C H A P T E R 1

Introduction

This guide provides instructions for installing and configuring Sun StorEdge Network FC Switch-8 and Switch-16, Sun StorEdge SAN 3.0 release, hardware and software components. Hardware components include Fibre Channel switches, Fibre Channel host adapters, and storage devices and enclosures. The software components include drivers bundled with the operating system, firmware for the switches, management tools for the switches and storage devices, volume managers, if needed, and other administration tools.

Before installing or configuring any SAN components, you need to plan how your site will use the SAN and identify your goals in implementing the SAN. There are numerous options at various steps in the installation and configuration process, and understanding the purpose of the SAN clarifies appropriate decisions for your site.

Many new features, benefits, and products are supported in this release of the SAN products, allowing larger, more complex and more supportable configurations.

This chapter provides a list of the configuration rules that you must follow to implement a SAN. Planning a SAN outside these rules results in an unsupported configuration that might not perform optimally or at all.

Hardware installation of new switches is covered in this guide. Hardware installation of host adapters and storage devices and enclosures is described in the documentation delivered with those products.

This guide also describes software installation, starting from an installation or upgrade of Solaris, and including firmware upgrades for any SAN component required. Installation of administration tools such as Veritas Volume Manager or Solstice Disk Suite, Stortools, and switch administration tools is also explained.

This guide expounds upon configuring the SAN, including initial configuration of a switch, identifying hosts and storage, managing multiple and cascaded switches, handling multiple paths to storage using Sun StorEdge Traffic Manager and working with volume managers. Additionally, this guide explains managing Fibre Channel

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Sun Microsystems 816-0830-12 manual Introduction
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816-0830-12 specifications

Sun Microsystems, a major player in the development of computing hardware and software during the 1980s and 1990s, introduced various innovative products that set benchmarks for the industry. Among its range of offerings, the Sun Microsystems 816-0830-12 stands out as a notable system within its lineup. This specific model, designed primarily for server and workstation applications, showcases the combination of cutting-edge technology and robust functionality that characterized Sun's approach.

The 816-0830-12 is notable for its powerful processing capabilities, built around the SPARC architecture. This 32-bit RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) design was pivotal in delivering high performance per watt, making it ideal for complex computing tasks typical in enterprise environments. The system supports multi-threading, enabling it to efficiently handle multiple operations concurrently, which is essential for server applications requiring reliability and speed.

A distinguishing feature of the 816-0830-12 is its expansive memory support. With the ability to scale up to 64 MB of RAM, it accommodates demanding applications that require significant data processing power. Additionally, it supports a variety of I/O configurations, including SCSI and Ethernet interfaces, which enhances its connectivity and versatility in networked environments.

The design of the 816-0830-12 underscores Sun Microsystems' commitment to modularity and expandability. It allows for easy upgrades and maintenance, minimizing downtime and ensuring that businesses can adapt their computing resources to evolving needs. This focus on flexibility is complemented by Sun's proprietary Solaris operating system, which offers robust security features, multitasking capabilities, and native support for networked services.

On the technological side, the 816-0830-12 incorporates features such as a built-in graphics accelerator, which enhances visual performance for graphic-intensive applications. This capability makes it suitable not only for server duties but also for environments that require workstation-like graphics performance.

In summary, the Sun Microsystems 816-0830-12 exemplifies the innovative spirit of Sun, boasting a combination of powerful processing, extensive memory options, and flexible architecture. It stands as a testament to the company's role in shaping the computing landscape, particularly in enterprise solutions, where reliability, performance, and scalability are of paramount importance.
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