EF2915 Series User Guide

EF2915 Series
User Guide

P/N 801-000013 REV 53

 (C) 2002-2007 iQstor Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.
This publication, the EF2915 Series printed circuit boards, and related documentation are protected by Federal copyright law, with
all rights reserved. No part of this product may be copied, photocopied, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, translated,
transcribed or transmitted, in any form or by any means manual, electric, electronic, electromagnetic, mechanical, optical or other-
wise, in whole or in part without prior explicit written consent from iQstor Networks, Inc.
Included software, including all files and data, and the magnetic media on which it is contained (the “Licensed Software”), is
licensed to you, the end user, for your own internal use. You do not obtain title to the licensed software. You may not sublicense,
rent, lease, convey, modify, translate, convert to another programming language, decompile, or disassemble the licensed software
for any purpose.
You may a) only use the software on a single machine; b) copy only the software into any machine-readable or printed form for
backup in support of your use of the program on the single machine; and c) transfer the programs and license to use by another
party if the other party agrees to accept the terms and conditions of the licensing agreement. If you transfer the programs, you must
at the same time either transfer all copies whether in printed or machine-readable form to the same party or destroy any copies not
transferred.
Limitation of Liability
Information presented by DataDirect Networks, Inc. in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, DataDirect
Networks, Inc. assumes no responsibility for its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise to any rights of DataDirect
Networks, Inc.
Product specifications and prices are subject to change without notice.
Trademark References
DataDirect Networks and the DataDirect Networks logo are registered trademarks of DataDirect Networks, Inc. The EF2915
Series are trademarks of DataDirect Networks, Inc.
Sun Microsystems and Sun Workstation are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Solaris, OpenWindows, and SPARC-
station are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
All SPARC trademarks, including the SCD Compliant Logo, are trademarks or registered trademarks of SPARC International, Inc.
UNIX is a registered trademark of AT&T.
Registered Rights Legend
Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in
Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 52.227 7013 (Oct. 1988) and FAR 52.227 19(c) (Jun. 1987).

ii EF2915 Series User Guide

 Contents

Chapter 1 About this Guide 1

Intended Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Organization of This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Typographical Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
DataDirect Networks Welcomes Your Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Chapter 2 The EF2915 Series Storage System 5

What Is the DataDirect Networks SAN Solution? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Java-Based Graphical User Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SAN Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Elements of a SAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Example – Fibre Channel SAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Fibre Channel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Who is Fibre Channel? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
How Does it Work? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Fibre Channel Topologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Types of Fibre Channel Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Fibre Channel Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Introduction to RAID Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
RAID Level 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
RAID Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
RAID Level 1+0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
RAID Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
RAID Level 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
RAID Level 50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
RAID Level 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Key Terms Used in This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
EF2915 Series Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Chapter 3 Setting Up the EF2915 Series System 25

Selecting an Installation Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

EF2915 Series User Guide iii

 Contents

Air Flow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Input Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Unpacking the EF2915 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Installing the EF2915 in a Cabinet using the RK12 Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Assembling the RK12 Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
In a Cabinet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Power Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Connecting to EXP2915 Expansion Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Setting the Fibre Channel Loop Rate on the EF2915 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Configuring the Fibre Channel Interface of a EXP2915 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Serial Port Connection and Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
IP Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Fibre Channel Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Enclosure Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Using the System Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Configuring a Management Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
MPC Hardware Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
MPC Software Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Minimum MPC Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
DataDirect Networks SAN Manager Software Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
DataDirect Networks SAN Manager Software Setup Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
DataDirect Networks SAN Storage Product Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
DataDirect Networks SAN Manager Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
LCD Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
EF2915 LCD Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
LED Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Rear Panel – EF2915 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
SP2xx Storage Processors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Probing the EF2915 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
From a Solaris Host . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
From a Windows Host . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Chapter 4 Database Application Agent for Oracle, SQL and Exchange51

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Oracle on a Windows Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Start Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Oracle on a Solaris Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Start Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Exchange on a Windows Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Working Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Doing Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

iv EF2915 Series User Guide

 Contents

Doing Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
SQL Server on Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Working Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Doing Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Do Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting 59

Problem Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
EF2915 cannot be turned on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
EF2915 does not respond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
No raid; prompt from the EF2915 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Host cannot probe the EF2915 by format command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
DataDirect Networks SAN Manager cannot detect the EF2915 on the Fibre Channel. . . . . 61
SFP connectivity problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
SP2xx Storage Processor modules: No Interlink communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Ethernet connection cannot be established . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
RAID Configuration Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Chapter 6 Servicing the EF2915 Series System 65

Identifying Field Replaceable Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Inserting SFPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Replacing a Faulty Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Drive Slots and Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Insertion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Removing and Replacing Power Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Removing and Replacing Processor Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Processor Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Removing and Replacing Fan Modules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Removing and Replacing the EMIO Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Removing and Replacing Battery Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Chapter 7 Glossary 83

Index 87

EF2915 Series User Guide v

vi EF2915 Series User Guide
 Chapter 1

About this Guide

This chapter contains information on the contents and organization of this user guide
including the intended audience, use of note, caution, and warning symbols, and
typographical conventions.

EF2915 Series User Guide 1

 Chapter 1: About this Guide
Intended Audience

Intended Audience
This User Guide is intended for the system administrator with experience in installing
network storage or other hardware devices and configuring the system environment.This
User Guide explains how to install, connect, configure, and troubleshoot your EF2915
Series storage system.

Organization of This Guide

This User Guide contains the following chapters.
Table 1-1. Organization of This User Guide

Chapter Description

Chapter 1, “About this Guide.” Contains information on the contents, organization, and
intended audience of this guide as well as information
on the typographical conventions used in this guide.

Chapter 2, “The EF2915 Series Storage System.” Contains an introduction to DataDirect Networks
Networks SAN solutions as well as an introduction to
SAN and Fiber Channel technology, and RAID
technology. This chapter also contains a list of key
terms and specifications.

Chapter 3, “Setting Up the EF2915 Series System.” Contains information on installing and connecting the
system, starting it up, the front and rear panels, LED
indicators, serial port configuration, and probing and
testing the EF2915.

Chapter 4, “Database Application Agent for Oracle, Describes how to install and start up the Database
SQL and Exchange.” Application Agent for Oracle.

Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting.” Contains troubleshooting information on potential

problems encountered when powering up and using the
system.

Chapter 6, “Servicing the EF2915 Series System.” Contains information on servicing your system
including removal and replacement of disk drives,
power supplies, SP288 or SP228 storage processors,
and fan modules.

Chapter 7, “Glossary.” Contains a list of terms including terms related to SAN

and Fiber Channel technology.

“Index” Contains an index listing.

2 EF2915 Series User Guide

 Chapter 1: About this Guide
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

This User Guide identifies important user information as Note, Caution, or Warning.

Note: It provides information on the current topic that is especially important to correct
operation.

Caution: Explains situations where damage to the equipment could result if a procedure
! is not followed correctly.

Warning: Indicates that hazardous voltages or potential system damage could occur if a
procedure is not followed correctly.

EF2915 Series User Guide 3

 Chapter 1: About this Guide
Typographical Conventions

Typographical Conventions
This User Guide includes the following typographical aids.

Table 1-2. Typographical Conventions

Example Usage

User Guide Titles of chapters or books.

“Topic Heading” Topic headings within chapters.

.\Firmware Directory and file names.

-iosize Emphasis to highlight terms within text, including parameter

names, new terms, and important advisements in CAUTION and
WARNING! statements.

#admintool Messages you see on the screen.

#>ssmon -i -d Text and values you enter at the keyboard, or the names of
window and menu selections.

<Ctrl> A key that is pressed.

DataDirect Networks Welcomes Your Comments

We are interested in improving our documentation and welcome your comments and
suggestions.
You can email or fax your comments to us. Please include title and revision number of
your document in the subject line of your email or fax message.
• Email: [email protected]
• Fax: 818-700-7677

4 EF2915 Series User Guide

 Chapter 2

The EF2915 Series Storage System

Congratulations on selecting the DataDirect Networks Inc. EF2915 Series for your storage
area network (SAN). Your storage system provides:
• Up to 15 hot-swappable, high-performance Fibre Channel or SATA disk drives.
• Disk drives configurable as RAID sets of level 0, 1, 1+0, 3, 5, 50, or 6.
• System administration using the DataDirect Networks SAN Manager (see the
Administration and Operations User Guide).
• Dual field serviceable RAID storage processors.
• Auto-repair ability to reconstruct data on failed drives.
• Fibre Channel, iSCSI, Ethernet, and serial ports for host attachment and
administration.
• Hot-swappable power supplies with fail-over capability providing data protection in
the event of a power supply failure.
• Hot-swappable fan assemblies.
• System monitoring and configuration using the DataDirect Networks System
Manager (refer to the DataDirect Networks System Manager User Guide).

