CHAPTER 5: Driver Installation

5.8.3ADDING THE DRIVER TO AN EXISTING SCO UNIX SYSTEM AND MAKING THE ADAPTER

BOOTABLE

Take these steps to install the Ultra2 LVD SCSI Host Adapter driver in an existing SCO UNIX system and make the Adapter you just installed bootable:

1.Insert Driver Disk 2 in your floppy drive.

2.Type “installpkg” at the command prompt and press <ENTER>. The system will ask you what packages you want to install. Type: “a10<ENTER>”.

3.Edit the “mscsi” file. First type in these lines at the system prompt:

cd /etc/conf/cf.d < ENTER >

cp mscsi mscsi.bak < ENTER >

vi mscsi < ENTER >

Once you are inside vi, the editor program, you need to manually add lines to “mscsi” that identify all of the devices attached to the Adapter. Refer to the example below: “ha” stands for “host adapter” (for which you should enter “a10” for each device attached to an Ultra2 LVD SCSI Host Adapter); “attach” stands for the type of device attached (“Stp” = tape drive, “Sdsk” = hard disk drive, “Srom” = CD-ROM drive); “number” stands for the adapter number, a. k. a. the number that the motherboard has assigned to the PCI bus the Adapter is on; “ID” stands for the SCSI ID number; “lun” stands for logical unit number; and “bus” stands for bus number.

ha

attach

number

ID

lun

bus

a10

Stp

0

2

0

0

a10

Sdsk

0

0

0

0

a10

Srom

0

5

0

0

4.Rebuild the UNIX kernel: Type “. /link_unix <ENTER>”.

5.You have completed the link procedure for the Adapter’s device driver. Exit and reboot the system.

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Black Box SCSI-2 LVD manual Attach Number Lun Bus

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.