Chapter 1: About This Guide 13

What You Need to Know Before You Begin

You should be familiar with computer hardware, data storage, RAID technology, and SAS and Serial ATA (SATA) technology. (For an introduction to SAS, see page 88.)

You should also be familiar with Direct-Attached Storage (DAS) concepts and technology.

Note: Because this guide covers multiple Adaptec RAID products, some of the features and functions described may not be available for your controller. For more information, see About Your RAID Controller on page 17.

Terminology Used in this Guide

Because you can use your Adaptec RAID controller to manage data storage in a variety of configurations, the generic term “storage space” is used to refer to controller(s) and disk drives being managed with Adaptec Storage ManagerTM or the other utilities described in this guide.

Many of the terms and concepts referred to in this guide are known to computer users by multiple names. This guide uses these terms:

Controller (also known as adapter, board, or card)

Disk drive (also known as hard disk, hard drive, or hard disk drive)

Solid State Drive (also known as SSD or non-rotating storage media)

Enclosure (also known as a RAID enclosure, storage enclosure, or JBOD enclosure)

Array (also known as a container, logical device, or logical drive)

Note: Adaptec Storage Manager refers to arrays as logical drives. Your RAID controller creates arrays, which your operating system (and Adaptec Storage Manager) recognizes as logical drives. For more information, refer to the Adaptec Storage Manager User’s Guide on the Adaptec Installation DVD.

How to Find More Information

You can find more information about your Adaptec RAID controller and the software and utilities included with it by referring to these documents:

Readme.txt—Includes updated product information and known issues; located on the Adaptec Installation DVD.

Adaptec Storage Manager User’s Guide—Describes how to install and use the Adaptec Storage Manager software (see page 80) to manage your direct attached storage; located on the Adaptec Installation DVD.

Adaptec Storage Manager Online Help—Describes how to use the Adaptec Storage Manager software; accessible from the main window of Adaptec Storage Manager.

Adaptec RAID Controller Command Line Utility User’s Guide—Describes how to use the included Adaptec RAID Controller Configuration (ARCCONF) command line utility (see page 80) to perform basic array and configuration management functions; located on the Adaptec Installation DVD.

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Adaptec 2268300R What You Need to Know Before You Begin, Terminology Used in this Guide, How to Find More Information

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.