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
What Is the DataDirect Networks SAN Solution?

What Is the DataDirect Networks SAN Solution?

A typical DataDirect Networks storage system SAN solution includes:
• DataDirect Networks RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) sub-systems.
They are connected to servers using Fibre Channel or iSCSI Host Bus Adapters
(HBAs). The RAID provides high availability and high performance data access.
• DataDirect Networks RAID storage processors are used to control the operation of the
RAIDs.
• System administrators configure and manage the DataDirect Networks SAN Solution
either locally or through the network.
• DataDirect Networks SAN Solutions: Fibre Channel backends and SATA backends.

Java-Based Graphical User Interface

The DataDirect Networks SAN Manager is a browser-based Graphical User Interface
(GUI). It provides an easy way to manage DataDirect Networks RAID storage systems on
a network. With simple point-and-click selections, a system administrator can configure,
maintain, and monitor DataDirect Networks devices, without having to use a terminal
command-line interface.
The DataDirect Networks SAN Manager is a central storage management utility software
that provides storage system administrators with powerful and easy-to-use storage
management capability. The DataDirect Networks SAN Manager performs Fibre channel
device discovery, offers a graphical topology map, and enables the IT administrator to
monitor, dynamically configure, and manage a network of DataDirect Networks storage
systems.

Before You Begin

The following sections provide an overview of SAN, Fibre Channel, iSCSI, and RAID
concepts and functions. An understanding of RAID/JBOD general principles can help you
get the most out of the DataDirect Networks EF2915 Series storage system. For detailed
descriptions of all DataDirect Networks storage subsystem configuration options and
parameters, see your Administration and Operations User Guide.
You can configure and manage the DataDirect Networks storage system using any of the
three management tools described in your Administration and Operations User Guide: the
DataDirect Networks SAN Manager, the command-line interface (CLI), or the ASCII
GUI, SNMP, or Telnet.
For further information about DataDirect Networks RAID products, visit our web site at
www.datadirectnet.com.

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
SAN Overview

SAN Overview
The explosion of corporate computer use and the reliance upon computers to store all
types of data has created the data storage industry. According to recent studies, the data
storage demands of corporations is doubling every six to nine months.
Until recently, data storage was achieved by the Direct Attached Storage, a method in
which storage devices were directly connected to servers. Network Attached Storage is a
newer approach to data storage that utilizes the advantages of a network topology,
allowing many servers and storage devices to be inter-connected.
These new storage networks are called Storage Area Networks or SANs. A SAN is a
collection of storage devices, servers, Fibre Channel switches, and other devices such as
routers. Each device performs a different function within the SAN toward the same
objective: allowing highly efficient, fast, and reliable storage of data. See “Elements of a
SAN” below for more information on the different elements (devices) that comprise a
SAN.
The storage devices (disk drives, optical or tape drives), appear to the switches and servers
as though they are directly connected (local) storage devices. Connecting a storage device
to a SAN allows any other device on the SAN to use it for storage purposes. The devices
announce or register their presence on the network so that the servers are aware of their
presence, and know the number and location of the storage devices on the network (see
“Fabric” on page 12 for more details).

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
SAN Overview

Elements of a SAN
Each type of network requires different devices or elements in order to provide the desired
functionality of that network. The list below describes the various elements that comprise
a SAN.
• Switches: Fibre Channel or Gigabit Ethernet switches are essential in a network
because a network is defined as a SAN that consists of one or more switches. In
networks, the switches are used to connect numerous servers and storage devices. The
switches themselves can be connected together to create very large SANs with
millions of nodes.
• Routers: Although routers are not essential for a SAN, they are used to connect serial
SCSI and parallel SCSI devices. This is necessary when older tape drives or disk
drives are part of the SAN.
• Storage Devices: Storage devices are essential to a SAN because they provide the
storage for the SAN. The arrays are storage devices.
• Tape Systems: Tape systems can be part of a SAN if you want to share them with
servers (this makes the tape systems more accessible). Tape systems are usually
connected to the SAN through routers.
• Servers: The servers are essential to SANs because they distribute the data that is
transferred across the SAN for the purpose of storage. The intended destination of the
data is the storage devices. Servers in a fabric are connected through Fibre Channel
switches.
• Host Bus Adaptors (HBAs): HBAs (or Fibre Channel or iSCSI cards), are located on
the servers and are used to connect the network cables to the servers.
• Hubs: Hubs are used in arbitrated loop Fibre Channel topologies and are connected to
servers.
• Management Software: Although you can have all of the physical devices for a SAN
without software, the functionality of the devices cannot be utilized without a
management tool. The DataDirect SAN Manager is the software you use to manage
your SAN. See your Administration and Operations User Guide for details.
For a diagram showing an example of a Fibre Channel SAN, see Figure 2-1 on page 9.

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
SAN Overview

Example – Fibre Channel SAN

Figure 2-1. Fibre Channel SAN Example

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
Fibre Channel Overview

Fibre Channel Overview

Fibre Channel is a set of standards that defines a layered architecture that transfers data
(the layers are referred to in the standards by number such as FC-0). Due to this
technology specific numbering scheme, the layer numbers in the Fibre Channel standards
do not correspond to the layer numbers in the OSI networking model.
The layers of the Fibre Channel architecture are:
• FC-0: This layer defines the various media types that can carry Fibre Channel data.
• FC-1: This layer defines how frames are encoded and decoded for transport across the
various media types defined in FC-0.
• FC-2: This layer defines how data from upper-level applications is segmented into
frames for transport over the lower layers.
• FC-3: This layer is currently under development and is intended to be used by
applications that require multiple ports.
• FC-4: This layer defines how a Fibre Channel network communicates with upper-
level applications (such as SCSI and IP).
Fibre Channel was designed to eliminate the performance restrictions of LANs, and is
now the technology of choice for applications that require high reliability, high bandwidth,
and scalability. The Fibre Channel architecture is a channel/network integration in which
the communication between the network devices is dynamic and intelligent. The
transmission of data within the network is separate from the controlling protocol so that
various topologies (point-to-point links, arbitrated loops, or switched) can be used based
on a particular Fibre Channel implementation. Since the Fibre Channel network is self-
managed, there is no need for controlling stations at each node which reduces the
complexity of the implementation.
The features of Fibre Channel technology that increase network performance over
traditional LANs include:
• Automatic self-discovery of all Fibre Channel topologies (point-to-point links,
arbitrated loops, or switched).
• Support for traditional network self-discovery including ARP, RARP, and other self-
discovery protocols.
• Support for dedicated bandwidth point-to-point, shared bandwidth, and scalable
bandwidth switched circuits.
• The ability to bypass the protocol stack for increased performance.
• Confirmed delivery of data to increase reliability.
• QoS (quality of service) support such as connection-based virtual circuits and
fractional bandwidth to ensure bandwidth for the storing of data (and other
operations).

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
Fibre Channel Overview

• The time to establish (setup) circuits is measured in microseconds using hardware

enhanced Fibre Channel protocol.
• Highly efficient and low-latency data transfer using variable length frames.
• Support for time sensitive applications such as video through the use of fractional
bandwidth virtual circuits.
• Efficient, high-bandwidth, and low-latency data transfer using variable length frames.

Who is Fibre Channel?

Currently, several groups are attempting to standardize Fibre Channel and SAN
technology. These groups include:
• Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA): www.snia.org.
• Fibre Channel Industry Association (FCIA): www.fibrechannel.com.
• Fibre Alliance (www.fibrealliance.org).

How Does it Work?

These steps provide a brief outline of how data is transferred across a Fibre Channel
network as part of the data storage process.
1 A server requests that the data be transferred to an DataDirect Networks storage
device, through the Fibre Channel network.
2 The data is then segmented into frames and encoded, and sent across the network with
the disk drives as the intended destination. The data may travel through various types
of devices (for example, switches, hubs, or routers), and through either fiber optic or
copper cable.
3 The data finally arrives at the port to which the disk drive is attached.
4 The frames are decoded for transfer to the disk drive.
5 The return frames are encoded and assembled for return to the application.

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
Fibre Channel Overview

Fibre Channel Topologies

There are three Fibre Channel network topologies, the simplest and least expensive of
which is the point-to-point topology. The second topology is the arbitrated loop which is
more complex and expensive than point-to-point and offers much more functionality. The
third topology is the fabric which offers the most functionality and is the most complex
and expensive. These different Fibre Channel typologies are described below.

Point-to-Point
This topology involves only two devices which are usually a server and a storage device,
with no devices existing between them. This topology is found in first generation
implementations of Fibre Channel.

