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® easyRAID X6P U3R2 Ultra 160 SCSI to IDE Disk Array system User’s Guide Version 1.0 Feb. 2003...
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Important! Safety Instructions, Care and Handling 1. Before starting, take a few minutes to read this manual, read all of these instructions and save this manual for later reference. 2. Protect the Disk Array from extremely high or low temperatures. Let the Disk Array warm (or cool ) to room temperature before using it.
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11. If an extension cord or a power center is used with this product, make sure that the total of all products plug into the wall outlet does not exceed the ampere rating. 12. Do not place the Disk Array where the cord will be walked on.
Operating Environment When selecting a suitable working location, please consider : Ventilation Temperature Dust and dirt Electromagnetic and Radio Frequency Interference. Security The selected location should provide at least six inches of open space around the Disk Array cabinet for proper air flow. Your Disk Array functions best at normal room temperature.
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About This Manual This manual serves as a useful guide you can refer to when you wish to install and operate your Disk Array. It includes the following information : Chapter 1 : “ Introduction “ Introduces you to your new Disk Array’s features and general RAID concepts.
Introduction Chapter 1: “Introduction” This chapter will introduce you to your new Disk Array’s features and provide information on general RAID concept.
Introduction Features This section provides an overview of the features. For more detailed information, please refer to the technical specifications appendix at the end of this manual . Your Disk Array includes the following features : Easy Operation As everyone knows, conventional Disk Arrays are designed for experienced computer specialists.
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Introduction Solid reliability Automatic failed disk drive detection. Auto rebuild : when a replacement disk installed (or by using hot spare disk ), The system provides automatic data rebuild without any commands or functions keyed in. ( Transparent to Host ) Efficient maintenance An LCD status panel displays a comprehensive readout of the operating status, and the HDD LED indicators on each HDD tray...
Introduction General RAID Concepts Correct installation of the disk array requires an understanding of RAID technology and the concepts described in this section. Definition RAID is an acronym of Redundant Array of Independent Disks . A RAID is a Disk Array in which part of the storage capacity is used to record redundant information about the user data stored on the remainder of the storage capacity.
Introduction RAID Levels RAID Level 0 : “ Disk Striping “ High I/O Performance Improved I/O performance is the major reason of using RAID level 0. No protection is provided against data loss due to member disk failures. A RAID level 0 array by itself is thus an unsuitable storage medium for data that can not easily be reproduced, or for data that must be available for critical system operation.
Introduction RAID Level 1: “Disk Mirroring” High Data reliability RAID level 1 provides both very high data reliability and continued data availability in the event of a failure of an array member. When a RAID level 1 member disk fails, array management software simply directs all application requests to the surviving member.
Introduction RAID Level 3 : “ Parallel Transfer Disks with Parity “ High Data Reliability & Highest Transfer Capacity RAID Level 3 technology use a dedicated parity disk to store redundant information about the data on several data disks. RAID Level 3 is an excellent choice for applications which require single stream I/O with a high data transfer rate.
Introduction RAID Level 5 : “ Independent Access Array with Rotating Parity “ High Data Reliability & Transfer Capacity When RAID Level 5 technology is combined with cache memory to improve its write performance, the result can be used in any applications where general purpose disks would be suitable.
Introduction RAID level 5 arrays have unique performance characteristics : The data can be recalculated or regenerated, using parity, when any drive in the array fails. When the failed drive is replaced, either automatically if the subsystem contained a hot spare drive, or by user intervention during a scheduled maintenance period, the system will be restored its full data redundancy configuration by rebuilding all of the data that had been stored on the failed drive onto...
Introduction Summary Comprison of RAID Levels Data RAID Common Array’s Data Description Trasfer Level Name Reliabiity Capcit Capacity Disk Data distributed across the Very Striping disks in the array. disks High No redundant infromation provided. Very Mirroring All data Dulicated 1 * disk High High...
Introduction Supported RAID Levels Based on the needs of a Disk Array’s capacity, data availability, and overall performance, you can select a proper RAID level for your Disk Array. The supported RAID levels are shown in below: RAID Function Drives required Level Description Min.
Introduction Multi-SCSI Format support The Disk Array provides one LVD Ultra 160 SCSI channel for connecting to your host system. With proper cabling, it may support Narrow or Wide; Standard, Fast or Ultra SCSI formats. ( single ended ) Overall cable length For secure data transfer , please refer to the cable length limitations as below : * Cable length = External Host cables length + Internal Host cable...
