only data blocks that are physically stored in the snapshot repository volume are those that have changed since the time the snapshot volume was created, the snapshot volume uses less disk space than a full physical copy.

The storage management software provides a warning message when the snapshot repository volume nears a user-specified threshold (a percentage of its full capacity; the default is 50%). When this condition occurs, the capacity of the snapshot repository volume can be expanded from free capacity on the volume group. If you are out of free capacity on the volume group, unconfigured capacity can be added to the volume group to expand the snapshot repository volume.

The Create Snapshot Volume Wizard is used to create snapshot volumes by defining the snapshot volume's name, the name of its associated snapshot repository volume, and to specify the snapshot repository volume's capacity as a percentage of the base volume's capacity. Either the Simple or Advanced path can be selected through the Create Snapshot Volume Wizard:

■Simple Path - provides a preview of the preconfigured snapshot volume and snapshot repository volume parameters.

■Advanced Path - provides a way to select a free capacity or unconfigured capacity node on which to place the snapshot repository volume, and allows you to change snapshot repository volume parameters. The Advanced Path can be chosen regardless of whether free capacity or unconfigured capacity is selected.

Disabling or Deleting a Snapshot Volume

As long as a snapshot volume is enabled, storage array performance is impacted by the copy-on-write activity to the associated snapshot repository volume. If a snapshot volume is no longer needed, it can be disabled, which will stop the copy- on-write activity.

If the snapshot volume is disabled, you can retain it and its associated snapshot repository volume. When you need to create a different point-in-time image of the same base volume, you can use the re-create option to reuse the disabled snapshot volume and its associated snapshot repository volume. This takes less time than creating a new one.

When you disable a snapshot volume:

■You cannot use the snapshot volume again until you use the re-create option.

■Only the snapshot volume is disabled. All other snapshot volumes remain functional.

If you do not intend to re-create a snapshot volume, you can delete the snapshot volume instead of disabling it. When you delete a snapshot volume, the associated snapshot repository volume is also deleted.

Re-creating a Snapshot Volume

Chapter 3 Storage Arrays 3-77

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Sun Microsystems 5310 NAS manual Storage Arrays
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5310 NAS specifications

Sun Microsystems, known for its innovative computing solutions, launched the Sun 5310 Network Attached Storage (NAS) system, which marked a significant advancement in the realm of storage solutions in the early 2000s. The 5310 NAS was designed to provide high-performance, reliable, and scalable storage tailored for enterprise environments.

One of the standout features of the Sun 5310 NAS is its file-serving capabilities, which support multiple protocols, notably NFS (Network File System) and CIFS (Common Internet File System). This dual-protocol support allowed organizations to seamlessly integrate the NAS into diverse IT ecosystems, facilitating interoperability between UNIX, Linux, and Windows systems. The enhanced file-sharing capabilities made it an ideal solution for businesses with mixed operating environments.

The Sun 5310 NAS incorporates cutting-edge technologies to ensure high availability and data integrity. The system utilized a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology, providing various RAID levels to protect against data loss while optimizing performance. Additionally, the device featured hot-swappable drives, enabling maintenance and upgrades with minimal downtime, a crucial factor for business continuity.

Equipped with advanced management software, the Sun 5310 NAS offered users an intuitive interface for monitoring storage health and performance. This software included comprehensive reporting functionalities that allowed IT administrators to oversee usage patterns and capacity planning efficiently.

Scalability was another defining characteristic of the Sun 5310 NAS. The system could easily expand with additional storage modules, accommodating the growing needs of an organization without the necessity for complete system overhauls. This flexibility ensured that businesses could adapt their storage solutions to meet evolving data storage needs without incurring significant costs or disruptions.

In terms of performance, the Sun 5310 NAS featured high I/O throughput achieved through its robust hardware architecture and optimized file serving capabilities. This performance baseline was crucial for organizations that relied on heavy data workloads and required rapid access to information.

In summary, the Sun 5310 NAS from Sun Microsystems embodied a forward-thinking approach to network storage, blending reliability, scalability, and multi-protocol support. Its user-friendly management software, combined with the robustness of RAID technology and hot-swappable drives, made it a preferred choice for enterprises looking to streamline their storage infrastructure while safeguarding critical data.
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