Arbitrated Loop
This topology involves multiple devices that share a common medium. Not only does this
topology involve many more devices than point-to-point, but each device must arbitrate
for access and use of the shared medium. Arbitration ensures that the devices gain access
to and use the shared medium in an orderly and controlled manner. This topology is
similar to Token Ring in networking.

Fabric
This topology involves numerous devices but is characterized by having one or more Fibre
Channel switches in the same network. The storage devices announce or register their
presence on the fabric to the switches using the SNS (simple name server) databases that
reside on the servers. The SNS database includes the device’s network address, WWN
(world wide name), and other information that helps identify the device.
In order for the servers to know the number and location of the storage devices on the
network, each server queries the SNS database to discover the storage devices (switches
exchange SNS data so that each server has the information to discover the storage devices
on the network).

Types of Fibre Channel Ports

There are three basic Fibre Channel port types: the N_Port, the F_Port, and the E_Port.
Once arbitrated loop capabilities are added, the port names change to reflect this. These
ports are described below.
• N_Port: A node port, or a port on a Fibre Channel disk or computer. These types of
ports only communicate with another N_Port on a different node, or with a switch.
• F_Port: A fabric port (these can only be switch ports). These types of ports can only
be connected to an N_Port in a point-to-point connection.

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
Fibre Channel Overview

• E_Port: An expansion port on a switch that is used to connect to another E_Port on a

different switch (this type of connection is used to connect devices to create a large
fabric).
• NL_Port: A node port with arbitrated loop capability. These ports are only found on
Fibre Channel switches, but can connect to other nodes or to an arbitrated loop.
• FL_Port: A fabric port with arbitrated loop capability. These ports are connected to
other nodes, to a switch, or to an arbitrated loop.
• G_Port: A generic port on a Fibre Channel switch that can function as an E-Port, an
FL_Port, or an F-Port. The function of the port is based on how the port is connected.

Fibre Channel Standards

Table 2-1 lists a number of Fibre Channel ANSI standards for your reference.

Table 2-1. ANSI Fibre Channel Standards

Reference Title

ANSI X3.230-1994: Physical and Signaling Interface (FC-PH-2), Rev. 4.3

Fibre Channel

ANSI X3.297-1996: Physical and Signaling Interface-2 (FC-PH-2), Rev. 7.4

Fibre Channel

ANSI X3.303-1ppx: Physical and Signaling Interface-3 (FC-PH-3), Rev. 9.4

Fibre Channel

ANSI X3.272-1996: Arbitrated Loop (FC-AL), Rev. 4.5

Fibre Channel

ANSI X3. xxx-1996: Arbitrated Loop-2 (FC-AL-2), Rev 2.7

Fibre Channel

NCITS TR-20-199x: Fabric Loop Attachment (FC_FLA), Rev. 2.7

Fibre Channel

ANSI X3.289-1996: Fabric Generic Requirements (FC-FG), Rev. 3.5

Fibre Channel

ANSI X3.288-199x: Generic Services-2 (FC-GS-2), Rev. 5.3

Fibre Channel

NCITS 321-200x: Switch Fabric-22 (FC-GS-2), Rev. 4.0

Fibre Channel

NCITSTR-1998: Private Loop Direct Attach, Rev 2.1

Fibre Channel

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
Introduction to RAID Technology

Introduction to RAID Technology

RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks (or Devices). A
RAID system has these basic attributes:
• It includes multiple disk drives.
• The disk drives are defined as a set and viewed by the user (host) as one or more
logical drives.
• Data is distributed across the disks in a set and in a predefined manner.
• To enable data recovery after disk failure, the RAID set incorporates either redundant
capacity or a capability for data reconstruction.
The RAID concept was introduced at UC Berkeley in 1987. Initially, five different RAID
levels were defined and assigned numeric names from 0 to 5. These reflect differences in
functionality (not ratings), such as speed of data transfer, data availability, and data
integrity. The most commonly used RAID levels are levels 0, 1, 3, 5, and 0+1 (or 6).

RAID Level 0
RAID level 0 is best suited to applications that require high I/O speed and no data
redundancy. In RAID level 0, the data is broken down into segments and written
simultaneously across multiple disks (Figure 2-2). No parity or check-disk information is
saved. Data is read simultaneously from the multiple disks. This configuration results in
maximum possible I/O speed, but it offers no data protection.

Figure 2-2. RAID Level 0 File System

The characteristics of RAID level 0 are summarized in Table 2-2.

Table 2-2. Characteristics of RAID Level 0

Advantages Disadvantages Uses

High read/write rate. No data protection. Applications requiring maximum possible

I/O speed and where data integrity is not
important.

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
Introduction to RAID Technology

RAID Level 1
RAID level 1 is best suited for use by database and file servers that require high
availability.
RAID level 1 uses a technique called mirroring to achieve high data availability. The data
is divided into blocks, with the same block being written simultaneously to a pair of disks,
and read from one of the two mirrored disks (Figure 2-3). The drawback of this technique
is that half the available disk capacity is used for data protection.

Figure 2-3. RAID Level 1 File System

The characteristics of RAID level 1 are summarized in Table 2-3.

Table 2-3. Characteristics of RAID Level 1

Advantage Disadvantage Uses

Ensures data Reduces disk Database or file-server applications where data

availability. capacity. availability is the first priority.

RAID Level 1+0

RAID level 1+0 (like level 5) is best suited to read-intensive, random operations and
online transaction processing (OLTP), which involves frequent file access.
RAID level 1+0 uses a method in which the data is mirrored onto a group of disk drives
(Figure 2-4 on page 16). It provides the highest I/O performance and the highest data
redundancy. The drawback of this technique is that utilization of disk capacity is only
50%.

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
Introduction to RAID Technology

Figure 2-4. RAID 1+0

The characteristics of RAID level 1+0 are summarized in Table 2-4.

Table 2-4. Characteristics of RAID Level 1+0

Advantages Disadvantages Uses

High I/O for random read/ Utilization of disk Applications for read-intensive,
write, double redundancy, capacity on a RAID random operations; on-line
hot spare configured. set reduced by half. transaction processing with
frequent file access.

RAID Level 3
RAID level 3 is best suited to applications that require the reading and writing of large
blocks of data.
In RAID level 3, the data is broken down into segments that are written simultaneously to
different disks. A separate disk is used to store parity information for the data written on
the other disks (Figure 2-5). Should data be lost because of disk failure, it can be
reconstructed from data on the remaining disks. This arrangement provides high I/O
throughput, high data transfer speed, and data protection. But it is inefficient in the reading
and writing of small blocks of data.

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
Introduction to RAID Technology

Figure 2-5. RAID Level 3 File System

The characteristics of RAID level 3 are summarized in Table 2-5.

Table 2-5. Characteristics of RAID Level 3

Advantages Disadvantages Uses

Ensures I/O Inefficient for small Applications requiring reading and writing
throughput and data blocks of data. large blocks of data.
transfer speed.

RAID Level 5
RAID level 5 is best suited to read-intensive, random operations and online transaction
processing (OLTP), which involves frequent file access.
RAID level 5 uses a method in which the data is divided into stripes and the data and
parity information is written simultaneously to the disks in an alternating fashion
(Figure 2-6). This results in increased data availability, more system up-time in the event
of a disk failure, and better read concurrence when reading small blocks of data. The
drawback of this technique is decreased system write performance and increased overhead
in writing small blocks of data.

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
Introduction to RAID Technology

Figure 2-6. RAID Level 5

The characteristics of RAID level 5 are summarized in Table 2-6.

Table 2-6. Characteristics of RAID Level 5

Advantages Disadvantages Uses

Enhances data availability, Decreases overall system Applications for read-intensive,

system reliability, and performance because of random operations; on-line
handling of small data increased overhead. transaction processing with
blocks. frequent file access.

RAID Level 50
RAID 50 should have been called "RAID 03" because it was implemented as a striped
(RAID level 0) array whose segments were RAID 3 arrays (during mid-90s)

Figure 2-7. RAID 50

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
Introduction to RAID Technology

The characteristics of RAID level 50 are summarized in Table 2-7.

Table 2-7. Characteristics of RAID Level 50

Advantages Disadvantages Uses

RAID 50 is more fault Very expensive to Maybe a good solution for sites
tolerant than RAID 5 but implement which would have otherwise gone
has twice the parity with RAID 5 but need some
All disk spindles must
overhead additional performance boost
be synchronized,
High data transfer rates are which limits the
achieved thanks to its choice of drives
RAID 5 array segments Failure of two drives
High I/O rates for small in one of the RAID 5
requests are achieved segments renders the
thanks to its RAID 0 whole array unusable
striping

RAID Level 6
RAID 6 is essentially an extension of RAID level 5 which allows for additional fault
tolerance by using a second independent distributed parity scheme (dual parity)
Data is striped on a block level across a set of drives, just like in RAID 5, and a second set
of parity is calculated and written across all the drives; RAID 6 provides for an extremely
high data fault tolerance and can sustain multiple simultaneous drive failures

Figure 2-8. RAID 6

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
Introduction to RAID Technology

The characteristics of RAID level 6 are summarized in Table 2-8.

