Confirm Scsi Parameters, Domain Validation

5.If the A7173A adapter firmware is not current, install the latest firmware, see “Using mptutil to Verify or Update A7173A Adapter Firmware” (page 46).

a.Use the mptutil <dev_file> command to display information about the controller.

b.Examine the “Chip Information” section of the mptutil output to determine if the driver state is “operational.”

6.If the driver state is still not operational, or if the firmware did not require an update, then the card may be faulty. Contact your HP support representative.

No Target Devices are Displayed in the ioscan Output

If the A7173A adapter is claimed, but no target devices are displayed in the ioscan output, check the system log (syslog) for error messages from the mpt driver. The error messages may provide some clues about the source of the problem. For information on how to view the system log, see the syslogd(1M) manpage.

Confirm SCSI Parameters

You can ensure compatibility between the SCSI controller and SCSI devices using the commands available for setting and displaying the appropriate SCSI bus parameters, including the SCSI IDs.

There are separate procedures for setting and confirming the SCSI parameters offline and online. See Chapter 3: “Configuring the A7173A Adapter” (page 23), for details.

Domain Validation

Domain Validation automatically detects, and if necessary, compensates for hardware that is not performing at the optimal level. It does this by reducing the data transfer rate and bus width. This maintains data integrity, even if data transfers cannot occur at the maximum data transfer rate supported by the adapter. If Domain Validation reduces the transfer rate and the bus width, a message is generated to alert you to the problem.

Domain Validation is automatically enabled for all SCSI devices on the bus, as long as the adapter’s maximum data transfer rate is set to 160 MB/s or higher. See “About the Maximum Data Transfer Rate” (page 24), for more information on setting the adapter’s transfer rate.

Domain Validation runs each time the initiator and target devices negotiate the transfer rate and bus width. Events that can cause Domain Validation to run are:

•A protocol violation or some other exception condition that occurs on the SCSI bus

•A SCSI device that is powered on, and then I/O occurs to that device

Table 5-1shows the types of problems that Domain Validation can detect:

Table 5-1 Problems Detected By Domain Validation

Problem	Possible Cause
Incorrect SCSI bus termination	A missing or bad terminator, or an incorrect auto termination setting.
Incorrect hardware configuration
Cables with the wrong impedance	An incorrect cable type.
Major cable errors	A broken wire within a cable, or a bad connector.
SCSI device spacing problems
Path width errors	For example Narrow cable used with a Wide SCSI device.
Damaged or marginal transceivers

No Target Devices are Displayed in the ioscan Output

Ultra320 A7173A specifications

The HP Ultra320 A7173A is a high-performance Storage Area Network (SAN) component, widely recognized for its reliability and efficiency in data storage solutions. Designed to support the demands of enterprise-level applications, this SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) controller excels in providing fast and reliable data transfer, making it a preferred choice for businesses that require robust storage solutions.

One of the standout features of the A7173A is its ultra-fast data transfer rate. It is capable of achieving speeds of up to 320 MB/s, which is made possible through the Ultra320 SCSI technology. This speed enhancement is crucial for applications requiring quick access to large volumes of data, thus improving overall system performance. The controller maintains compatibility with previous SCSI standards, allowing for interoperability in diverse environments and ensuring that organizations can leverage their existing infrastructure.

The A7173A is built on advanced technologies that enhance its performance and reliability. These include intelligent data buffering and error correction mechanisms, which minimize the likelihood of data loss and improve the integrity of information during transfers. Additionally, the controller features multiple device connections, accommodating up to 15 devices on a single chain. This scalability offers flexibility in expanding storage solutions based on organizational needs.

Another significant characteristic of the HP Ultra320 A7173A is its support for a wide range of operating systems. The controller is versatile, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with numerous enterprise platforms. This broad compatibility ensures that IT departments can deploy the A7173A within their existing environments without major adjustments or additional costs.

Moreover, the A7173A comes with comprehensive management features, enabling administrators to monitor and optimize storage performance effectively. These features help in anticipating issues before they escalate, thereby minimizing downtime and facilitating smoother operations.

In essence, the HP Ultra320 A7173A is a comprehensive SAN solution that offers exceptional speed, reliability, and scalability. Its advanced technologies and versatile compatibility make it an ideal component for organizations looking to optimize their data storage infrastructure while ensuring robust performance across diverse applications. Investing in the A7173A can lead to marked improvements in data management, ultimately contributing to business efficiency and continuity.