Sun Microsystems V490 manual Support for RAID Storage Configurations

Models: V490

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Support for RAID Storage Configurations

By attaching one or more external storage devices to the Sun Fire V490 server, you can use a software RAID application, such as Sun StorEdge™, to configure system disk storage in a variety of different RAID levels. Configuration options include RAID 0 (striping), RAID 1 (mirroring), RAID 0+1 (striping plus mirroring), RAID 1+0 (mirroring plus striping), and RAID 5 (striping with interleaved parity). You choose the appropriate RAID configuration based on the price, performance, and reliability and availability goals for your system. You can also configure one or more drives to serve as “hot spares” to fill in automatically for a defective drive in the event of a disk failure.

For more information, see “About Volume Management Software” on page 65.

Error Correction and Parity Checking

Error correcting code (ECC) is used on all internal system data paths to ensure high levels of data integrity. All data that moves between processors, memory, and PCI bridge chips have end-to-end ECC protection.

The system reports and logs correctable ECC errors. A correctable ECC error is any single-bit error in a 128-bit field. Such errors are corrected as soon as they are detected. The ECC implementation can also detect double-bit errors in the same 128-bit field and multiple-bit errors in the same nibble (4 bits).

In addition to providing ECC protection for data, the system offers parity protection on all system address buses. Parity protection is also used on the PCI and SCSI buses, and in the UltraSPARC IV processors’ internal and external caches.

24 Sun Fire V490 Server Administration Guide • August 2004

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Sun Microsystems V490 manual Support for RAID Storage Configurations, Error Correction and Parity Checking

V490 specifications

Sun Microsystems V490 is a robust, high-performance server that was launched in the mid-2000s. It is part of Sun's Enterprise line of servers, specifically designed to meet the needs of businesses requiring reliability, scalability, and efficiency in their computing environments. The V490 is well-regarded for its versatility and ability to handle demanding applications.

At the heart of the V490 is its support for the UltraSPARC IV processor. The server can be configured to contain up to four processors, allowing it to deliver exceptional parallel processing capabilities. The UltraSPARC IV architecture enhances throughput and efficiency, making it suitable for enterprise applications and database management tasks.

One of the standout features of the V490 is its memory capacity. The server can support up to 64 GB of RAM, which allows for extensive caching and improved performance for memory-intensive applications. Coupled with a high bandwidth architecture, the V490 ensures that data can be processed quickly and effectively.

The V490 also emphasizes storage flexibility. It comes equipped with multiple disk drive bays, allowing for a combination of SATA and SAS drives. This flexibility enables businesses to tailor their storage solutions according to their specific performance and redundancy requirements. The V490 supports hot-swappable drives, making maintenance and upgrades considerably easier without taking the server offline.

In terms of connectivity, the Sun V490 features a variety of networking options. It includes multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring high-speed data transfer and redundancy. Additionally, the server supports advanced input/output capabilities, making it compatible with various peripherals and external storage solutions.

Sun Microsystems V490 runs on the Solaris operating system, known for its stability and security. This OS enhances the server's performance while providing a reliable platform for mission-critical applications. The V490 also supports virtualization technologies, allowing organizations to run multiple operating systems and applications on a single hardware platform, thus optimizing resource utilization.

Another key characteristic of the V490 is its thermal efficiency. The server is designed with an advanced cooling system that minimizes energy consumption while maximizing performance. This focus on power efficiency aligns with modern data center requirements for sustainability and reduced operational costs.

In summary, the Sun Microsystems V490 is a powerful enterprise server that combines the latest processing technologies, substantial memory and storage capabilities, and robust networking options. Its scalability, along with advanced virtualization support and energy-efficient design, makes it a suitable choice for organizations looking to enhance their IT infrastructure. The V490 remains a testament to Sun Microsystems' commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable computing solutions.