SUPER MICRO Computer AOCS2308LL8E Integrated RAID Firmware, Metadata Support, Hot Swapping

Page 68

AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual

Figure 7-3. Integrated Mirroring Enhanced with Three Disks

Logical View

 

Physical View

 

 

Mirrored Stripe1

 

 

 

 

Mirrored Stripe1

 

Mirrored Stripe2

 

Mirrored Stripe3

Mirrored Stripe2

 

 

 

 

Mirrored Stripe3

 

Mirrored Stripe1

 

Mirrored Stripe2

Mirrored Stripe3

+

 

+

 

Mirrored Stripe4

Mirrored Stripe5

Mirrored Stripe6

Mirrored Stripe4

 

 

Mirrored Stripe6

 

Mirrored Stripe4

 

Mirrored Stripe5

Mirrored Stripe5

 

 

 

 

. . .

 

. . .

 

. . .

Mirrored Stripe6

 

 

 

 

Mirrored Stripe n-2

 

Mirrored Stripe n-1

 

Mirrored Stripe n

. . .

 

 

 

 

Mirrored Stripe n

 

Mirrored Stripe(n-2)

 

Mirrored Stripe(n-1)

Mirrored Stripe N

 

 

 

 

The BIOS-based configuration utility enables you to create IM and IME volumes during initial setup and to reconfigure them in response to hardware failures or changes in the environment.

7-4 Integrated RAID Firmware

This section describes features of the Integrated RAID firmware.

Resynchronization with Concurrent Host I/O Operation

The Integrated RAID firmware allows host I/Os to continue on an IM or IME volume while the volume is being re-synchronized in the background. Resynchronization is attempted after a hot spare is activated due to a physical device failure, or after a hot swap has occurred to a physical disk in the volume.

Metadata Support

The firmware supports metadata, which describes the IM/IME logical drive configuration stored on each member disk. When the firmware is initialized, each member disk is queried to read the stored metadata in order to verify the configuration. The usable disk space for each member disk is adjusted down when the configuration is created, in order to leave room for this data.

Hot Swapping

The firmware supports hot swapping. The hot-swapped disk is automatically resynchronized in the background, without any host or user intervention. The firmware detects hot swap removal and disk insertion.