Table 2-8. Characteristics of RAID Level 6

Advantages Disadvantages Uses

Perfect solution for mission More complex File and Application servers
critical applications controller design
Database servers
Controller overhead Web and E-mail servers
to compute parity
addresses is Intranet servers
extremely high Excellent fault-tolerance with the
Requires N+2 drives lowest overhead
to implement because
of dual parity scheme

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
Key Terms Used in This Guide

Key Terms Used in This Guide

RAID technology includes unique concepts and terminology. Here is a brief list of key
terms that appear in this User Guide. See Chapter 7, “Glossary” for definitions of more
general terms.

back end
Encompasses the path between the RAID SP120/SP125 storage processors and the
hard disks.

chunks
The units of data that are written onto drives in a RAID set. Large blocks of data are
broken into chunks to optimize I/O performance.

chunk size
The size of each data chunk. This parameter is a configured value that becomes fixed
when the system initializes.

data availability
The level of fault tolerance within the RAID system. Availability increases as a
function of the number of component failures that can occur without affecting overall
system performance.

data integrity
The operability of the RAID system and its ability to withstand failure.

front end
The path between the host interface and the RAID SP120/SP125 storage processor.

dual porting
An interface method that enables multiple hosts to access the same RAID set through
the same RAID hardware.

host portability
The ability to move a RAID unit between different operating systems and host
systems.

lookahead
The threshold for determining how many sequential request should be received before
the read head is enabled. See readahead.

middleware
The DataDirect Networks middleware is a daemon program that runs on the manage-
ment console to which the RAIDs are connected.

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
Key Terms Used in This Guide

parity or checksum
Information stored on a disk in RAID levels 3 and 5 and used as a backup in case of
disk failure. The parity information, along with the data on the remaining drives,
provides complete information and enables the system to reconstruct the data of the
failed drive.

readahead
An automatic function the system performs when continuous sequential read requests
are received. With readahead, the system automatically reads into the data blocks from
disks before a request is received from the host.

request rate
The frequency of I/O requests.

striping
A process that binds a group of disks to form one logical unit. Striping often increases
performance over that of one disk.

transfer rate
The speed of data transmissions in millions of bits per second (Mbps).

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
EF2915 Series Specifications

EF2915 Series Specifications

Lists of the physical, electrical, environmental, interface, SP120/SP125 storage processor,
and disk drive specifications for the EF2915 Series are shown in Table 2-9.

Table 2-9. EF2915 Series Specifications

Dimensions

Rack Mount Unit 5.20” H x 17.58” W x 18.70” D

3U EIA high (19” rack mount)

Electrical

Input Voltage 90-260VAC

Input Frequency 47-63 Hz, auto-ranging, PFC

Power Supply Rating Dual 460 Watt, redundant

Mean Time Between Failure 33,730 hours

(MTBF)

Environmental

Operating Temperature 10 to 40 degrees Celsius

50 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit

Relative Humidity 20% to 80%

Certification FCC/CISPR 22 Class A, BSMI, UL/CUL, CE

Interfaces

Host Interface Four 4Gb Fibre Channel interfaces, or four 2Gb iSCSI
interfaces, 400Mb/s (1600 Mb/s total).

Storage Controller Single or Dual

Cache Memory Up to 2GB per storage controller (4GB total)

Parity Four embedded hardware parity accelerators to boost

RAID performance.

Number of LUNs 512 (per controller)

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 Chapter 2: The EF2915 Series Storage System
EF2915 Series Specifications

Storage System Features

Standard RAID levels 0, 1, 3, 5, 1+0, 50 and 6.

On-line RAID expansion
Multiple RAID sets
Multiple LUNs
Hot swap disk drives
Global hot spare disks
Automatic drive failure detection and rebuild
Automatic reallocation of bad sectors

Volume Manager-based Virtualization (VMV)

Managed Snapshotervices (MSS)
Volume Copy Services (VCS)
Intelligent Capacity Management (ICM)
Remote Replication Services (RRS)

Drives—EF2915

Number of Drives Up to 15

Interface 4GB Fibre Channel switched loops

Capacity/Form Factor 36/73/146GB; 15K rpm 4GB; 146/300GB 10K rpm 2GB
FC; 250/500GB 7200 rpm SATA II

Maximum Capacity per 35TB with 240 x 146GB FC drives or 120TB with 240 x
System 500GB SATA II drives

Software

DataDirect Networks SAN Local or remote management, monitoring, configuration,

Manager and call home.

Host Platform Support Microsoft Windows, Linux, Sun Solaris, IBM AIS, and
HP-UX.

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 Chapter 3

Setting Up the EF2915 Series System

This chapter explains how to install the EF2915 Series system, test its operation, and make
it ready for software configuration.

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 Chapter 3: Setting Up the EF2915 Series System
Selecting an Installation Location

Selecting an Installation Location

Before you unpack the EF2915 Series storage system, choose an appropriate location.
Observe the following requirements and guidelines.

Environmental Requirements
Select a cool, dry, dust-free environment for the system. See Table 3-1 for environmental
parameters and ranges.

Note: We recommend that you install the EF2915 Series system in an air-conditioned
environment.

Table 3-1. EF2915 Environmental Requirements

Parameter Permitted Range

Ambient Temperature 10 to 40 degrees Celsius

50 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit

Relative Humidity 20 to 80% non-condensing

Maximum Altitude 3000 meters above sea level

Air Flow
Be careful not to block the air-flow vents at the front and rear. Doing so restricts air flow,
which can reduce reliability.
• Desktop: Allow at least 6 inches of unobstructed space at both front and rear.
• Rackmount: The EF2915 may be installed in any 19-inch cabinet or relay-rackmount
device that complies with EIA-310-D specifications.

Input Power
The EF2915 Series system can operate with input voltages of:
• 110 V AC
• 220 V AC
The EF2915 Series system is designed to operate with single-phase power systems that
have a grounded conductor.

Note: Contact a qualified electrician or facility manager if you are unsure what type of
power is supplied to your building.

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 Chapter 3: Setting Up the EF2915 Series System
Unpacking the EF2915

Unpacking the EF2915

Caution: Use care in unpacking the EF2915. It is heavy and tightly packed in protective
! foam.
Use the following steps to unpack the EF2915.
1 Place the shipping carton where you will install the system.
1 Carefully open the carton.
2 Unpack and remove the EF2915.
3 Save the shipping containers and packing material for reuse if needed.
When you have finished unpacking, check the carton’s contents. Contact DataDirect
Networks immediately if items are missing or you find signs of damage.

Table 3-2. EF2915 Packing List

Quantity Description

1 Quick Install Guide

1 Software media with EF2915 utilities (CD)

2 A/C power cables

1 Serial Administration cable

2 Rackmount rails or brackets (rackmount configurations only)

1 EF2915 storage system, populated with:

• Disk drives Up to 15
• Filler canisters 15 minus the # of Disks
• SP288or SP228 storage
processors 2
• Power supplies 2
• Cooling fan modules 2

1 Wrist strap. When handling electronic subassemblies such as

memory circuit boards, wear the strap on your wrist, and connect
the lead wire to an electrical ground.

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 Chapter 3: Setting Up the EF2915 Series System
Installing the EF2915 in a Cabinet using the RK12 Kit

Installing the EF2915 in a Cabinet using the RK12 Kit

The RK12 Kit provides the necessary mounting hardware to install the EF2915 into an
RETMA compliant cabinet. The RK12 Kit consists of two front and two rear mounting
rails and two end caps.

Assembling the RK12 Kit

The following steps describe assembling the RK12. See Figure 3-1 on page 29.
1 The EF2915 requires 3U (5.25H X 19.00W inches) of panel space. Ensure that the
opening of the cabinet between the front mounting rails does not exceed a width of
19-inches.
2 Measure the distance from the cabinet’s right-side front RETMA mounting rail to the
cabinet’s right-side rear RETMA mounting rail.
3 The right front rail (marked) is placed inside the right rear rail (marked) as shown in
Figure 3-1.
4 Assemble the mounting rail assembly; attach the Front rail (marked) to the Rear rail
(marked) using three #8-32 pan head screws and three #8 nuts. Repeat for the other
mounting rail assembly.
5 Using four #10-32 pan head screws and four #10 cage nuts, install the mounting rail
assembly to the front and rear of the cabinet’s mounting holes. Repeat for the other
mounting rail assembly.

