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easyRAID S8A2 User Manual

Pcie to serial ata ii disk array system
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easyRAID S8A2
(PCIe Host Interface)
42-30000-5106
PCIe to Serial ATA II
Disk Array System
Version 1.1

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Summary of Contents for easyRAID S8A2

  • Page 1 S8A2 (PCIe Host Interface) 42-30000-5106 PCIe to Serial ATA II Disk Array System Version 1.1...
  • Page 3 PCIe to Serial ATA II Disk Array System easyRAID S8A2 Software Manual...

  • Page 5: Preface

    Preface Preface Notice Product features and specifications described in this manual are subject to change without notice. The manufacturer shall not be liable for any damage, or for the loss of information resulting from the performance or use of the information contained herein. Trademarks The names of products and logos referenced herein are trademarks and/or service marks or registered trademarks and/or service marks.

  • Page 6: About This Manual

    RAIDGuard X User’s Manual About this manual Thank you for choosing an RAID storage solution. This manual takes you step by step through the installation and configuration of the RAIDGuard X software. PART ONE: Introduction Chapter 1: Introduction provides an overview of the software and its features. PART TWO: Software Installation Chapter 2:...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Table of Contents PREFACE .........................1 ...........................1 OTICE .........................1 RADEMARKS .....................2 BOUT THIS MANUAL ....................2 UIDE TO CONVENTIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS....................3 .......................5 SING THIS SECTION CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ..................6 ........................6 VERVIEW .......................6 EATURES RAIDGUARD X CLIENT GUI ................6 EVENT NOTIFICATION..................7 Remote Monitoring....................7 ...................7...
  • Page 8 RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Introduction...

  • Page 9: Using This Section

    Part 1: The RAIDGuard X User Manual supplements the user’s manuals supplied with easyRAID S8A2-PETT / easyRAID S8A2-PER2. It is intended to be read in a linear manner. Users may prefer to skip more familiar sections, but each of the steps below must be completed.

  • Page 10: Chapter 1 Introduction

    Key Features RAIDGuard X is designed to be used in conjunction with easyRAID S8A2-PETT / easyRAID S8A2-PER2: Supports multiple easyRAID S8A2-PETT / easyRAID S8A2-PER2 per host Java Based Graphical User Interface (GUI)

  • Page 11: Event Notification

    Chapter 1 – Introduction EVENT NOTIFICATION Email event notification keeps the administrator informed of the status of the RAID system. Remote Monitoring The RAIDGuard X client must be installed on a Java-based computer in order to view the details of the RAID system away from the server. Operating systems supported Windows Windows 2000...

  • Page 12: Installation Prerequisites

    RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Installation prerequisites RAIDGuard X is designed to be used in conjunction with easyRAID S8A2-PETT / easyRAID S8A2-PER2 RAID system. Users require the following: Hardware requirements CD-ROM drive Ethernet Connection (for remote monitoring) easyRAID S8A2-PETT / easyRAID S8A2-PER2 (installed)
  • Page 13 Software Installation...

  • Page 14: Installation Flowchart

    RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Installation flowchart The set up process follows these steps: Install the appropriate driver. Install Drivers Install RAIDGuard X (Server or/and Client) on your Install host machine. RAIDGuard X Install RAIDGuard X (Client) on your workstation(s) for the remote connection.

  • Page 15: Chapter 2 - Installing The Driver And Raidguard X On Windows

    Chapter 2 – Installing the driver and RAIDGuard X on Windows Chapter 2 Installing the driver and RAIDGuard X on Windows This chapter details the installation, setup and configuration process for RAIDGuard X on a Windows operating system. RAIDGuard X client must be installed on each computer that will monitor or administer the RAID system.

  • Page 16: Chapter 3 Installing The Driver And Raidguard X On Mac Os

    RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Chapter 3 Installing the driver and RAIDGuard X on MAC OS This chapter details the installation, setup and configuration process for RAIDGuard X on the Mac operating system. RAIDGuard X client must be installed on each computer that will monitor or administer the RAID system.

