HP Smart Array (RAID) Host Bus Adapters manual Configuring an array, Comparing the utilities

Page 13

Configuring an array

In this section
Utilities available for configuring an array	13
Comparing the utilities	13
Using ORCA	14
Using ACU	15

Utilities available for configuring an array

Two utilities are available for configuring an array on an HP Smart Array controller in an HP Integrity server: ORCA and ACU.

•ORCA is a simple utility that is used mainly to configure the first logical drive in a new server before the operating system is loaded.

•ACU is an advanced utility that enables you to perform many complex configuration tasks.

For more information about the features of these utilities and for instructions for using the utilities, see the Configuring Arrays on HP Smart Array Controllers Reference Guide. This guide is available on the Documentation CD that is provided in the controller kit.

Whichever utility you use, remember the following factors when you build an array:

•All drives in an array must be of the same type (for example, all SAS or all SATA).

•For the most efficient use of drive space, all drives within an array should have approximately the same capacity. Each configuration utility treats every physical drive in an array as if it has the same capacity as the smallest drive in the array. Any excess capacity of a particular drive cannot be used in the array and so is unavailable for data storage.

•The more physical drives that an array has, the greater the probability that the array will experience a drive failure during any given period. To guard against the data loss that occurs when a drive fails, configure all logical drives in an array with a suitable fault-tolerance (RAID) method.

Comparing the utilities

NOTE: A + in the appropriate column indicates that the feature or procedure is supported, while -- indicates that the feature or procedure is not supported.

Supported features	ACU	ORCA

Uses a graphical interface	+	--

Available in languages other than English	+	--

Available on CD	+	--

Uses a wizard to suggest the optimum configuration for an unconfigured controller	+	--

Describes configuration errors	+	--

Suitable for configuration while online	+	--

Suitable for configuration while offline	--	+

Configuring an array 13

Image 13

Contents October 2006 Second Edition Part Number Audience assumptions Contents Electrostatic discharge Controller specifications Hardware featuresMain components on the board This sectionPage Quick installation procedure Windows or Linux Overview of the installation procedureOverview of the installation procedure Before beginning the installation Preparing the server Installing the controller hardwareInstalling the controller board Connecting internal storage Connecting storage devicesConnecting external storage To order additional cables, use the option kit part number SAS cable part numbersMethods for updating the firmware Windows or Linux Updating the firmwareUtilities available for configuring an array Configuring an arrayComparing the utilities Select Create Logical Drive Using OrcaUsing ACU Systems using Microsoft Windows Installing device drivers and Management AgentsSystems using Linux A system that already has Linux installed Upgrading or replacing controller options Replacing or adding a batteryUpgrading or replacing controller options Upgrading or replacing controller options Upgrading or replacing controller options Replacing the cache module or controller Upgrading or replacing controller options Upgrading or replacing controller options Upgrading or replacing controller options Identifying the status of a hard drive Replacing, moving, or adding hard drivesTerminate the current operation and cause data loss Recognizing hard drive failureRecovering from compromised fault tolerance Compromised fault toleranceEffects of a hard drive failure Replacing hard drives Automatic data recovery rebuildFactors to consider before replacing hard drives Time required for a rebuild Case 1 An uncorrectable read error has occurredUpgrading hard drive capacity Case 2 The replacement drive has failedCase 3 Another drive in the array has failed Adding drives Moving drives and arraysReplacing, moving, or adding hard drives Controller board runtime LEDs Diagnosing array problemsBattery pack LEDs Post messages Diagnostic toolsPreventing electrostatic discharge Electrostatic dischargeGrounding methods to prevent electrostatic discharge Federal Communications Commission notice Regulatory compliance noticesModifications CablesBsmi notice Japanese class a notice European Union regulatory noticeTaiwan battery recycling notice Korean class a notice Battery replacement noticeAcronyms and abbreviations Smart Array Index Post error messages

Related manuals

Manual 36 pages 19.99 Kb