Caution: This installation step requires two persons to align and place the EF2915 chas-
! sis on horizontal flanges of the left and right mounting rails.
6 Align and support the EF2915 chassis on the horizontal flanges of the Left and Right
mounting rails. Push the EF2915 chassis into the cabinet until it is flush with the front
of the cabinet.
7 Use one black #10-32 flathead screw to secure the front of the EF2915 chassis to the
cabinet’s left mounting hole. Repeat for the right side.

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Installing the EF2915 in a Cabinet using the RK12 Kit

Figure 3-1. EF2915 Rackmount Assembly

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 Chapter 3: Setting Up the EF2915 Series System
Cable Connections

Cable Connections
This section provides information on how to connect your EF2915 in a cabinet and in a
stand-alone application to a host computer.The host computer shall have an Ethernet
connection to the EF2915 for enclosure management in addition to the fibre channel
connection used for data I/O.
Use only the cables supplied with the EF2915. This ensures compliance with safety and
engineering standards. Using other cables can be hazardous and degrade system
performance. If the provided cables are too short for your installation, ask your DataDirect
Networks Sales Representative about other available cables.

Warning: Do not use household extension cords with the EF2915 or its related equip-
ment. They do not provide adequate current ratings or overload protection.

In a Cabinet
The various connections that may be utilized when connecting the EF2915 in a cabinet
are:
• Host connection to the EF2915 DB9 ports via serial cable. The serial connections are
only used for troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Fibre channel connections from host/switch via LC-LC port on EF2915.
• Ethernet connection from EF2915 to Ethernet Hub. The Ethernet connection is used
for enclosure configuration and management. The System Manager software in the
enclosure provides web pages for this purpose.
See sections below that describe these connections.

Power Connection
Connecting power from the EF2915 to a UPS device is not difficult, but caution must be
taken to avoid problems.

Connecting to a UPS device

When connecting the EF2915 to a UPS device, make sure that:
• The UPS device is configured to receive traps from the EF2915.
• You connect the Ethernet cable from the UPS device to a hub/with/router.
• You connect the Ethernet cable from the EF2915 to the same hub/switch/router.
• The EF2915 and the UPS device are in the same network.
• You connect the power cables to the EF2915 to the UPS device.
• DataDirect Networks software currently supports only APC Smart UPS.

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Cable Connections

• UPS must be configured to send event trap to the EF2915.

Connecting to EXP2915 Expansion Enclosures

• Make fibre channel connections as depicted in.Figure 3-2

Figure 3-2. EF2915 connection to multiple EXP2915’s.

Note that the left-hand port of both Storage Processors in the EF2915 are connected to the
same EXP2915. It is not permitted to connect to a EXP2915 from the right-hand port of
one Storage Processor and from the left-hand port of the other Storage Processor.
Firmware in the Storage Processors requires that these connections are not crossed. Also
note that the left-hand port on the hubs in the EXP2915s is for in, or uplink, and the right-
hand port is for out, or downlink.

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Cable Connections

Setting the Fibre Channel Loop Rate on the EF2915

The Fibre Channel loop rate is set using the front panel display and push buttons. The
display depicted in Figure 3-3 shows a fibre channel rate setting of 4Gb. In order to
change to 2Gb, push the Down Arrow button.

Figure 3-3. EF2915 Front Panel

A change option screen will be displayed. Then press Enter to display the fibre channel
rate selection screen. When this screen is displayed, pressing the Up or Down Arrow will
cause the transfer rate to change between 4 and 2Gb. Press Enter to make the selection. A
screen will then be displayed advising that the system must be rebooted in order to finalize
the rate change.

Configuring the Fibre Channel Interface of a EXP2915

The Fibre Channel interface is configured using the front panel display and push buttons.
The table below shows the three parameters that can be configured:

Parameter Description Display Selection

FC Loop Rate Select transfer rate of FC loop 2Gb or 4Gb

FC Loop ID Type Select soft loop ID or hard loop ID SID or HID

Enclosure ID Sets range of drive loop IDs SBOD#0 to SBOD#6

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To change the parameters for the FC loop:

1. Use the Down Arrow and Up Arrow buttons to scroll through the parameter selec-
tions. Use the Enter button to select a parameter for modification.
2. Use the Down Arrow and Up Arrow buttons to scroll through the possible values for
the parameter. Push the Enter button to confirm the selection. A success message will
be displayed to acknowledge the modification.

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Cable Connections

Serial Port Connection and Configuration

You can monitor EF2915 status by using an external terminal attached to the 9-pin, female
RS-232C serial port connector. There is a serial port connector on each of the two storage
controllers in the enclosure. The controllers can be individually monitored by connecting
to the ports. This connection is always available no matter which host interface you have
ordered. The serial port enables you to connect through a serial ASCII terminal or host
emulator such as the UNIX cu utility running on an administration workstation.

Default Configuration
Table 3-3 lists the default settings for the serial port on the EF2915. These values cannot
be changed. Change the settings on the PC, workstation, or host to match the EF2915
settings.

Note: The Tx and Rx must be double-crossed or a special null-modem cable must be

used (the EF2915 serial port is a null connector).
Use a null-modem cable to connect to the system’s serial port. A null-modem cable
connects the Transmitted Data (TD pin 2) on one RS-232 interface to the Received Data
(RD pin 3) on the other RS-232 interface.

Table 3-3. Serial Port Default Values

Data Rate Data Format

bits/sec (bps) Data Bits Parity Stop Bit

38,400 8 None 1

Configuring a Solaris Host for the Serial Port

If you are attaching a Solaris host to the system’s serial port, use the cu utility to
communicate with the EF2915.

Note: Before you begin this procedure, make sure you have connected the EF2915 using
host port b. A Solaris host normally has two serial ports: a and b. It is recommended that
you use port b.
Use the following steps to communicate with the EF2915.
1 Gain super-user privilege.
2 Use the admintool:
# admintool <Return>
3 In the admintool window, select the Serial Port Manager icon or the Serial Port
option in the Browse menu. These give you access to the serial port configuration
window.

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4 In the configuration window, select port b.

5 Choose the template Initialize Only - No Configuration, and set the Baud rate to
9600.
6 Click Apply to confirm.
7 Edit the file /etc/uucp/Devices and type the following:
ACU cua/b - any hayes

Direct cua/b - any hayes

8 Check if the file /dev/cua/b exists. If it does, you are done configuring port b. If it
does not, refer to the “uucp” and “cu” man pages for further information.

If you are unable to connect with the serial port using a Solaris host, do the following:

b port
1 If it is the b port you cannot connect to, enter
ll /dev/cua/b
2 Remove the existing file:
rm /devices/pci@1f,4000/ebus@1/se@14,400000:b,cu
3 Enter init 0. At the ok prompt, enter boot -r.

After rebooting, the host should be able to connect to the serial port.

a port
1 If it is the a port you cannot connect to, enter
ll /dev/cua/a
2 Remove the existing file:
rm /devices/pci@1f,4000/ebus@1/se@14,400000:b,cu
3 Enter init 0. At the ok prompt, enter boot -r.

After rebooting, the host should be able to connect to the serial port.

Note: Another way to debug the serial port is by typing: cu -d which will show
where the problem is located, and which file needs to be deleted.

Connecting to the EF2915 through the TIP Command

After you have finished configuring your Solaris host for serial communications, do the
following:
1 Power up the EF2915.
You should see the following message on your terminal screen as the system boots up.

