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Sun Microsystems V490 manual Multiplexed I/O MPxIO, RAID Concepts

Models: V490

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■Performance analysis tools, which enable you to monitor I/O performance and isolate bottlenecks

■A graphical user interface (GUI), which simplifies storage management

■Support for online resizing, which enables volumes and their file systems to grow and shrink online

■Online reconfiguration facilities, which let you change to a different RAID configuration or modify characteristics of an existing configuration

Multiplexed I/O (MPxIO)

A newer alternative to dynamic multipathing (DMP) that is also supported by the Sun Fire V490 server is multiplexed I/O (MPxIO). Beginning with Solaris 8, MPxIO is fully integrated within the Solaris OS software’s core I/O framework. MPxIO enables you more effectively to represent and manage devices that are accessible through multiple I/O controller interfaces within a single instance of the Solaris OS.

The MPxIO architecture:

■Helps protect against I/O outages due to I/O controller failures. Should one I/O controller fail, MPxIO automatically switches to an alternate controller.

■Increases I/O performance by load balancing across multiple I/O channels.

Both Sun StorEdge T3 and Sun StorEdge A5x00 storage arrays are supported by MPxIO on a Sun Fire V490 server. Supported I/O controllers are usoc/fp FC-AL disk controllers and qlc/fp FC-AL disk controllers.

RAID Concepts

Solstice DiskSuite software supports RAID technology to optimize performance, availability, and user cost. RAID technology improves performance, reduces recovery time in the event of file system errors, and increases data availability even in the event of a disk failure. There are several levels of RAID configurations that provide varying degrees of data availability with corresponding trade-offs in performance and cost.

This section describes some of the most popular and useful of those configurations, including:

■Disk concatenation

■Disk mirroring (RAID 1)

■Disk striping (RAID 0)

■Disk striping with parity (RAID 5)

■Hot spares

66 Sun Fire V490 Server Administration Guide • August 2004

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Sun Microsystems V490 manual Multiplexed I/O MPxIO, RAID Concepts
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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.