47

Chapter 4: RAID Configurations

This chapter describes how to set up, configure and use the 2Gb SANbloc Series RAID Controller. Some general infor- mation about the RAID controller is also provided.

2Gb SANbloc Series RAID Controller Introduction

The 2Gb SANbloc RAID Controller is a high performance

controller, providing two host fibre channel and two device fibre channel interfaces. It is an intelligent, caching controller that supports RAID levels 0, 1, 3, 5, 0+1, and JBOD. The controller enables multiple hosts to access an array of disk drives, which can be configured as one or more virtual storage devices (logical units).

The controller provides continuous access to data in the event of a disk drive failure. When configured in a dual- active controller system, the RAID controller also provides continuous access to data in the event of a controller failure. This dual-active controller system is one in which two controllers share access to the same array of disk drives. In the event of a controller failure, controller opera- tions are assumed by the surviving controller through a failover process. The failed controller can then be removed and replaced while the system is online. The new controller resumes processing array operations in a failback process. During failover and failback, write cache coherency is maintained with the disk drives.

Three circuit boards make up the RAID Controller:

•Controller: The controller circuit board contains the main controller and peripheral functions, including processor, control-store memory, XOR engine and cache controller, and

2Gb SANbloc Series RAID Controller Introduction

Page 46 Page 48
Page 47
Image 47
Adaptec MAN-FC2002-001 manual RAID Configurations, 2Gb SANbloc Series RAID Controller Introduction
Page 46 Page 48

MAN-FC2002-001 specifications

The Adaptec MAN-FC2002-001 is a high-performance storage controller designed to address the needs of enterprise-level data management. This Fibre Channel host bus adapter (HBA) is engineered to facilitate fast and reliable data transfer between servers and storage devices, thereby enhancing overall storage performance. One of its standout features is the support for 2 Gbps Fibre Channel technology, which enables rapid communication in environments where speed is critical.

This controller is equipped with dual-channel architecture that provides advanced connectivity options. This design not only improves bandwidth utilization but also allows for simultaneous access to multiple storage devices, enhancing system efficiency. With its robust architecture, the MAN-FC2002-001 supports both point-to-point and switched fabric connectivity, giving users flexibility in their configurations based on their unique storage environment.

One of the key technologies incorporated in the Adaptec MAN-FC2002-001 is its advanced error checking and correction capabilities. These features help protect data integrity during transmission, minimizing data loss risks. Additionally, the HBA supports an array of operating systems, including various UNIX distributions and Windows servers, making it a versatile choice for diverse IT infrastructures.

Performance-wise, the controller is optimized for high I/O operations, making it suitable for demanding applications such as databases, virtualization, and large file transfers. With support for advanced queuing techniques, it can efficiently manage a high volume of data requests, thus reducing latency and enhancing response times.

In terms of compatibility, the Adaptec MAN-FC2002-001 easily integrates with external storage arrays, providing users with options to scale their storage solutions as needed. The card is designed for both backward compatibility with older Fibre Channel infrastructures and forward compatibility with the latest technologies, thereby extending the investment value for enterprises.

To complement its technical capabilities, the MAN-FC2002-001 features a comprehensive set of management tools, allowing system administrators to monitor performance metrics, manage firmware updates, and configure settings easily. Its reliable design and robust performance characteristics make the Adaptec MAN-FC2002-001 an ideal choice for organizations looking to enhance their storage network infrastructure while maintaining high availability and reliability. Overall, the Adaptec MAN-FC2002-001 represents a powerful solution for modern data storage challenges.
Top Page Image Contents