/devices/pci@f,4000/pci@4/SUNW,qlc@4/fp@0,0/ssd@w50020f200000225,0.

Old symbolic device name:

/dev/dsk/c4t3d0s2

New symbolic designation:

/dev/dsk/c4t50020f200000225d0s2.

On-Demand Node Creation

The number of storage devices that can be attached to a host can grow to the thousands with the advent of SANs with native Fabric connectivity. Probing all these devices at boot time and creating device nodes can increase the boot time greatly. In addition, a host might not need access to all of the storage devices it can access.

The Sun StorEdge Network FC Switch-16, Version 3.0, no longer creates device nodes for every storage device attached. Instead, device nodes are created on demand by the administrator using the cfgadm utility. The device nodes, once created, are persistent accross reboots. The cfgadm utility, which provides on- demand node creation, is described in greater detail in Chapter 9.

Fabric Connection of Hosts

Hosts can connect to switches in a Fabric topology, using F_Ports, allowing construction of scalable, high performing SANs.

Cascading of Switches

Switches can now be cascaded to increase the distance between ports available in a zone and across the entire SAN. Cascading of switches allows for distances of up to ten kilometers between ports, supporting highly available, disaster-tolerant configurations.

Higher Realized Bandwidth

Host connections to switch Fabric connections (F-Ports) and InterSwitch Links (ISLs) are full duplex connections. On a one gigabit Fibre Channel link, this can provide an aggregate two gigabits per second of bandwidth when I/Os are flowing in both directions.

Chapter 1 Introduction 3

Page 33
Image 33
Sun Microsystems 816-0830-12 manual On-Demand Node Creation, Fabric Connection of Hosts, Cascading of Switches

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.