About the FC-AL Backplane

All Sun Fire V490 servers include a single FC-AL backplane with connections for two internal hard disks, both of which are hot-pluggable.

The FC-AL backplane accepts two, low-profile (1.0-inch, 2.54-cm), dual-ported FC-AL disk drives. Each disk drive is connected to the backplane via a standard 40- pin single connector attachment (SCA) interface. Incorporating all power and signal connections into a single, blind-mating connector, SCA technology makes it easy to add or remove disk drives from the system. Disks using SCA connectors provide higher availability and better serviceability than disks using other types of connectors.

The FC-AL backplane provides dual-loop access to both internal disk drives. Dual- loop configurations enable each disk drive to be accessed through two separate and distinct data paths. This capability provides:

■Increased bandwidth – Allowing faster data transfer rates than those for single-loop configurations

■Hardware redundancy – Providing the ability to sustain component failures in one path by switching all data transfers to an alternate path

Note – To take advantage of the dual-loop capability of the FC-AL backplane, an optional PCI FC-AL host adapter card must be installed to control the second loop (Loop B). For more information, see “About the FC-AL Host Adapters” on page 44.

Port bypass controllers (PBCs) on the disk backplane ensure loop integrity. When a disk or external device is unplugged or fails, the PBCs automatically bypass the device, closing the loop to maintain data availability.

Configuration Rules

■The FC-AL backplane requires low-profile (1.0-inch, 2.54-cm) disk drives.

■The FC-AL disks are hot-pluggable.

For information about installing or removing an FC-AL disk or disk backplane, see the Sun Fire V490 Server Parts Installation and Removal Guide, which is included on the Sun Fire V490 Documentation CD.

Chapter 3 Hardware Configuration 43

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Sun Microsystems V490 manual About the FC-AL Backplane, Configuration Rules
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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.
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