The array can be used either as a standalone storage unit or as a building block, interconnected with other arrays of the same type and configured in various ways to provide a storage solution optimized to the host application. The array can be placed on a table top or rackmounted in a server cabinet or expansion cabinet.

The array is sometimes called a controller unit, which refers to the internal RAID controller on the controller card. Arrays without the controller card are called expansion units. When connected to a controller unit, the expansion unit enables you to increase your storage capacity without the cost of an additional controller. An expansion unit must be connected to a controller unit to operate because it does not have its own controller.

In this document, the Sun StorEdge T3 array and Sun StorEdge T3+ array are referred to as the array, except when necessary to distinguish between models.

Note – The Sun StorEdge T3 and T3+ arrays are similar in appearance. In this document, all illustrations labeled Sun StorEdge T3 array also apply to the Sun StorEdge T3+ array, except when necessary to distinguish specific model features. In these instances, the array model is specified.

Refer to the Sun StorEdge T3 and T3+ Array Installation, Operation, and Service Manual for an illustrated breakdown of the array and its component parts.

Controller Card

There are two controller card versions that are specific to the array model. Both controller cards provide the connection ports to cable the array to data and management hosts, but the type of connectors vary between models.

The Sun StorEdge T3 array controller card contains:

■One Fibre Channel-Arbitrated Loop (FC-AL) port, which provides data path connectivity to the application host system. This connector on the Sun StorEdge T3 array requires a media interface adapter (MIA) to connect a fiber-optic cable.

■One 10BASE-T Ethernet host interface port (RJ-45). This port provides the interface between the controller card and the management host system. An unshielded twisted-pair Ethernet cable (category 3) connects the controller to the site’s network hub. This interface enables the administration and management of the array via the Sun StorEdge Component Manager software or the command-line interface (CLI).

■One RJ-11 serial port. This serial port is reserved for diagnostic procedures that can only be performed by qualified service personnel.

FIGURE 1-1shows the location of the controller card and the connector ports on the Sun StorEdge T3 array.

2 Sun StorEdge T3 and T3+ Array Configuration Guide • August 2001

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Sun Microsystems T3 manual Controller Card
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T3 specifications

Sun Microsystems T3 is a high-performance scalable server designed to meet the demanding requirements of enterprise-level computing. Introduced as part of the Sun Fire server lineup, the T3 was built to cater to organizations that needed both flexibility and reliability in their IT infrastructure.

One of the key features of the Sun T3 is its SPARC T3 processor, which integrates several cores on a single chip. This processor architecture allows for simultaneous multithreading, maximizing the utilization of resources and enhancing throughput. The SPARC T3 can support up to 16 cores, which means that it can handle a significant number of threads at once, making it an excellent choice for web applications, database processing, and other high-demand environments.

The T3's memory architecture also stands out. The system can support up to 1TB of memory with up to 128 DIMM slots, allowing for large data sets to be processed with ease. This large memory capacity provides ample room for memory-intensive applications and ensures smooth performance even under heavy loads.

Moreover, the Sun T3 is equipped with a unique virtualization technology known as Oracle VM Server for SPARC. This allows businesses to run multiple operating systems and applications on the same physical machine, reducing the need for additional hardware and simplifying management tasks. The virtualization capabilities contribute to cost savings while improving resource utilization.

In addition, the T3 features advanced I/O capabilities with multiple connectivity options, including Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and Serial Attached SCSI (SAS). This flexibility ensures that the system can be integrated into various network environments and supports a wide range of storage solutions.

Furthermore, the T3 is designed for enhanced energy efficiency. Sun Microsystems embedded their CoolThreads technology, which significantly reduces power consumption compared to traditional server architectures. This focus on energy efficiency not only helps in reducing operational costs but also supports corporate sustainability initiatives.

The T3 also incorporates robust security features, including hardware-based security mechanisms that protect data and facilitate secure operations. This is particularly important for businesses that handle sensitive information and are subject to regulatory compliance.

In summary, Sun Microsystems T3 is a formidable server that combines advanced processing power, scalability, virtualization capabilities, and energy efficiency. Its architecture and design make it suitable for a wide array of enterprise applications, positioning it as a reliable foundation for businesses looking to enhance their IT infrastructure.
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