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Cable Connections

2 Modify the remote file under /etc as shown below.

# cd /etc
# vi remote
# The next 17 lines are for the PCMCIA serial/modem cards.
#
pc0:\
:dv=/dev/cua/pc0:br#38400:el=^C^S^Q^U^D:ie=%$:oe=^D:nt:hf:
pc1:\
:dv=/dev/cua/pc1:br#38400:el=^C^S^Q^U^D:ie=%$:oe=^D:nt:hf:
pc2:\
:dv=/dev/cua/pc2:br#38400:el=^C^S^Q^U^D:ie=%$:oe=^D:nt:hf:
pc3:\
:dv=/dev/cua/pc3:br#38400:el=^C^S^Q^U^D:ie=%$:oe=^D:nt:hf:
pc4:\
:dv=/dev/cua/pc4:br#38400:el=^C^S^Q^U^D:ie=%$:oe=^D:nt:hf:
pc5:\
:dv=/dev/cua/pc5:br#38400:el=^C^S^Q^U^D:ie=%$:oe=^D:nt:hf:
pc6:\
:dv=/dev/cua/pc6:br#38400:el=^C^S^Q^U^D:ie=%$:oe=^D:nt:hf:
pc7:\
:dv=/dev/cua/pc7:br#38400:el=^C^S^Q^U^D:ie=%$:oe=^D:nt:hf:
cuab:dv=/dev/cua/b:br#9600
cuaa:dv=/dev/cua/a:br#9600
dialup1|Dial-up system:\
:pn=2015551212:tc=UNIX-2400:
hardwire:\

At the Unix prompt “#” type “tip cuaa” or “tip cuab” to establish the serial connection to
the SP120

================================
| DataDirect Networks |
| Automating Storage Expertise |
================================
EF RMON Version : 110-000068-060421165100
Boot Code: 5100 for Product EF2915
Created on Fri Apr 21 16:52:31 PDT 2006 by DataDirect
Networks Inc.
1024Mb
Board ID 0000A012 SP20-Rev1 166MHz
Config 504364B8 SC=P *=3.5 SE=on
PRId 2753
.
.
[Note: additional lines of output will appear here during
the bootup]
.
.
11:51:36 09/10/02; 365
: raid;

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Cable Connections

The raid; prompt indicates that the system boot-up is complete and that you have
accessed the EF2915 console. You can now configure and modify RAID sets. Refer to
your Administration and Operations User Guide for information on configuration
parameters, and Chapter 6, “Servicing the EF2915 Series System” for information on
servicing.
1 If you have an {rmon} prompt, type:
{rmon} b <Return>
2 If you still do not see the raid; prompt, do the following:
• Hold the <Shift> key and press the <~> key.
• Release both the <Shift> key and the <~> key.
• Press the < . > key.
This quits the cu utility and returns you to the shell prompt. Write down any messages that
are displayed and call DataDirect Networks Technical Support for assistance.
If there is no raid; or {rmon} prompt, do the following:
1 Strike any key several times, to try to get a response.
2 If there is no response, hold the <Shift> key and press the <~> key.
3 Release both the <Shift> key and the <~> key.
4 Press the < . > key
This quits the cu utility. Check the serial cable connection and serial port configuration.
Then try again. If you are still unsuccessful, refer to Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting” or
contact DataDirect Networks Technical Support for assistance.

Configuring a Windows PC for the Serial Port (HyperTerminal)

Use the following steps to set up a Windows PC to use the Serial port to communicate
with the EF2915 using HyperTerminal.

1 Open HyperTerminal in Windows.

2 Create a new connection and label it ‘Raid'.
3 Choose Connect Using and select either COM1 or COM2 depending on which port
the EF2915 is connected to, and press OK.

The following settings should be made:

• Bits per second: 38,400
• Data bits: 8
• Parity: None
• Stop bits: 1
• Flow control: None
4 Click OK to continue. You are now connected to the EF2915.

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Note: The Tx and Rx must be double-crossed or a special null-modem cable must be

used (the EF2915 serial port is a null connector). DataDirect Networks does not
provide a null-modem cable.

IP Connection
Note: If a hub or switch is not used, an Ethernet crossover cable must be used to
connect from a host to the EF2915. DataDirect Networks does not provide a null-
modem cable.

Setting the IP Address

Use the following steps to set the IP address:
1. Insert the DataDirect Networks Setup CD in a workstation that has Ethernet connec-
tivity with the EF2915 and launch the Network Configuration Utility program. This
program requires the workstation to have the Java Runtime Environment (JRE)
installed. The CD will assist you in downloading the JRE if it is not already present in
the workstation.
2. Click on the “Discover” button to perform a network scan and discover installed Dat-
aDirect Networks Storage Systems. Systems discovered are displayed and identified
by a 16-digit identification number.
3. Select a storage system and click on the “Configure” button to open a configuration
window to create or modify its network settings.
4. To modify an item, click on the “Modify” button. This launches a pop up window that
allows a new value to be entered. Set the network values according to requirements of
your local network, e.g. Controller 0 IP = 10.10.10.3, Controller 1 IP = 10.10.10.4,
Gateway = 10.10.10.1 and Subnet Mask = 255.255.255.0.

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Cable Connections

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 Chapter 3: Setting Up the EF2915 Series System
Cable Connections

Fibre Channel Connection

The fibre channel cables connect the input of the EF2915 to either the Host Bus Adapter
ports on a server or to ports on a fibre channel switch that is connected to one or more
hosts.

See Figure 3-4 for a diagram showing the fibre channel input connections to an EF2915.

Figure 3-4. EF2915 Fibre Channel Input Connections

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 Chapter 3: Setting Up the EF2915 Series System
Enclosure Configuration

Enclosure Configuration
Two programs are provided for enclosure configuration (RAID set creation, etc.), The
System Manager, and the optional SAN Manager. Both give a Graphic User Interface
(GUI) that is accessible over the Ethernet network. The System Manager runs in the
enclosure and publishes web pages that may be accessed using a web browser to configure
the enclosure. The SAN manager runs on host systems. It polls enclosures connected to
the network and displays information on all of the enclosures. It allows selection of a
particular enclosure for configuration.
The SAN Manager running on a PC is referred to as the Management PC (MPC). Refer to
“Configuring a Management Console” on page 42 below for an introduction to the SAN
Manager. Please refer to DataDirect Networks document 801-000001 for the DataDirect
Networks Administrator Guide.

Using the System Manager

A PC or other workstation with a web browser can be used to display the System Manager
GUI. It is necessary that the Ethernet configuration of the workstation and the EF2915
enclosure be on the same subnet in order to establish communications. A session is begun
by addressing http://ip.ip.ip.ip in the browser, where the ips are the IP address of either
one of the controllers in the EF2915 enclosure.
Please refer to DataDirect Networks document 801-000009 for the DataDirect Networks
System Manager User Guide.

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 Chapter 3: Setting Up the EF2915 Series System
Configuring a Management Console

Configuring a Management Console

MPC Hardware Description
An DataDirect Networks SAN storage system can be monitored and managed using a
Solaris workstation or a Windows PC workstation as a management console (MPC). Both
in-band and out-of-band monitoring and management are supported.

MPC Software Description

Both the Solaris and Windows workstations come pre-loaded with operating systems. The
DataDirect Networks CD contains the DataDirect Networks SAN Manager software. The
DataDirect Networks SAN Manager works in a client-server model. The client application
(a Java applet) runs on a Java Virtual Machine in a workstation. The Server portion of the
DataDirect Networks SAN Manager is an application (daemon) that runs on the MPC.

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Configuring a Management Console

Minimum MPC Requirements

Server:
• Microsoft Windows 2000 or Sun Solaris 2.6+
• 64 Megabytes of memory
• 50 Megabytes of free hard disk space

Client:
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0+ or Netscape Navigator 6.0+
• JRE 1.3.1+

DataDirect Networks SAN Manager Software Installation

The DataDirect Networks CD supplied with the DataDirect Networks SAN storage
system contains the licensable DataDirect Networks SAN Manager software package.
For the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system, insert the DataDirect Networks CD in
the CDROM drive, run the “setup.exe” program and follow the instructions of the
installation wizard to finish the DataDirect Networks SAN Manager software installation.
For the Sun Solaris 2.6+ operating system, insert the DataDirect Networks CD in the
CDROM drive. At the Solaris system prompt sign, execute the "pkgadd -d /IQSTiqsm"
command to install the DataDirect Networks SAN Manager software to completion.
The DataDirect Networks SAN Manager client software, a Java applet, can be extracted
from the DataDirect Networks CD or the installed DataDirect Networks SAN Manager
software package through a Java-supported browser on your management console, remote
workstation, or PC. The Java applet enables you to easily manage the DataDirect
Networks SAN storage system locally or remotely.

DataDirect Networks SAN Manager Software Setup Verification

When the DataDirect Networks SAN Manager is successfully installed in the MPC, a
program folder for DataDirect Networks SAN Manager is created. Double-click the
DataDirect Networks SAN Manager executable "sanmgr.exe" to launch the DataDirect
Networks SAN Manager server program. An DataDirect Networks logo will appear on the
system tray bar. Double-clicking on the logo will open a web browser which will start the
DataDirect Networks SAN Manager client applet. Alternately, you can right click on the
logo icon, which will trigger a pop-up window menu with "Launch Client," "About," and
"exit" options. Choose the "Launch Client" option to open a web browser and start the
DataDirect Networks SAN Manager client applet.
In the case of the Windows MPC, the DataDirect Networks SAN Manager server software
will be launched automatically after a successful installation, and it will be automatically
launched each time the MPC is started. Then, open a web browser manually, and enter
URL http://host:port/ in the address bar, where "host" is for the IP address of the host that

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 Chapter 3: Setting Up the EF2915 Series System
Configuring a Management Console

is running the server, and "port" is for the HTTP service port number provided by the
server.

