Appendix A

Fast!UTIL

NOTE: The Fast!Util BIOS utility does not run on Sun SPARC systems. Refer to the Software Installation Guide for the QLA2200 Board Family for information regarding adapter configuration settings.

A.1

Introduction

This appendix provides detailed configuration information for advanced users who want to customize the configuration of the QLA22xx board and the connected devices.

The board can be configured using Fast!UTIL. Access Fast!UTIL by pressing <ALT>-<Q> during the QLA22xx board BIOS initialization (it may take a few seconds for the Fast!UTIL menu to appear). If you have more than one QLA22xx board, Fast!UTIL asks you to select the board you want to configure. After changing the settings, Fast!UTIL reboots your system to load the new parameters.

CAUTION! If the configuration settings are incorrect, your QLA22xx board may not function properly.

The following sections describe the Fast!UTIL options.

A.2

Configuration Settings

The first selection on the Fast!UTIL Options menu is Configuration Settings. These settings configure the FC devices and the QLA22xx board to which they are attached.

FC0151103-00 E

A-1

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Q-Logic QLA22XX manual Introduction, Configuration Settings

QLA22XX specifications

The Q-Logic QLA22XX series encompasses a range of high-performance Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters (HBAs) designed to enhance data storage and network connectivity within enterprise environments. Specifically, these adapters are tailored for environments requiring robust storage solutions, ensuring that organizations can effectively manage their data traffic and optimize their storage strategies.

At the heart of the QLA22XX is its adherence to the Fibre Channel standard, which allows for high-speed connections between servers and storage devices. These adapters support speeds of up to 16 Gbps, which provides the bandwidth necessary for handling multiple workloads simultaneously. This capability is crucial for businesses that rely on rapid access to large volumes of data, thereby facilitating quicker decision-making processes and enhancing productivity.

The QLA22XX series features advanced technologies such as enhanced error correction and adaptive routing. These technologies ensure data integrity and reliability during transfer, reducing the likelihood of data corruption. Additionally, the adaptiveness of the routing capabilities allows the HBA to optimize performance by dynamically adjusting to various network conditions and topologies.

Another key characteristic of the QLA22XX is its compatibility with a multitude of operating systems, including major platforms like Windows, Linux, and VMware. This broad compatibility simplifies deployment across diverse IT ecosystems, making it easier for organizations to integrate these HBAs without extensive modifications to their existing infrastructure.

Moreover, the QLA22XX series supports the latest management and monitoring tools, enabling administrators to have complete visibility into performance metrics and potential issues. This includes support for the SNMP protocol, which facilitates proactive monitoring and management of the networked storage systems.

Energy efficiency is also a consideration in the design of the QLA22XX series. These adapters are engineered to minimize power consumption, which not only aids in reducing operational costs but also contributes to the organization's sustainability goals.

In summary, the Q-Logic QLA22XX series is a reliable and high-performance Fibre Channel HBA solution. With its high-speed connectivity, advanced technologies for data integrity, broad compatibility, and proactive management features, it stands out as a robust option for enterprises looking to enhance their data storage and network connectivity capabilities.