Promise Technology S150 user manual Using FastBuild Configuration Utility

Models: S150

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Chapter 3: Using FastBuild Configuration Utility

The FastBuild Configuration Utility offers several menu choices to create and manage the drive array on the Promise FastTrak S150 TX4 RAID Controller card. For purposes of this manual, it is assumed you have already created an array in the previous chapter and now wish to make a change to the array or view other options.

Viewing FastTrak S150 TX4 BIOS Screen

When you boot your system with the FastTrak S150 TX4 card and drives installed, the Promise onboard BIOS will detect the drives attached and show the following screen.

FastTrak S150 TXx (tm) BIOS Version 1.xx (Build xxxx)

(c) 2002-2005 Promise Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

ID

MODE SIZE

TRACK-MAPPING

STATUS

 

1 *

2+0 Stripe

160048M

611/128/32

Functional

Press <Ctrl-F> to enter FastBuild (tm) Utility....

If an array exists already, the BIOS will display the above screen showing the card’s BIOS version and status of the array.

The array status consists of five possible conditions: Functional, Synchronizing, Rebuilding, Critical, and Offline.

Functional – The array is operational.

Synchronizing – The process of verifying data integrity by recalculating redundant data and matching the data on the disk drives

Rebuilding – The process of reconstructing an array in Critical mode by placing redundant data on a replacement disk drive.

Critical – Degraded array condition due to a failed or removed disk drive. Applies to mirrored arrays (RAID 1 and 0+1) only. Fault tolerance is lost but the data is still accessible. Triggers automatic rebuilding.

Offline – Striped arrays (RAID 0): Degraded array condition due to one failed or removed disk drive. The data is not accessible.

Mirrored arrays (RAID 1 and 0+1): Degraded array condition due to two failed or removed disk drives. Fault tolerance is lost. The data is not accessible.

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Promise Technology user manual Using FastBuild Configuration Utility, Viewing FastTrak S150 TX4 Bios Screen

S150 specifications

Promise Technology S150 is an advanced storage solution designed to meet the data management needs of modern businesses. This high-performance storage appliance is characterized by its scalability, reliability, and user-friendly management interface, making it an optimal choice for organizations looking to optimize their data storage strategies.

One of the standout features of the S150 is its support for multiple RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. This ensures that businesses can tailor their storage configurations based on their specific redundancy and performance requirements. The S150's software-defined storage capabilities provide flexibility in allocating resources, enabling organizations to manage their data efficiently and improve overall performance.

In terms of connectivity, the Promise S150 offers a range of options, including high-speed 10GbE and Fibre Channel interfaces. These technologies ensure that data transfer rates remain high, minimizing latency and allowing seamless access to applications and data. Additionally, the device supports hot-swappable drives, allowing users to replace or upgrade components without downtime, further enhancing productivity.

The management of the S150 is simplified through the Promise Management software, which provides intuitive controls and monitoring capabilities. Users can easily configure storage settings, monitor performance metrics, and maintain data integrity using the built-in tools. The software's graphical user interface makes it straightforward even for those without extensive IT experience, reducing the administrative burden on staff.

Another notable characteristic of the S150 is its robust security features. It provides options for data encryption both at rest and in transit, ensuring that sensitive information is protected against unauthorized access. Advanced user authentication protocols further enhance security, making it suitable for enterprises dealing with confidential data.

The S150 is also designed with energy efficiency in mind. Its intelligent cooling system and power management features help to reduce overall energy consumption, which is crucial for organizations looking to lower operational costs and reduce their environmental impact.

In summary, Promise Technology S150 stands out in the storage market due to its combination of scalability, versatility, and robust management features. With its support for multiple RAID configurations, high-speed connectivity options, intuitive management software, and strong security protocols, the S150 is well-equipped to support the data demands of businesses today and into the future. It represents a reliable and efficient solution for those looking to enhance their data storage infrastructure.