CHAPTER 5: Driver Installation

5.5 Installing Drivers for Novell NetWare

With additional software drivers, your Ultra2 LVD SCSI Host Adapter will support Novell NetWare 386, v3.1x, v4.1x, or v5.0. (Note, however, that users of versions of NetWare earlier than v5.0 must upgrade their systems with the NWPA [NetWare Peripheral Architecture] in order to be able to use the Adapter, because there are no .DSK drivers for it—see the README.TXT file on Driver Disk 1 for more information.) The installation procedure described here requires some experience in Novell system setup and administration. The device drivers are transferred from Driver Disk 1 to the hard drive from which they are automatically loaded during the system boot routine. The diskette contains these driver files:

\NETWARE\HAM\INIA100.HAM

HAM device driver

\NETWARE\HAM\INIA100.DDI

HAM device-driver installation file

The NetWare driver will be installed on the disk drive used for NetWare system initialization. The driver is loaded during the system boot routine and will remain resident on the drive. This is accomplished by following one of the two installation procedures listed in this section: new NetWare installation, or adding the Adapter drivers to an existing NetWare system.

These procedures differ significantly from one another. We strongly suggest that you carefully read the instructions for the procedure you plan to use and make sure you understand them before proceeding with the corresponding system- configuration changes. In addition, Driver Disk 1 contains a README.TXT file that might contain important updated information about the procedures described in this chapter; we recommend that you read it and use it when you perform the driver installation.

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Black Box SCSI-2 LVD manual Installing Drivers for Novell NetWare, NETWARE\HAM\INIA100.DDI

SCSI-2 LVD specifications

The Black Box SCSI-2 LVD (Low Voltage Differential) represents a significant advancement in data storage and connectivity technology, particularly in environments requiring high performance and reliability. As a variant of the SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) standard, it is optimized for faster data communication, essential for modern computing needs.

One of the main features of SCSI-2 LVD is its capability to handle increased data transfer speeds compared to its predecessors. It supports a maximum data transfer rate of up to 80 MB/s, which is double that of the original SCSI-2 single-ended signaling. This increase in speed is largely due to the differential signaling that LVD employs, allowing for reduced electromagnetic interference and extended cable lengths while maintaining signal integrity. The technology effectively converts the SCSI bus into a more robust system that can accommodate various devices without compromising performance.

The SCSI-2 LVD standard is backward compatible, meaning that it can interface with older SCSI devices, albeit at reduced speeds. This compatibility is significant for users looking to upgrade their systems without discarding existing hardware. This makes SCSI-2 LVD an attractive choice for enterprise environments where legacy systems are common.

Another key characteristic is the flexible cabling options provided by SCSI-2 LVD. It can support cable lengths of up to 12 meters, which is beneficial for large data center configurations where space between devices can be substantial. This extended range does not typically come at the expense of performance, ensuring that data integrity remains high, even over longer distances.

In terms of technology, LVD employs lower voltage levels, which not only contributes to greater power efficiency but also minimizes heat generation in devices. This is particularly crucial in data centers where temperature management can impact hardware longevity and reliability. The combination of lower voltage use and differential signaling makes SCSI-2 LVD well-suited for high-density environments.

Error correction and handshaking features are also integral to SCSI-2 LVD, enhancing its robustness against data loss during transmission. These characteristics make it a reliable choice for applications requiring consistent and high-speed data access, such as server arrays and high-performance computing tasks.

Overall, Black Box SCSI-2 LVD stands out due to its impressive speed, compatibility, and extensive cabling options, positioning it as a reliable solution for demanding data environments. It effectively bridges the gap between legacy systems and modern technology, ensuring that users can optimize their data handling capabilities without significant disruption.