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Promise Technology VTrak external disk array subsystem Connection Problems, Scsi Connections

Models: m210p VTrak external disk array subsystem m310p

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VTrak M310, M210p Product Manual

Connection Problems

When you install your Promise product following the instructions in the Quick Start Guide and this Product Manual, you should have little trouble getting your equipment to work the first time. But connection problems can arise that are not the User's or Installer's fault. Every conceivable problem cannot be covered in the documentation but some guidelines could be helpful.

Connection problems cause a majority of failures in almost any electrical system. While the installation of the cables and components was correct, they don't function properly, or at all, because:

•A connector is dirty or corroded

•A connector is loose or damaged

•A cable looks OK outside but has an open circuit inside

•The wrong cable was used

VTraks ship with a full set of new cables, as required for each specific model. Be sure to use these components because: 1.) They are the proper ones for your RAID subsystem, 2.) They are in brand-new condition, and 3.) You paid for them with the purchase of your VTrak.

SCSI Connections

VTrak uses a network connection to pass command and management information. Data is transmitted via the SCSI bus. Proper termination and SCSI-3 compliant cables are required for the system to operate correctly.

SCSI connections are both physical (outside) and electrical (inside). You can see a physical connection, you can clean it or try a different cable on it. Electrical connections are made by firmware and software.

VTrak makes use of SCSI Target IDs (TIDs) and Logical Unit Numbers (LUNs) to enable multiple VTrak arrays managed by a single Host PC

SCSI channels are completely intolerant of TID conflicts. If you have a conflict, the devices on your SCSI chain will not work correctly until it is resolved.

The VTrak RAID subsystem is sensitive to the presence of other devices on the SCSI chain. Do not connect other devices to the SCSI chain with a VTrak, except for an other VTrak.

Termination

VTrak has an internal termination feature but it works only on the “Out” connector. Internal termination is set to “Automatic” by default. For termination settings, see “SCSI Channel Settings” on page 62 or “Channel Settings” on page 151.

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Promise Technology VTrak external disk array subsystem, m210p, m310p Connection Problems, Scsi Connections, Termination
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m210p, VTrak external disk array subsystem, m310p specifications

Promise Technology has established itself as a strong player in the storage solutions market, particularly with its VTrak series of storage systems. Among the notable products in this lineup are the VTrak M310P and M210P models, designed to deliver efficiency, scalability, and high performance for businesses of all sizes.

The Promise VTrak M310P is a high-performance storage solution that emphasizes speed and versatility. This model supports both SAS and SATA drives, enabling enterprises to tailor their storage needs based on workload requirements. It is built with an advanced RAID engine that provides multiple RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, ensuring data redundancy and protection against drive failures. The M310P can accommodate up to 96TB of raw storage when fully populated, catering to environments that require large amounts of data retention and quick access times.

Key features of the VTrak M310P include the intuitive management interface, which simplifies storage provisioning and monitoring. This model also incorporates Promise's innovative "HyperRAID" technology, which enhances performance by optimizing I/O operations and providing real-time analytics and reporting. Additionally, the M310P supports a variety of host connection interfaces, including iSCSI, Fibre Channel, and InfiniBand, allowing seamless integration into existing infrastructure.

On the other hand, the VTrak M210P is tailored for a slightly different audience, focusing on small to medium-sized businesses that require reliable and cost-effective storage solutions. The M210P retains several high-end features found in its bigger counterpart while offering a more budget-friendly option. This model also supports a mix of SAS and SATA drives and includes RAID capabilities similar to the M310P for data protection.

The M210P provides a robust set of management tools designed for ease of use, including automated alerts and comprehensive reporting capabilities. Its compact design and reliable performance make it ideal for remote office locations or data centers where space is a premium. Furthermore, the model incorporates advanced power management features to reduce energy consumption without compromising performance.

Both the M310P and M210P are built with scalability in mind, allowing businesses to easily expand their storage capacity as data needs grow. With a focus on durability, performance, and advanced technology, Promise Technology’s VTrak systems are well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of modern data storage. Whether for large enterprises or smaller organizations, these products offer solutions that enhance productivity and ensure data integrity.