Appendix D: Using the Adaptec Flash Utility 117

Creating the Firmware Update Disks

To create the firmware update disks:

1Copy these files to empty, formatted floppy disks, a USB flash drive, or a writable CD:

AFU.exe

Axxxx01.ufi

where xxx is the model number of your controller.

Note: Most controller model numbers have a suffix (for example Adaptec RAID 3405). Check that the .ufi file is the correct file for your controller before copying.

2If using floppy disks, copy each additional Axxxx0x.ufi file to a separate floppy disk. (Some RAID controllers have four UFI files; some have more. Each goes onto its own floppy disk.)

3To use a menu-based AFU, see the following section. To run the AFU from the command line, see page 118.

Running the Menu-based AFU

To run the menu-based AFU:

1Shut down your operating system and reboot to DOS from a bootable DOS floppy disk or from a DOS partition on a bootable drive. (You can use a disk drive connected to the controller you are updating.) If your computer isn’t set up to boot from the bootable floppy disk, enter the system setup utility and change the setting.

2Insert the firmware update disk (created using the steps above) containing AFU.exe

3At the DOS command prompt, type AFU with no arguments. The AFU’s main menu is displayed.

4Select Select Controllers, then select the Adaptec RAID controller(s) to be flashed.

To update multiple RAID controllers in the same system, update the boot controller’s flash first, restart the computer, then update the flash for the remaining controllers.

5Select Select an Operation.

6Choose the operation you want, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the task:

Update flash image—Updates all the flash components on a RAID controller with the flash image data from the UFI file.

Save flash image—Reads the contents of a RAID controller’s flash components and saves the data to a UFI file, which you can use to restore a RAID controller’s flash if required.

Verify flash image—Reads the contents of a RAID controller’s flash components and compares it to the contents of the specified UFI file.

Display flash information—Displays version information about a RAID controller’s flash components.

Page 118
Image 118
Adaptec 2268300R manual Running the Menu-based AFU, Creating the Firmware Update Disks

2268300R specifications

The Adaptec 2268300R is a robust and versatile RAID controller designed for enterprise-level storage needs. Ideal for environments demanding high availability, performance, and data protection, this controller provides organizations with the ability to manage large volumes of data while ensuring reliability.

One of the standout features of the Adaptec 2268300R is its support for various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. This flexibility allows users to choose the configuration that best suits their performance and redundancy requirements. By combining multiple drives into a single logical unit, the controller enhances data throughput and ensures data safety through redundancy.

The controller is built on a SATA and SAS architecture, allowing it to connect directly to both SATA and SAS drives. This broad compatibility is crucial for businesses looking to leverage existing hardware while also scaling their storage infrastructure. The Adaptec 2268300R is equipped with a powerful onboard processor that significantly boosts performance, driving down latency and increasing transaction speeds across connected drives.

Additionally, the Adaptec 2268300R features cache memory with a non-volatile option that enhances data integrity during unexpected power outages. This feature is essential for mission-critical applications where data loss can have severe repercussions. Moreover, the controller supports advanced caching algorithms, optimizing write and read performance to meet the demands of modern applications.

The controller also integrates seamlessly with Adaptec's management suite, providing users with a graphical interface to monitor and manage their storage solutions effectively. The web-based management tool allows administrators to configure RAID settings, monitor disk health, and perform troubleshooting, all from a centralized platform.

Security is another critical aspect of the Adaptec 2268300R. The controller comes equipped with encryption capabilities, enabling users to secure sensitive data at rest—protecting information from unauthorized access. Furthermore, with features like hot-spare drive support and automatic rebuilds, the controller assures continued operation even in the event of a disk failure.

In conclusion, the Adaptec 2268300R is a powerful RAID controller that delivers significant advantages in performance, flexibility, and reliability. With its support for multiple RAID levels, SAS and SATA compatibility, robust caching, and advanced management tools, it stands out as an ideal solution for businesses needing to safeguard and manage their vast data assets efficiently. Whether for enhancing data security or optimizing storage performance, the Adaptec 2268300R remains a sound choice in today’s data-driven landscape.