4 HP A7173A Administration and Management

This chapter contains the following sections detailing A7173A adapter Administration and Management tasks:

•“Performance Tuning” (page 45)

•“Online Replacement of the A7173A Adapter” (page 45)

•“Verify or Update A7173A Adapter Firmware On HP 9000 Systems” (page 46)

•“Verify or Update A7173A Adapter Firmware on HP Integrity Systems” (page 46)

•“Using mptutil to Verify or Update A7173A Adapter Firmware” (page 46)

Performance Tuning

To get the best performance from the A7173A adapter, HP recommends the following:

•Increase the number specified for the maximum queue depth:

—HP-UX 11i v1, 11i v2: The scsi_max_qdepth tunable is dynamic, so no system reboot is needed to change the parameter’s value. See “SCSI Queue Depth Management” in the HP-UX 11i Release Notes for more information about this tunable. If you see “queue full” messages in the /var/adm/syslog.log file, you can avoid those messages by reducing the value for scsi_max_qdepth.

—HP-UX 11i v3: The scsi_max_qdepth tunable has been obsoleted and replaced with the max_q_depth tunable starting with HP-UX 11i v3. The max_q_depth tunable is dynamic, so no system reboot is needed to change the parameter’s value. You can use the scsimgr command to set this value at a global level (such as for all disk devices); for a set of devices (such as for all disk devices from HP); or for a single device (such as for disk0). See the scsimgr (1M) manpage for details.

•Install the A7173A adapter in a PCI-X, 133 MHz, 64 bit, 4x (“Twin Turbo” or “Dual Rope”) slot.

•Do not connect any Single Ended (SE) SCSI devices on the same SCSI bus with Low Voltage Differential (LVD) SCSI devices. This limits the maximum bus speed to Ultra SCSI (40 MB/s). See “Important Rules For Connecting SCSI Devices” (page 17).

•When you assign SCSI IDs to SCSI devices on the bus, assign the highest priority SCSI IDs to the devices with the highest volume of data transfer; see “About SCSI IDs” (page 24).

•Set the A7173A adapter’s maximum data transfer rate to the optimal setting for your configuration; see “About the Maximum Data Transfer Rate” (page 24).

•Make sure you have the correct SCSI hardware configuration. Domain Validation can detect some configuration problems; see “Domain Validation” (page 53).

Online Replacement of the A7173A Adapter

Online Addition and Replacement (OLAR for HP-UX 11i v1, or OL* for HP-UX 11i v2 and later HP-UX releases) enables you to add, replace, or delete a PCI host bus adapter in an HP-UX system without shutting down or rebooting the system, and without adversely affecting other system components. The system hardware uses slot-specific power control combined with HP-UX operating system support to enable this feature. For more information, see “Online Installation” (page 16).

Performance Tuning

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HP Ultra320 A7173A HP A7173A Administration and Management, Performance Tuning, Online Replacement of the A7173A Adapter
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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.
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