7-4

Image 68
Contents AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual Table of Contents MegaRAID Overview and Installation MegaRAID Window and MenusIntegrated Mirroring and Integrated Mirroring Activating an ArrayUsing the Cfggen IR Configuration Utility Hardware and Software RequirementsProduct Features PrefaceAbout this Manual Operating Systems SupportedContacting SuperMicro HeadquartersGeneral Safety Guidelines Chapter Safety GuidelinesESD Safety Guidelines AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual Chapter Connectors, Jumpers and Indicators Front Connectors and Pin DefinitionsInternal SAS Connectors Active LED ConnectorFront Jumper Locations and Pin Definitions Jumper LocationsLED Indicators Jumper Jumper SettingsRAID Minimum Drive Requirements LNP7AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual Chapter RAID Modes, Firmware and Drivers RAID ModesFlashing Firmware Downloading RAID Mode DriversGetting Firmware Downloads Activating RAID Modes in Oprom Bios AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual Configuring Arrays and Logical Drives Chapter MegaRAID Bios Configuration UtilityPerforming a Quick Configuration Starting the MegaRAID Bios CU Using Easy ConfigurationMegaRAID Bios Configuration Utility Using New Configuration and View/Add Configuration MegaRAID Bios Configuration Utility Creating a Global Hotspare Drive Initializing Virtual DrivesFirst Initialization Method Setting the Hard Disk Write Cache and Read Ahead Policies Virtual Drives List ScreenRebuilding a Drive Rebuilding a DriveHot Plug Support Checking Data Consistency Initialization of Array Not Complete! Press ESCViewing and Changing Device Properties Viewing and Changing Adapter PropertiesViewing Physical Drive Properties Forcing Drives Online or OfflineViewing and Changing Virtual Drive Properties Deleting a Virtual Drive Configuring a Bootable Virtual DriveClearing a Storage Configuration To clear a storage configuration, follow these steps AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual Chapter MegaRAID Overview and Installation Creating Storage ConfigurationsMaintaining Storage Configurations OverviewInstalling for Windows Hardware and Software RequirementsMegaRAID Overview and Installation Setup Type Screen Installing for Linux Linux Error MessagesExiting installation Chapter MegaRAID Window and Menus Starting MegaRAID Storage Manager SoftwareSelect Server Window MegaRAID Window and Menus MegaRAID Storage Manager Window Physical/Logical View PanelMenu Bar Properties/Operations/Graphical View PanelEvent Log Panel Creating a New Storage Configuration File MenuMode Selection Screen Using Auto Configuration Understanding Virtual Disk ParametersAuto Configuration Screen Using Guided Configuration First Guided Configuration ScreenMegaRAID Window and Menus Second Guided Configuration Screen Using Manual Configuration RAID Manual Configuration First Manual Configuration ScreenDefining a Virtual Disk Screen Using Manual Configuration RAID Using Manual Configuration RAID Using Manual Configuration RAID Adding or Deleting a Hotspare Disks 10. Adding a Hotspare DiskChanging Adjustable Task Rates Changing Virtual Disk Properties Deleting a Virtual DiskSaving a Storage Configuration to Disk Clearing a Storage Configuration from a ControllerAdding a Saved Storage Configuration Introduction IM and IME Features IM/IME DescriptionLogical View Integrated RAID Firmware Resynchronization with Concurrent Host I/O OperationMetadata Support Hot SwappingSmart Support Hot Spare DiskMedia Verification Disk Write CachingFusion-MPT Support IM/IME Configuration OverviewCreating IM and IME Volumes Creating an IM Volume Adapter List ScreenAdapter Properties Screen Select New Array Type Screen Create New Array Screen Creating an IME Volume Creating a Second IM or IME VolumeManaging Hot Spares Manage Array ScreenSynchronizing an Array Other Configuration TasksViewing Volume Properties Activating an Array Deleting an ArrayLocating Drives in a Volume Selecting a Boot DiskAOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual Is Features Chapter Integrated StripingIs Description LSIIs Configuration Overview Integrated Striping FirmwareCreating is Volumes Creating is Volumes Create New Array Screen Creating a Second is Volume Viewing is Volume PropertiesLocating a Disk in a Volume Selecting a Boot Disk AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual Chapter Using the Cfggen IR Configuration Utility Cfggen Commands Cfggen Interface DescriptionCommon Command Line Parameters Create CommandCommand Line Defaults Command Display CommandSample Output Maxtor Format Command Hotspare Command Status CommandSetoffline Command Setonline Command Auto Command EFI Version OnlyCfggen controller # auto volume type size qsync noprompt Disableir Command EFI Version Only Enableir Command EFI Version OnlyList Command EFI Version Only Disclaimer 10-2

AOCS2308LL8E specifications

Supermicro, a renowned leader in high-performance computing solutions, has introduced the AOC-S2308LL8E, a powerful SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) controller card designed to enhance storage performance and capability in enterprise systems. This cutting-edge controller provides exceptional functionality for organizations looking to handle large volumes of data efficiently.

The AOC-S2308LL8E features the LSI SAS2308 dual-core processor, which supports 12Gb/s data transfer rates, ensuring swift and reliable connections to storage devices. With its eight internal SAS/SATA ports, this controller card facilitates the connection of multiple drives, allowing for increased data throughput and redundancy, which are essential for critical applications such as database management and virtualization.

One of the standout characteristics of the AOC-S2308LL8E is its compatibility with both SAS and SATA drives. This flexibility allows organizations to choose between high-performance SAS drives or more economical SATA drives based on their specific storage requirements. The controller supports a wide array of RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, providing users with the ability to select configurations that enhance data integrity and availability.

Additionally, the card is designed with an advanced cache memory that optimizes data access times, further enhancing overall performance. The AOC-S2308LL8E also features a low-profile form factor, making it suitable for various server chassis configurations, even in space-constrained environments.

In terms of connectivity, the AOC-S2308LL8E is equipped with dual mini-SAS connectors, enabling seamless connectivity to multiple storage devices. With support for a high number of simultaneous I/O operations, this controller card is well-suited for tasks requiring substantial bandwidth, like large-scale data processing and analytics.

Moreover, Supermicro's AOC-S2308LL8E comes with robust management and monitoring features, ensuring that users can maintain optimal performance levels while responding proactively to any potential issues. Built-in support for advanced error recovery techniques helps guarantee data integrity, a feature critical in any enterprise setting.

To summarize, the Supermicro AOC-S2308LL8E is an ideal solution for businesses looking to enhance their storage capabilities. With its combination of high data transfer rates, RAID support, compatibility with various storage drive types, and advanced management features, the AOC-S2308LL8E stands out as a reliable choice for maximizing performance in demanding environments. Organizations investing in this controller will benefit from its efficiency, reliability, and scalability, crucial for future-proofing their IT infrastructure.