Serial Connections, Network Connections | Promise Technology m210p

Chapter 8: Troubleshooting

CONSOLE

Mgmt

SCSI “Out”	SCSI “Out”
connector	connector

This means you can, for example, connect your Host PC to one of the VTrak’s SCSI “In” ports without the need of an external SCSI terminator. You can also connect both SCSI connectors in a “daisy-chain” with other VTraks.

Be sure to enable termination on the last VTrak in the chain. Promise recommends that you attach the SCSI cable to the “In” connector and set the internal termination to “On” or “Automatic”.

Or you can attach the SCSI cable to the “Out” connector and install a physical terminator (not supplied) onto the “In” connector.

Serial Connections

VTrak uses a serial connection for the command line interface (CLI) and the command line utility (CLU). After you set the IP address, you can access the CLI and CLU through a network connection, also. Normally, users prefer WebPAM PROe because of its graphic user interface. But the CLI and CLU can do the same jobs. And they will work when your network connection is down.

For VTrak, you must use the CLI or CLU to set the Management Port IP address in order for WebPAM PROe to connect with it. See “VTrak Setup with CLI or CLU” on page 17. This issue is discussed further under Network Connections (below). See the “Set Up Serial Cable Connections” on page 14 for more information on making the connection.

The CLI and CLU control and manage but they do not move data. They communicates through a null-modem cable, supplied with the VTrak. A straight- through serial cable will not work for this purpose. You may choose not use the CLI or CLU often and want to disconnect and store the cable. Consider leaving it connected, to be sure it will be there when you need it.

Network Connections

VTrak has an RJ-45 Management Port connector on the back of its cabinet. This is a Gigabit Ethernet connector designed to connect to your network. The VTrak becomes a node on your network like any other PC, server or other component with an IP address.

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m210p, VTrak external disk array subsystem, m310p specifications

Promise Technology has established itself as a strong player in the storage solutions market, particularly with its VTrak series of storage systems. Among the notable products in this lineup are the VTrak M310P and M210P models, designed to deliver efficiency, scalability, and high performance for businesses of all sizes.

The Promise VTrak M310P is a high-performance storage solution that emphasizes speed and versatility. This model supports both SAS and SATA drives, enabling enterprises to tailor their storage needs based on workload requirements. It is built with an advanced RAID engine that provides multiple RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, ensuring data redundancy and protection against drive failures. The M310P can accommodate up to 96TB of raw storage when fully populated, catering to environments that require large amounts of data retention and quick access times.

Key features of the VTrak M310P include the intuitive management interface, which simplifies storage provisioning and monitoring. This model also incorporates Promise's innovative "HyperRAID" technology, which enhances performance by optimizing I/O operations and providing real-time analytics and reporting. Additionally, the M310P supports a variety of host connection interfaces, including iSCSI, Fibre Channel, and InfiniBand, allowing seamless integration into existing infrastructure.

On the other hand, the VTrak M210P is tailored for a slightly different audience, focusing on small to medium-sized businesses that require reliable and cost-effective storage solutions. The M210P retains several high-end features found in its bigger counterpart while offering a more budget-friendly option. This model also supports a mix of SAS and SATA drives and includes RAID capabilities similar to the M310P for data protection.

The M210P provides a robust set of management tools designed for ease of use, including automated alerts and comprehensive reporting capabilities. Its compact design and reliable performance make it ideal for remote office locations or data centers where space is a premium. Furthermore, the model incorporates advanced power management features to reduce energy consumption without compromising performance.

Both the M310P and M210P are built with scalability in mind, allowing businesses to easily expand their storage capacity as data needs grow. With a focus on durability, performance, and advanced technology, Promise Technology’s VTrak systems are well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of modern data storage. Whether for large enterprises or smaller organizations, these products offer solutions that enhance productivity and ensure data integrity.