  • Page 17: Chapter 4 Installing The Driver And Raidguardx On Linux

    Chapter 4 – Installing the driver and RAIDGuardX on Linux Chapter 4 Installing the driver and RAIDGuardX on Linux This chapter details the installation process for RAID Guide X Server and Client on a Linux operating system. RAIDGuard X client must be installed on each computer that will monitor or administer the RAID system.
  • Page 18 RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Basic RAID Configuration...

  • Page 19: Chapter 5 Raidguard X Server

    RAIDGuard X Server from the Windows startup menu. 3. Exit – Close RAIDGuard X Server. If the server icon is not displayed go to Start > Programs > easyRAID > RAIDGuard X > RAIDGuard X Server. If the server isn’t visible then reinstall the software.

  • Page 20: Chapter 6 Basic Configuration Using Raidguard X Client

    Before starting ensure that the RAID controller has been configured in the BIOS of the controller card. To start RAIDGuard X Client either click the desktop icon or go to Start > Programs > easyRAID > RAIDGuard X > RAIDGuard X Client. The menu bar across the top contains the following functions: File –...
  • Page 21 Chapter 6 – Basic Configuration using RAIDGuard X Client Controller – Update Update Firmware – Click to update the firmware of the controller card. Update Boot Code – Click to update the boot code of the controller card. Update BIOS & EFI – Click to update the BIOS and EFI of the controller card.
  • Page 22 RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Do NOT unzip the gzip file before installation. Help – About RAIDGuard X RAID – Displays information about the RAIDGuard X version. Help Center – Displays the help for RAIDGuard X.

  • Page 23: Adding And Removing Controllers

    Click the Add Controller button to display a list of available controllers on the network. Click on the one to administer, enter the password (the default password for the easyRAID S8A2-PETT / easyRAID S8A2-PER2 is 00000000 (8 zeros)) and click Add.
  • Page 24 RAIDGuard X User’s Manual RAID System Info The controller info tab provides details on the Vendor, Model Name and Serial No. It also has 3 tabs: Firmware, Hardware and Power. The Firmware tab details the System Version, Boot version, Bios version and EFI Version...
  • Page 25 Chapter 6 – Basic Configuration using RAIDGuard X Client The Hardware tab details the Controller Temperature and fan speed. The Power tab details battery status and power status.
  • Page 26 It also has 2 radio buttons: Array and Drives. The image opposite will change depending on whether the easyRAID S8A2-PETT / easyRAID S8A2-PER2 is installed. The number above the drive displays the array number. Clicking the Array radio button displays information about the array: The Array No., Status, RAID Type,...
  • Page 27 Chapter 6 – Basic Configuration using RAIDGuard X Client Drive Display the overview of all disks. Snapshot The progress of the snapshot is displayed in the snapshot tab. To enable the snapshot function see Options > Snapshot.
  • Page 28 RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Events Displays a list of the most recent events. These events are automatically saved in C:\ Program Files\ easyRAID\ RAIDGuard X\ Client\ Log as .txt files. To clear the log click File > Clear Log.
  • Page 29 Chapter 6 – Basic Configuration using RAIDGuard X Client Removing To remove a controller, select a controller and then click the Remove Controller button to remove the controller from the table.

  • Page 30: Creating And Deleting Arrays

    When the RAID system is first configured an Array needs to be setup. This array tells the RAID system how many disks to use and what their function should be. The easyRAID S8A2-PETT / easyRAID S8A2-PER2 support the following RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 0+1 and JBOD.
  • Page 31 Chapter 6 – Basic Configuration using RAIDGuard X Client Optional: From the drop down menu select either On The Fly Initialization or Performance Evaluation. On the Fly Initialization – The default setting is for normal use. The data and parity will be initialized automatically. The performance will degrade to some degree during the initialization process.
  • Page 32 RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Delete an Array Deleting an array removes the selected array and allows the drives to be used in another array or reconfigured for a new array. Follow the steps to delete an array. Step 1: Click on the disks containing the array to be deleted. Step 2: Check the Confirm box when you understand that all the data on the disks will be lost.

