NOTE: The bus width parameter cannot be set offline on rp24xx and rp54xx systems.

The SCSI parameters for A7173A adapters installed in HP Integrity systems can be confirmed or changed offline using the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI), see “Using the EFI Utility on HP Integrity Systems” (page 32).

The SCSI parameters for an A7173A adapter installed in any supported HP-UX system can be confirmed or changed online using the mptconfig command, see “Using mptconfig for Online Configuration” (page 40).

To restore the default SCSI parameter settings, see “Setting SCSI Parameters to Default Values” (page 44).

About SCSI IDs

The firmware suggested default for the A7173A adapter SCSI ID is 7.

You must assign a separate SCSI ID (0 through 15 for a 16-bit SCSI bus) to the A7173A adapter and to each SCSI device on the bus. The priority of a device on a SCSI bus is determined by the SCSI ID of the device. The order of SCSI ID priorities (from highest to lowest) is 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, and 8. A device with SCSI ID 7 has the highest priority, and one with SCSI ID 8 has the lowest.

HP recommends the A7173A adapter be assigned a higher priority than the other SCSI devices on the bus. SCSI ID 7 is the preset SCSI ID for the A7173A adapter, giving it the highest priority on the SCSI bus. Set each of the other SCSI devices on the bus to one of the remaining SCSI IDs.

In a multi-initiator HA (High Availability) configuration, multiple SCSI adapters are connected to the same SCSI bus. In a multi-initiator configuration, the SCSI adapter that carries the most traffic must be assigned a SCSI ID of 7 (highest priority). The SCSI ID of each of the remaining SCSI adapters on the bus should be set to the next highest priority remaining SCSI IDs (for example, 6, 5, 4, and so on) with the highest traffic adapters getting the highest priority SCSI IDs.

Setting SCSI IDs Offline

For HP 9000 systems, the Boot Console Handler (BCH) menus are used to set SCSI IDs offline. See “Using the BCH Menus on HP 9000 Systems” (page 28), for details.

For HP Integrity® systems, EFI is used to set SCSI IDs offline. See “Using the EFI Utility on HP Integrity Systems” (page 32), for details.

Setting SCSI IDs Online

The mptconfig command is used to display and set SCSI IDs online for all supported systems. See “Setting and Confirming SCSI Parameters Online” (page 39), for details.

NOTE: Peripheral device SCSI IDs are typically determined automatically by the storage enclosure, or they may be set manually by a switch on the storage enclosure. See the documentation for each peripheral device to determine how to set its SCSI ID.

IMPORTANT: You must not have duplicate SCSI IDs on a SCSI bus; the system may hang or crash if you have duplicate SCSI IDs on the same bus.

About the Maximum Data Transfer Rate

The firmware suggested default for the A7173A adapter data transfer rate is “MAX” or “NOLIMIT”, which allows a maximum data transfer rate of 320 MB/s. The A7173A can communicate with all LVD or SE devices that have data transfer rates up to 320 MB/s, including the following data transfer rates (synchronous communication over a Wide bus):

24 Configuring the A7173A Adapter

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HP Ultra320 A7173A About Scsi IDs, About the Maximum Data Transfer Rate, Setting Scsi IDs Offline, Setting Scsi IDs Online

Ultra320 A7173A specifications

The HP Ultra320 A7173A is a high-performance Storage Area Network (SAN) component, widely recognized for its reliability and efficiency in data storage solutions. Designed to support the demands of enterprise-level applications, this SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) controller excels in providing fast and reliable data transfer, making it a preferred choice for businesses that require robust storage solutions.

One of the standout features of the A7173A is its ultra-fast data transfer rate. It is capable of achieving speeds of up to 320 MB/s, which is made possible through the Ultra320 SCSI technology. This speed enhancement is crucial for applications requiring quick access to large volumes of data, thus improving overall system performance. The controller maintains compatibility with previous SCSI standards, allowing for interoperability in diverse environments and ensuring that organizations can leverage their existing infrastructure.

The A7173A is built on advanced technologies that enhance its performance and reliability. These include intelligent data buffering and error correction mechanisms, which minimize the likelihood of data loss and improve the integrity of information during transfers. Additionally, the controller features multiple device connections, accommodating up to 15 devices on a single chain. This scalability offers flexibility in expanding storage solutions based on organizational needs.

Another significant characteristic of the HP Ultra320 A7173A is its support for a wide range of operating systems. The controller is versatile, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with numerous enterprise platforms. This broad compatibility ensures that IT departments can deploy the A7173A within their existing environments without major adjustments or additional costs.

Moreover, the A7173A comes with comprehensive management features, enabling administrators to monitor and optimize storage performance effectively. These features help in anticipating issues before they escalate, thereby minimizing downtime and facilitating smoother operations.

In essence, the HP Ultra320 A7173A is a comprehensive SAN solution that offers exceptional speed, reliability, and scalability. Its advanced technologies and versatile compatibility make it an ideal component for organizations looking to optimize their data storage infrastructure while ensuring robust performance across diverse applications. Investing in the A7173A can lead to marked improvements in data management, ultimately contributing to business efficiency and continuity.