Fibre Channel Adapters - IBM System Storage DS3500 Introduction And Implementation Manual

7914DS3KPlanning_090710.fm
– For long cable runs, ensure that enough slack is made for rack movement in
accordance with your computer room standards for earthquake proofing.
Additional information for routing cables for IBM Netfinity® Rack products can be found in IBM
Netfinity Rack Planning and Installation Guide, part number 24L8055. This publication
includes pictures providing more details about how to set up the cable routing.
Cable labeling
When labeling your solution, follow these tips:
As you install cables in the rack, label each cable with the appropriate identification.
Remember to attach labels to any cables that you replace.
Document deviations from the label scheme you use. Keep a copy with your Change
Control Log book.
Comply with an existing cable naming convention or define and adhere to a simple logical
naming convention
An example of label naming convention might include these attributes:
The function, to help identify the purpose of the cable.
Location information must be broad to specific (for example, the site/building to a specific
port on a server or hub).
Other cabling mistakes
Avoid making these common mistakes in cabling:
Leaving cables hanging from connections with no support.
Not using dust caps.
Not keeping connectors clean. (Certain cable manufacturers require the use of lint-free
alcohol wipes in order to maintain the cable warranty.)
Leaving cables on the floor where people might kick or trip over them.
Not removing old cables when they are no longer needed or planned for future use.
Tip: Collect all SFP, HBA, and cable dust caps, store in a dust free container, to be
used for future cabling work. Do not re-use dust caps which have been left loose in the
rack or computer room.

3.2.5 Fibre Channel adapters

We now review topics related to Fibre Channel adapters:
Placement on the host system bus
Distributing the load among several adapters
Queue depth
Driver selection
Host system bus
Today, there is a choice of high-speed adapters for connecting disk drives. Fast adapters can
provide better performance. The HBA must be placed in the fastest supported slot available.
Important: Do not place all the high-speed Host Bus Adapters (HBAs) on a single system
bus; otherwise, the computer bus becomes the performance bottleneck.
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IBM System Storage DS3500: Introduction and Implementation Guide
Draft Document for Review March 28, 2011 12:24 pm