Getting Started Chapter 2: “Getting Started” General Overview This chapter helps you get ready to use the Disk Array. It gives you: Unpacking & Checklist Choosing a place for Disk Array Identifying Parts of Disk Array Power Source Installing the Hard Disk Drives Setup active terminator Host Linkage Power-On and Self-test...
Getting Started Unpacking & Checklist Before unpacking your Disk Array , prepare a clean and stable place to put the contents of your Disk Array’s shipping container on. Altogether, you should find the following items in the package : The Disk Array One AC power cord One External SCSI cable Keys ( For HDD Trays )
Getting Started Choosing a place for Disk Array When selecting a place to set up your Disk Array, be sure to follow the guidelines as below: Place on a flat and stable surface. Use a stand that supports at least 50 kgs for this Disk Array. (HDD included ) Place the Disk Array close enough to the computer for the Disk Array’s External cable to reach it.
Getting Started Identifying Parts of the Disk Array Front View Figure : Front View 1. LCD Status Display Panel 2. HDD Trays 1 ~ 3(From Up to Dawn) 3. HDD Trays 4 ~ 6 4. Function Keys ( , Enter , ESC ) 5.
Getting Started Rear View Figure : Rear View 1. RS232 Adapter ( VT100 Terminal Port ) 2. Reserved 3. Power Supply Unit Switch (0 / I) 4. Power Supply Unit 1 5. Power Supply Unit 2 6. AC Power Input Socket 7.
Getting Started Power Source Choosing a Working Voltage The system can run either on AC 115V (+/10%) or AC 230V(+/10%), Slide the AC voltage select switch on the power supply to the correct position which corresponds with the wall outlet supply voltage.
Getting Started Installing the Hard Disk Drives Step 1 : Unlock the HDD tray by turning the Key-lock to the correct position. Step 2 : Gently Pull out the HDD tray. Figure: Installing HDD step 1,2...
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Getting Started Step 3 : Insert HDD into the tray Step 4 : Screw in the hard drive. ( Use the correct size, type and thread ) Step 5 : Cabling, Connect the Data cable and Power cable.
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Getting Started Step 6 : Gently slide in the HDD tray. Step 7 : Lock the HDD tray. When powered on, the Green LED will light up. Figure:Installing HDD step 6,7...
Getting Started How to Setup Active Terminator For better data integrity, we suggest you always add an active terminator on the Disk Array when it is at the end of the SCSI bus.. Plug-in the Terminator before Power-On : You can find two ports for the host channel adapter on the back of Disk Array.
Getting Started Host Linkage With the HDD(s) installed correctly, you are ready to connect the Disk Array to your Host computer. Use a External SCSI cable to connect your Host computer to the Disk Array’s built-in SCSI adapter port. Connect the Host computer as shown below : Figure : Host linkage Caution ! For safety reasons, make sure the Disk Array and Host Computer...
Getting Started Power-on and Self-Test When you connect the Disk Array to the Host computer, You should press the ON/OFF Power Supply Switch on both of the power supply Hot-Swap units and the Main Switch. It will turn the Disk Array system on and the Self-Test will be started automatically.
Getting Started LED Display & Function Keys LED Display Shown below is the LED Display. Please refer to the illustration, the LEDs inform you of the Disk Array’s current operating status. Upon activating a certain function, the corresponding LED indicator should turn on indicating that the feature is engaged.
Getting Started Function Keys The four function keys at the top of the front panel perform the following functions: Use to scroll the cursor Upward / Rightward ( ) Up Arrow / Right Arrow Use to scroll the cursor Downward / Leftward ( ) Down Arrow / Left Arrow (Enter) Use to confirm a selected item...
Getting Started LCD Status Panel Located the LCD panel, the LCD status panel informs you of the Disk Array’s current operating status at a glance. Upon activating a certain function, a symbol or icon corresponding to that function will appear in the display window. The symbol will remain in the display window indicating the status of the Disk Array.
Getting Started Clear Beeper The disk drive initialization and fail beeping can be stopped by pushing the simultaneously twice. But you should emember to replace the drive. Next time when error happen the beeping will still be available 2-16...
Configuration Chapter 3: “Configuration” After completing the hardware installation, the disk array must be configured and the logical unit must be initialized before it is ready to use. This can be accomplished through the following user interfaces : Front Panel function keys ( LCD Display ) VT100 terminal connected through the serial port ( Monitor Port) The GUI S/W (Graphical User Interface).