  • Page 33: Email

    Chapter 6 – Basic Configuration using RAIDGuard X Client Email It maybe necessary for network administrators to be send e-mails in the event of errors, alerts and changes to the RAID array. These alerts can be e-mailed to a maximum of 20 e-mail addresses. Mailing List Enter the e-mail address (es) of people to receive controller errors.
  • Page 34 RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Advanced RAID Configuration...

  • Page 35: Chapter 7 Advanced Configuration

    Chapter 7 – Advanced Configuration Chapter 7 Advanced Configuration This chapter details the advanced usage of the RAIDGuard X Client. It covers such functionality as alarms and modes, slicing and expansion. Preferences The preferences button allows administrators to set the conditions of the controller such as performance modes, caching and miscellaneous functions.
  • Page 36 RAIDGuard X User’s Manual For an explanation of SMART Mode see Appendix A Glossary. Beeper – Sound an audible alarm on the controller in the event of an error. Equalization Mode – Check this box to smooth the performance of sequential I/Os and reduce fluctuation (peak performance will be reduced).
  • Page 37 Chapter 7 – Advanced Configuration MISC: Controller Time – Click this button to see a calendar and to change the time of the controller. Password – Enter the new controller password. The default password is 00000000 (8 zeros). Type another 8 characters.

  • Page 38: Options

    RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Options The Options menu provides the methods for changing the details of and fixing problems with the array. Click the required option and then click Next to proceed.

  • Page 39: Slicing

    Chapter 7 – Advanced Configuration Slicing Hard drive slicing, partitions the drives of an array so that it appears as a separate volume without reducing the speed. Follow the steps below to select an array to slice or merge. Step 1: Select the array to slice or merge by clicking on a disk with an array number.
  • Page 40 RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Step 3: Check the Confirm box and then the OK.

  • Page 41: Lun Map

    Chapter 7 – Advanced Configuration LUN Map A LUN is a unique identifier used on a SCSI bus that enables it to differentiate between up to eight separate devices. Use the LUN map to attach a unique identifier to a slice. Follow the steps below to map a LUN.

  • Page 42: Expansion

    RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Expansion Expansion allows the adding of extra drives to an array with the need to rebuild the array. This is carried out online without the need to stop data transfer. Follow the steps below to select an array to expand. Step 1: Select the array to add additional disks to and select the number of disks to be added.

  • Page 43: Migration

    Chapter 7 – Advanced Configuration Migration Migration allows RAID types to be changed without the need to delete the array and rebuild. This can be useful when new disks have been added and a new array type needs to be created. Follow the steps below to select an array to migrate.

  • Page 44: Snapshot

    RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Snapshot The snapshot function mirrors the data from one slice onto another thereby backing up the data. From the drop down menu select Create Shot, Delete Shot and Split Shot. Create Shot Creates a snapshot of the selected slice. A maximum of 8 shots can be created. Once all shots have been used, older shots must be deleted before new ones can be taken.
  • Page 45 Chapter 7 – Advanced Configuration Split Shot Split Now— Splits the selected shot. The shot is split and read as two separate shots; therefore it becomes two separate slices after being split. Step 1: Select the Split Shot function from the drop down menu. Step 2: Select the Split Now radio button.
  • Page 46 RAIDGuard X User’s Manual 1. The destination slice must be larger than the source slice. 2. The Source Slice and the Destination Slice can be on different arrays. 3. The Destination Slice must NOT be mapped to a LUN. 4. A shot will not be deleted if the details of the array change. The only way to delete a shot is using the delete function under Snapshot.