DataDirect Networks SAN Storage Product Support

The DataDirect Networks SAN Manager software that you have successfully installed in
the MPC supports the following DataDirect Networks SAN storage products:
• EXP2915
• EF2915

DataDirect Networks SAN Manager Functions

The following list includes some of the major DataDirect Networks SAN Manager
functions:
• SAN discovery and topology map (does not apply to iSCSI)
• SAN planning and configuration
• SAN monitoring
• Event & warning system
• Policy-based storage management
• Remote notification and diagnostics

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 Chapter 3: Setting Up the EF2915 Series System
Front Panel

Front Panel
The EF2915’s disk enclosure contains 15 disk slots. Inspection and replacement of the
canisters and disk drives is simple. You can remove and replace any drive from the disk
enclosure while the system is running by using the handle at the front of the drive canister.
The system’s front disk enclosure also has an LCD screen for displaying information.

Note: Refer to Chapter 6, “Servicing the EF2915 Series System” for the steps to remove
and replace drive trays.

LCD Information
The LCD displays status information of the EF2915 disk enclosure. You can navigate
through the display using the Up and Down arrows to display different types of
information and to change the Fibre Channel rate.
See “EF2915 LCD Guide” on page 46 for information on the various types of status
information available in the LCD, and how to check the status of the enclosure after the
power-up sequence.

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 Chapter 3: Setting Up the EF2915 Series System
Front Panel

EF2915 LCD Guide

The front panel of the EF2915 Storage System has a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and
four membrane switches (push buttons). The LCD provides two lines of 16 characters
each. The push buttons bear the symbols of alarm silence, up-arrow, down-arrow, and
bent-arrow, signifying “enter.”
This section describes how to view parameters using the LCD and push buttons.At startup,
the LCD displays the unit type. Also, alternating characters are displayed in the lower-
right corner as an indication that the monitor processor is running.

Status Screens Menu screens may be displayed by pressing the up-arrow and down-arrow buttons.
Consecutive pressing of the down-arrow button will select the following menu screens
(Table 3-4 through Table 3-7):

Table 3-4. LCD Menu Display Items

Display Items

1 Network Configuration

2 Information Items

3 Status Items

4 Startup Screen

Pressing down-arrow again will wrap back to the Network Configuration screen.
Consecutive pressing of the up-arrow button will scroll through the menu screens in
reverse order.
To select the menu that is displayed, press the Enter button. This will cause the first menu
item to be displayed.

Table 3-5.

Network Configuration Items

1 CNTRL 0 IP Address (with address display)

2 CNTRL 1 IP Address (with address display)

3 Netmask (with netmask display)

4 Gateway IP address (with address display)

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Front Panel

Table 3-6. Information Items

Information Items

1 Name, scrolling if more than 16 characters

2 Firmware Version (with version number)

3 Monitor Version (with version number)

4 EMIO PCB Rev. (with number)

5 Chassis WWN (with World Wide Number)

Name: Displays the alphabetic name, up to 64 characters, assigned to the enclosure.

Firmware Version: Displays the version number of the Storage Controller firmware.
Monitor Version: Displays the version number of the EMIO firmware.
EMIO PCB Rev.: Displays the part number and revision number of the EMIO printed
circuit board.
Chassis WWN: Displays the ID (World Wide Number) of the enclosure as 16 hex digits.

Table 3-7. Status Items

Status Items

1 Hard Drives present (with 15 digits)

2 Hard Drive fault (with 15 digits)

3 Power Supplies (with status)

4 Blowers (with status)

5 Batteries (with status)

Hard Drives present: Displays a 1 digit for each slot that contains a hard drive, or a 0
digit for each slot that does not contain a hard drive.
Hard Drive fault: Displays a 1 digit for each slot with a fault, or a 0 digit for each slot
that does not have a fault.
EMIO Temperature: Displays the temperature at the EMIO PCB, in degrees Celsius.
Power Supplies: Displays OK or Failed for each of the two Power Supplies.
Blowers: Displays OK or Failed for each of the two blower cages.

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LED Indicators

LED Indicators
Green and amber LEDs on the front panel show system status and drive activity (see
Figure 3-9 on page 59 for LED locations). Table 3-7 and Table 3-8 below list LED
Indications.

Table 3-8. Green LED Indicators

GREEN LED

Description EF2915 FC

No Activity Steady OFF

Spinning up Slow flashing

Table 3-9. Amber LED Indicators

AMBER LED

Description EF2915 FC

Drive OK, or no drive in slot. Steady OFF

Drive failure. Steady ON

RAID rebuild Slow flashing

Figure 3-5. Front Panel and LED Indicators

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Rear Panel – EF2915

Rear Panel – EF2915

The EF2915 rear panel (Figure 3-6) includes two power supplies, two cooling modules,
DB9 serial interfaces, Ethernet port, Fibre Channel ports, EMIO module, one or two
SP288 storage processors, and two AC receptacles.

Table 3-10. Rear Panel Components – EF2915

Callout Description

1 Power Supply 0

2 Power Supply 1

3 Fan Module 0

4 Fan Module 1

5 AC connector

6 SP2xx storage processor (0)

7 SP2xx storage processor (1)

8 EMIO

9 On/Off Switch

Figure 3-6. The EF2915 Rear Panel

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 Chapter 3: Setting Up the EF2915 Series System
SP2xx Storage Processors

SP2xx Storage Processors

The EF2915 has dual Fibre Channel SP2xx storage processors. Each Storage Processor
has two Fibre Channel or iSCSI host ports. By using a Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop, you
can interconnect multiple EF2915 and gain additional storage.
The Fibre Channel interface uses high-speed serial data connector fiber optic cabling. It
supports the FC_AL Direct Disk Attach profile, Class 3 operation, and SCSI Over Fibre
Channel Protocol as described by the ANSI specification.

Probing the EF2915

There are two ways to probe the EF2915: from a Solaris Host and from a Windows Host.

From a Solaris Host

Use the following steps to probe the EF2915 from a Solaris host.
1 Type:
#> format <Return>

You should see the following two disks displayed in the format menu:
cXtTd7 <DataDirect Networks-RAIDStar-SMON-0200 cyl 126 alt 2 hd
16 sec 128>/pci@1F,2000/scsi@1/sd@0,7

In each line, the field cXtTd7 identifies:

• The host SCSI controller (X).
• The selected SCSI target ID for the EF2915 (T).
• LUN 0 (do) or LUN 7 (d7).

Notes: • DataDirect Networks-RAIDStar-SMON-0200 is a virtual disk used only

as a console to communicate with the EF2915. Never attempt to store data on
it. We recommend that you always probe the EF2915, using the format
command, after changing any configuration parameters.

From a Windows Host

Use the following steps to probe the EF2915 from a Windows host.
1 Open Disk Manager
2 Scan devices, and devices will be displayed.

Note: If you see a 128 MB disk, DO NOT write a windows signature to this device.

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 Chapter 4
Database Application Agent for
Oracle, SQL and Exchange

Overview
The Database Application Agent software resides in an Oracle, SQL or Exchange server.
The running agent enables you to make a point-in-time replication/snapshot/mirror of a
vdisk containing Oracle or Exchange data files while the database is still in its full
operational mode.

Oracle on a Windows Server

Installation
Follow the steps below to install the agent on each Oracle Server:
1 Install Java 2 JRE on an Oracle Server if not previously installed.
2 Shutdown the Oracle instance properly (refer to your Oracle documentation).
3 Restart the instance in an archive log mode (refer to your Oracle documentation).
4 Restart the Oracle listener (refer to your Oracle documentation).
5 Create an “DataDirect Networks_Agent” folder.
6 Choose one of the following steps depending on your Oracle version.
a If you are using Oracle8i, copy the CD-ROM\Agents\Oracle8i\Agents.jar to the
“DataDirect Networks_Agent” folder.
b If you are using Oracle9i, copy the CD-ROM\Agents\Oracle9i\Agents.jar to the
“DataDirect Networks_Agent” folder.

Start Up
Follow the steps below to start the agent:
1 Start a DOS Shell.
2 Move to the “DataDirect Networks_Agent” directory.
3 To start the agent, issue the following command from the “DataDirect
Networks_Agent” directory.
java -classpath .\Agent.jar Agent

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Oracle on a Windows Server

Note: The agent needs to restart if the Oracle server reboots.