Configuration Configuration from the front Panel The LCD Display front panel function keys are the primary user interface for the Disk Array. Except for the “Firmware update” ,all configuration can be performed through this interface. Function Key Definitions The four function keys at the top of the front panel perform the following functions : ( ) Up Arrow / Right Arrow Use to scroll the cursor Upward / Rightward...
Configuration Configuration procedures (via Front Panel) Main screen Re-Config RAID RAID Level (0,1,3,5,0+1,None) Hot Spare Disk (Yes / No) Set SCSI ID ( 0~14 ) Set Password (4 Digital) Save Configuration & Restart...
Configuration Starting the configuration 1. Power-on the Disk Array. At the end of the power-on self test program, the LCD displays the current system status. The default setting is JBOD ( just a Bunch of Disks ). 2. Press the front panel “ Enter “ key to access the built-in configuration program.
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Configuration 5. Set RAID Level Move cursor ( ) to the desired RAID Level ( 0, 1, 3, 5, 0+1, None ), press “ Enter “ to confirm. Warning All data on the disk drives will be lost by changing the RAID Level.
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Configuration 8. Set Password Press “ Enter “ to activate the Password setting. When the cursor stop on the desired “number” or “character”, Using “ ” and “ ” function keys to choose the desired characters and then press “ Enter “ to confirm it. Press “...
Configuration Configuration from VT100 Terminal Mode By connecting a VT100 compatible terminal or a PC operating in a terminal emulation mode, a configuration can be performed through this interface. To ensure proper communications between the “Disk Array” and the “Terminal”, Please configure the VT100 terminal settings to the values shown below : VT100 Terminal ( or compatible ) Set up Connection...
Configuration Set RAID Level Move the cursor to the desired RAID Level ( 0, 1, 3, 5, 0+1, None ), and Press “ Enter “ to confirm it. Warning!! All Data will be lost by changing the RAID level. 3-11...
Configuration Hot Spare Disk Select “ Yes “ to set One Disk Drive as a Hot Spare Disk. This Function is valid in RAID level 5 and RAID level 3, the total Disk Drives installed must be more than 3 Disk Drives. ( Disk Drives number >...
Configuration Set SCSI ID# Each device on a SCSI bus must be configured for a Target address (which is a “SCSI ID”), which is different from any other device on the SCSI Bus. The default ID for this Disk Array is ID#0 If you needed to assign a different ID# for your Disk Array, The available SCSI ID# for this Disk Array is ID# 0 ~14 You must assign a different SCSI ID to each SCSI device on the...
Configuration Set Password Press “ Enter “ to activate the password setting then to key-in the desired “ Number “ or “ Character “. Press “ ESC “ to skip the charge of the password. 3-14...
Configuration Save & Restart Select the Save & Restart function and press “Enter” to save and activate your selections. STOP Warning ! All data will be lost if you changed RAID Levels . Notice If you already have a RAID level setting and wish to change to different RAID level, you must setup RAID level to “None”...
Configuration Capacity Expansion (For Single RAID) The RAID capacity can be expanded by adding one or more Disk Drive into the existing RAID group and properly setup procedures. 1.Add new HDD into the RAID system. 2.Configuration through the RS-232 Terminal mode, move the cursor to “On-Line Expand”...
Advanced Information Chapter 4: “Advanced Information” This chapter describes more advanced information about your Disk Array. The following items are describes in detail. Memory Expansion RAID Controller Updating Firmware Multiple RAID configuration Slice Partition and LUN Mapping Capacity Expansion (on-line expand)
Advanced Information Memory Expansion Your Disk Array comes with 64MB of memory that is expandable to a maximum of 512MB. These expansion memory module can be purchased from your dealer. Memory Type : 3.3V PC100/133 SDRAM 144pin DIMM. Memory Size : Supports 144pin DIMMs of 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, or 512MB.
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Advanced Information 2. Install the memory a. The DIMM memory modules will only fit in one orientation. b. Press the memory module firmly into socket from a 45 degree angle, make sure that all the contacts are aligned with the socket. c.
Advanced Information Updating Firmware 1. Setup your VT100 Terminal Please configure the VT100 terminal setting to the values shown below : VT100 terminal ( or compatible ) set up Connection Serial Port ( COM1 or COM2 ) Protocol RS232 ( Asynchronous ) Cabling Null-Modem cable Baud Rate...
