary...

  • Page 131: Index

    BIOS Configuration Utility understanding their purpose Component Versions window, RAIDConsole using the Un-Link command consistency checks Arrays Status section, Array Status window arrays RAIDCore User Manual 129...
  • Page 132 Dot Hill Systems Web site for RAIDCore virtual RAID License Window, for viewing license levels and entering an adaptor technology Activation ID driver installation, Linux, when OS is installed. License window, showing software license levels driver installation, Red Hat Linux, when OS is installed.
  • Page 133 Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART) software RAID spanning supported controllers operating system, considerations supported operating systems operating systems, supported by RAIDCore system requirements options technology, general description advanced, turning on RAIDCore drivers, installation on Linux Options menu, setting password protection...
  • Page 134 Troubleshooting a dedicated hot spare has failed a disk has failed an array is in a Critical state an array is Offline BIOS Configuration Utility does not display cannot assign a dedicated hot spare to the array cannot create a global hot spare cannot create an array cannot create an array larger than 2 TB cannot initialize a disk...

Table of Contents