  • Page 47: Health Center

    Chapter 7 – Advanced Configuration Health Center If there are problems with the array then the health center can help to resolve them. Follow the steps below to select an array to verify, rebuild or condition. Step 1: Select the Array to verify, rebuild or condition. Step 2: Click the radio button to: Rebuild parity data –...

  • Page 48: Unlock Drives

    RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Unlock drives Locked drives are drives that for one reason or another have stopped being recognized by the controller. Follow the steps below to select a drive to unlock or change the ID. Locked drives prevent the accidental loss of user data when disk drives are installed one at a time, or a RAID member is accidentally removed while the system is powered-on.
  • Page 49 Appendices...

  • Page 50: Appendix A Glossary

    RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Appendix A Glossary Array See Disk Array. Cache Controller memory used to speed up data transfer to and from a disk. Disk Array A collection of disks from one or more commonly accessible disk controllers, combined with a body of Array Management Software.
  • Page 51 Appendix A – Glossary RAID (Redundant Array of Independent / Inexpensive Disks) A disk array in which part of the storage capacity is used to store redundant information about user data stored on the remainder of the storage capacity. The redundant information enables regeneration of user data in the event that one of the array member disks or the access path to it fails.

  • Page 52: Appendix B Raidguard X Icons

    RAIDGuard X User’s Manual Appendix B RAIDGuard X Icons This chapter details the icons used in this application and their use. ICON Description Main Menu Icons RAIDGuard X Server icon – The icon that is on the desktop and notification area. Add / Delete a controller –...
  • Page 53 A transition drive state during the array 1, 2, 3, 4 migration A transition drive state during the array 1, 2, 3, 4 migration A transition drive state during the array 1, 2, 3, 4 auto-rebuild RAID Levels easyRAID S8A2-PER2. easyRAID S8A2-PETT.

  • Page 54: Appendix C Introduction To Raid Levels

    Appendix C Introduction to RAID levels The easyRAID S8A2-PETT / easyRAID S8A2-PER2 can support the following RAID levels: 0, 1, 0+1, 5, 6 and JBOD. Which is the right level for you? The answer depends on the application you use your RAID for.
  • Page 55 Appendix D – Contact Us RAID 0 RAID 0 links each drive in the array as one huge drive. Storage capacity is determined by the smallest drive in the array. That capacity is then applied to format all other drives in the array.
  • Page 56 RAIDGuard X User’s Manual RAID 1 RAID 1 is commonly referred to as Disk Mirroring, Disk Shadowing or Disk Duplexing as all data is duplicated across both disks. RAID 1 can only be performed with two hard drives (with four drives, RAID 0+1 is configured automatically). As data is identical on both disks, storage capacity is that of the smaller disk.
  • Page 57 Appendix D – Contact Us RAID 0+1 RAID 0+1 combines mirroring and striping functions on a minimum of four hard disks. Mirroring provides full redundancy and protects data in case of multiple drive failure (providing that data on one of each mirrored pair of drives is intact). RAID 0+1: Combination of striping and mirroring Characteristics: This configuration provides optimal speed and reliability.
  • Page 58 RAIDGuard X User’s Manual RAID 5 RAID 5 uses a mathematical expression that compares data from two drives and calculates a third piece of data called “parity”. Should one of the drives fail, parity data can be used to rebuild the failed data. Under RAID 5, parity data is stored across all drives in the array.
  • Page 59 Appendix D – Contact Us RAID 6 RAID 6 is stripes blocks of data and parity across an array of drives like RAID 5, except that is calculates two sets of parity information for each parcel of data. The goal of this duplication is solely to improve fault tolerance;...
  • Page 60 RAIDGuard X User’s Manual JBOD JBOD (“Just a Bunch of Disks”) reports the individual drives. The operating system will see each drive in the JBOD mode as a individual drive. There is no RAID protection in the JBOD mode. The JBOD mode allows the user to connect more hard drives without taking up IDE connections on the motherboard.

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