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Advanced Information Setup VT100 Terminal Example : Setup VT100 Terminal in Windows Step 1.
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Advanced Information Step 7. Select emulate VT100 Mode After you finishing the VT100 Terminal setup, you may restart your Disk Array and press “ Ctrl + D “ keys ( in your Terminal ) to link the Disk Array and Terminal together. Press Ctrl to display the disk array Monitor Utility screen on your VT100 Terminal.
Advanced Information Start to Update Firmware 1. Move the cursor to “ Update ROM “ and press “Enter”. Warning ! Unpredictable results will occur if firmware update is attempted during Host computer and Disk Array activity. All activity to the controller should be stopped before updating firmware.
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Advanced Information 2. Press “ Y “ to download the new firmware and press “ Y “ again to confirm the Update. 4-15...
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Advanced Information 3. Select transfer “ Send Text File “ and press Enter. 4-16...
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Advanced Information 4. Locate the new Firmware file on your PC. 4-17...
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Advanced Information 5. Press “ Go “ to confirm to download the new firmware. 4-18...
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Advanced Information 6. Type “ Go “ to reconfirm and the firmware will begin to be reprogrammed. 7. After verifying, the Disk Array will reset automatically to activate the new firmware. 4-19...
Advanced Information Multiple RAID Configuration procedures (VT100 Terminal) Main screen Advance Setep RAID Group RAID 1 / RAID 2 Reconfig RAID Yes / No RAID Level (0,1,3,5,0+1,None) Select Disk Number Setup RAID2 Hot Spare Disk ( Yes / No ) Save Configuration &...
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Advanced Information How To Setup Multiple RAID The system can Setup as two different RAID Group. RAID Group 1 Setup Step 1. Key-in password to enter the main menu. (Default “0000”) Warning:Be sure to backup your data first before attempting to change RAID setup from single RAID Group to multiple RAID Groups.
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Advanced Information How To Setup Multiple RAID RAID Group 1 Setup Step 2. Select “Advance Setep” 4-22...
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Advanced Information How To Setup Multiple RAID RAID Group 1 Setup Step 3. Select “RAID 1” in “RAID Group”. Step 4. Choose “Reconfig RAID” 4-23...
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Advanced Information How To Setup Multiple RAID RAID Group 1 Setup Step 5. Select “Yes” for setting all the configurations. 4-24...
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Advanced Information How To Setup Multiple RAID RAID Group 1 Setup Step 6. Move the cursor to the expected RAID Level ( 0, 1, 3, 5, 0+1, None ), and press “Enter” to confirm it. Warning All data will be lost by changing the RAID level. 4-25...
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Advanced Information How To Setup Multiple RAID RAID Group 1 Setup Step 7. Select how many Drives to setup in RAID Group 1. (Only the HDD numbers installed in the system will be displayed) Step 8. In “Hot Spare Disk”, select “Yes” to set one Disk Drive as a Hot-spare Disk (This functions Valid in RAID Level 5 and 3, the total number of Disk Drive installed must be more than 3 Disk Drive).
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Advanced Information How To Setup Multiple RAID RAID Group 2 Setup Follow the step for setting RAID Group 1 to setup the 2nd RAID Group. 4-27...
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Advanced Information How To Setup Multiple RAID RAID Group 2 Setup Select “Save & Restart” and choose “Yes” to save and activate the settings. Stop Warning! All Data will be lost if you changed the RAID level. WARNING Saving configuration changes causes the disk array controller’s working parameters to change.
Advanced Information Slice and LUN Mapping Main Screen Advanced Setup Slice RAID 1/ RAID 2 SCSI Params Primary SCSI Set LUN Mapping LUN 0 ~ LUN 7 RAID 1/ RAID 2 Slice Number / Disable Save Configuration & Restart 4-29...
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Advanced Information Slice and LUN Mapping After completing the RAID Group setup (single or multiple), you could partition the capacity to “Slice” and map to different “LUN” Numbers. (The following illustration is for Single RAID Group.) Step 1. Enter Main menu and choose “Advance Setup”. Step 2.
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Advanced Information Slice and LUN Mapping Step 4. Select “Slice 0”, key-in the size in MB for Slice 0. Step 5. Select “Slice 1”, key-in the size in MB for Slice 1 (the system will display the rest capacity automatically). 4-31...
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Advanced Information Slice and LUN Mapping Step 6. Select “SCSI Params” to choose the “Primary SCSI”. Step 7. Choose “LUN mapping”. Map the expected LUN No. to expected RAID Group’s Slice No. (Example: “LUN 0” mapping to “RAID 1”, “Slice 0”. “LUN 1”...
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Advanced Information Slice and LUN Mapping Step 8. Select “Save & Restart” item and choose “Yes” to save and activate the settings. 4-33...
Advanced Information On-Line Expand for Multiple RAID Groups VT100 Terminal Main Screen Advance Setup RAID GROUP (RAID1/RAID2) On-Line Expand (Disk Number/Enable) (Disk Number) Disk Number On-Line Expand (Disk Number/Enable) (Enable) 4-34...
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Advanced Information On-Line Expand for Multiple RAID Groups The RAID capacity can be expanded by adding one or more Disk Drives into the existing RAID group with properly setup procedures Please add new HDD into the RAID system before you start on-line expansion.
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Advanced Information On-Line Expand for Multiple RAID Groups Step 2. Select “RAID Group”. Step 3. Choose “RAID 1” or “RAID 2” to expand the capacity to expected RAID Groups. Step 4. Select “On-Line Expand”. 4-36...
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Advanced Information On-Line Expand for Multiple RAID Groups Step 5. Select “Disk Number” then choose how many disks to add to the RAID Group (only the number of disks installed will be displayed). The rest of disks not adding to the RAID groups will be treated as spare disks.
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Advanced Information On-Line Expand for Multiple RAID Groups Step 6. Select “On-Line Expand” then “Enable” to save and activate the settings. 4-38...
Hot Swap Chapter 5: “Hot Swap” This chapter explains how to remove and install the “Hot-Swap” parts without interrupting the data access while the disk array is on. The “Hot-Swap” parts include : Hard Disk Drives Redundant Power Supply Units Cooling Fans Follow the steps below and refer to the diagrams to remove and install the “Hot-Swap”...
Hot Swap Removing / Installing Hard Disk drives a.Unlock the HDD tray (When a HDD error occurs, the HDD LED indicator lights up “RED”) Figure: Swap HDD(Unlock)
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Hot Swap b.Gently pull-out the HDD tray...
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Hot Swap c.Unscrew and unplug the cables Figure: Swap HDD(Unplug cables)
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Hot Swap d.Replace with a new Hard Disk Drive It must be same capacity or greater than the faulty drive, if you replace with a Hard disk Drive of insufficient capacity, the Disk Array’s built-in buzzer will sound and the intelligent Auto-Rebuild function will not be started.
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Hot Swap Removing / Installing the Redundant P/S Unit There are two LED indicators on the front panel which display the status of the redundant power supplies. While the power supply is working properly the two LED indicators light up “ Green “, if any one of them fail, the LED indicator will go off and the redundant power supply buzzer alarm will sound.
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Hot Swap b.Replace with a new power supply unit Figure: Swap P/S unit ( Swap with a new unit )
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Hot Swap c. Press the Power Supply Reset switch When you replace a new power supply unit, you should then push the power supply reset switch on the power supply frame to stop the buzzer alarm and link the two power supply units together.
Hot Swap Removing / Installing Cooling Fans Unscrew the Fan module and gently slide out. ! Caution : Be careful , the high speed rotating fans may harm you. Figure: Swap cooling Fan ( Unscrew the Fan Door )
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Hot Swap Unplug the Fan connector Replace with a good one Plug in the fan connector, slide in the fan module and screw it in ! Caution : The cooling fan will rotate immediately when you plug in the fan power connector. Figure: Swap Cooling Fan ( swap with a new Fan ) 5-10...
Appendix Technical Specifications Microprocessor Intel i80303 Cache Memory 64MB* Maximum 512MB DRAM Slots Module Type 144 Pin DIMMs DRAM Type SDRAM DRAM Speed PC 100/133 Read Cache Read-Ahead Write Cache Write Back* Firmware Flash EEPROM ,256K x 8 SCSI I/O Processor SYMBIOS 53C1010R Serial Port 1x RS232 (Asynchronous) Port...
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Appendix Technical Specifications Interface : Host Bus Ultra 160 LVD SCSI Disk Bus Ultra ATA-100 Drives Hot Swap, User Replaceable Up to Six 3.5” drives ( 1” height ) Maximum Fault >1.5 TB Tolerant Capacity Drive MTBF >1,000,000 hrs Host Requirement Host Independent Operating Systems O/S Independent and Transparent...