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 Chapter 4: Database Application Agent for Oracle, SQL and Exchange
Oracle on a Solaris Server

Oracle on a Solaris Server

Installation
Follow the steps below to install the agent on each Oracle Server:
1 Install Java 2 JRE on an Oracle Server if not previously installed.
2 Shutdown the Oracle instance properly (refer to your Oracle documentation).
3 Restart the instance in an archive log mode (refer to your Oracle documentation).
4 Restart the Oracle listener (refer to your Oracle documentation).
5 Create an “DataDirect Networks_Agent” folder.
6 Choose one of the following steps depending on your Oracle version.
a If you are using Oracle8i copy the CD-ROM/Agents/Oracle8i/Agents.jar to the
“DataDirect Networks_Agent” folder.
b If you are using Oracle9i copy the CD-ROM/Agents/Oracle9i/Agents.jar to the
“DataDirect Networks_Agent” folder.

Start Up
Follow the steps below to start the agent:
1 Start a Shell.
2 Move to the “DataDirect Networks_Agent” directory.
3 To start the agent, issue the following command from the “DataDirect
Networks_Agent” directory.
java -classpath ./Agent.jar Agent
Note: The agent needs to restart if the Oracle server reboots.

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Exchange on a Windows Server

Exchange on a Windows Server

Working Mode
The Exchange 2003 Backup Agent runs on a Windows 2003 Server.
The Exchange 2003 Backup Agent must work together with a VSS Provider, or it will fail
to do backup and restore.
There are two ways to do backup, the first one is to backup using the command line mode
(SAN Manager independent), and the second one is to manage routine backup by a set
policy in SAN mgr (SAN Manager dependent). Both ways are hot backup, and Exchange
2003 service won't be interrupted during the backup.
Restore can be performed using command line mode. Before doing restore the snapshot
vdisk must be mounted to the host.

Installation
VSS Provider Setup:
Double-click "DataDirect Networks VSS Hardware Provider Build.exe" to launch the
installation process, which will install the "VSS Provider". The service will be
automatically started when doing backup.
Exchange2003 Agent Setup:
Double-click "DataDirect Networks ExchangeAgent2k3 Build.exe" to launch the
installation process, which will install the "DataDirect Networks Exchange 2003 Backup
Agent". The service will be automatically started after installation is finished.

Doing Backup
1. Mount a vdisk of the DataDirect Networks Storage System to the host as a
volume that can be written and read, such as volume D:.
2. Put all files such as log files and database files of the Exchange Server
2003 on this volume and determine the path to a storage group.
3. Do backup with command line mode:
INSTALL_DIR>\ exchagent2k3 -exe -b <BackupCaption> -g
<storage group name>

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 Chapter 4: Database Application Agent for Oracle, SQL and Exchange
Exchange on a Windows Server

4. Using SAN Manager:

Figure 4-1. Exchange Backup Using SAN Manager

Doing Restore
1. Mount the snapshot to the host and manually copy the mailbox and log
files from the snapshot drive to the First Storage Group.
2. Mount the First Storage Group.

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 Chapter 4: Database Application Agent for Oracle, SQL and Exchange
SQL Server on Windows

SQL Server on Windows

Working Mode
The DataDirect Networks SQL Backup Agent runs on a Windows 2000 or Windows 2003
server.
The DataDirect Networks SQL Backup Agent must work together with MSS + DAA
abilities cooperation, or it will fail to do backup and restore.
The DataDirect Networks SQL backup agent will manage the routine backup of SQL by a
set policy in SAN Manager (SAN Manager dependent). It is hot backup, and the SQL
Server service will not be interrupted during the backup.
Restore can be performed using command line mode. Before doing restore the snapshot
vdisk must be mounted to the host.

Installation
SQL Backup Agent Setup:
Double-click "DataDirect Networks SQL Agent Build.exe" to launch the installation
process, which will install the "DataDirect Networks SQL Backup Agent", the service will
be automatically started after the installation is finished. Insure that the MSS+DAA
licenses are installed in the DataDirect Networks Storage System.

Doing Backup
1 Mount a vdisk of the DataDirect Networks Storage System on the host as a
volume that can be written and read, such as volume D:.
2. Put all files such as log files and database files of the SQL Server on this
volume and determine the path to a database.
3. Do backup with SAN Manager (see Figure 4-2).

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 Chapter 4: Database Application Agent for Oracle, SQL and Exchange
SQL Server on Windows

Figure 4-2. SQL Backup Using SAN Manager

Do Restore
Migrate the database backup data files from permanent storage to the original file path:
INSTALL_DIR>\ SQLAgent -restore -s <SessID> -b <BkpDBName>

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 Chapter 4: Database Application Agent for Oracle, SQL and Exchange
SQL Server on Windows

58 EF2915 Series User Guide

 Chapter 5

Troubleshooting

This chapter lists problems you may encounter when starting up or operating the EF2915
and provides recommendations on how to troubleshoot the problems.
If you cannot solve a problem yourself, contact:
DataDirect Networks Technical Support at one of the following addresses:
• Telephone: 888.634.2374, 818.700.7618
• Email: [email protected]
• Fax: 800.700.7601
• Mail: DataDirect Networks Technical Support
Worldwide Corporate Offices
9351 Deering Avenue
Chatsworth, CA 91311
USA

Problem Indications
Several indications of possible problems which you may encounter are covered here with
suggested ways of proceeding. They include:
• EF2915 cannot be turned ON.
• EF2915 does not respond.
• No raid; prompt from the EF2915.
• Host cannot probe the EF2915 by format command.
• DataDirect Networks SAN Manager cannot detect the EF2915 on the Fibre Channel.
• SFP connectivity problem.
• SP2xx Storage Processor modules do not establish Interlink communications.
• Ethernet connection cannot be established
• RAID Configuration Warning.

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 Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Problem Indications

EF2915 cannot be turned on

• Check the AC power source to ensure that it is 110V or 220V.

EF2915 does not respond

• Check the serial line settings for the host RS-232 interface. They should be 9600 bps
with data format of 8N1 (8 data bits, No parity, 1 stop bit).
• Make sure the serial configuration file /etc/eyecup/devices settings are
properly configured.
• Turn EF2915 system power OFF (both power supplies), then ON again, and verify the
EF2915 is booting properly.

No raid; prompt from the EF2915

• If you see the {rmon} prompt, type b (the boot command). If the raid; prompt
appears, type autoboot (the autoboot command). If you cannot get the raid; prompt
from the EF2915, write down any messages that appear and call DataDirect Networks
Technical Support.

Host cannot probe the EF2915 by format command

• Make sure that the cable connects the host to the EF2915 properly.
• Turn the EF2915 OFF then ON again. Reboot the host by using the boot -r command
at the ok prompt. Try the format command again.
• Make sure that you have selected a valid SCSI ID for the EF2915. The factory default
SCSI ID for the EF2915 is 5.
• Make sure that you have configured the file /kernel/drv/sd.conf correctly.
• Verify the steps described in “Fibre Channel Connection” on page 40 for Fibre
Channel connection and probing.

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 Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Problem Indications

DataDirect Networks SAN Manager cannot detect the EF2915 on the

Fibre Channel
Methods of verifying the connectivity of the Fibre Channel link
1 Type "getwwn 1" at the command line
• If a message appears with only the SP2xx’s WWNs, this means no Fibre Channel
connection is established to other FC devices.
: raid;
: raid; getwwn 1
SUCCESS: 21.29.00.09.2B.20.58.70, 21.29.00.09.2B.20.58.70,
SUCCESS: 29.29.00.09.2B.20.58.70, 29.29.00.09.2B.20.58.70,
EOC
: raid;

• If a message appears with other devices’ WWNs listed, a Fibre Channel connec-
tion is established to other FC devices on the SAN.
: raid;
: raid; getwwn 1
SUCCESS: 21.00.00.09.2B.20.00.CF, 21.00.00.09.2B.20.00.CF, DataDirect Networks
RAIDStar-SMON 0201
SUCCESS: 29.00.00.09.2B.20.00.CF, 29.00.00.09.2B.20.00.CF, DataDirect Networks
RAIDStar-SMON 0201
SUCCESS: 21.29.00.09.2B.20.58.70, 21.29.00.09.2B.20.58.70, DataDirect Networks
RAIDStar-SMON 0201
SUCCESS: 29.29.00.09.2B.20.58.70, 29.29.00.09.2B.20.58.70, DataDirect Networks
RAIDStar-SMON 0201
SUCCESS: 10.00.00.06.2B.06.0B.08, 20.00.00.06.2B.06.0B.08, LSI40919O B.0 03-
00005-01B FW:1.00.04 Port 0
EOC
: raid;

2 Type "getids 1" at the command line

• If a response appears that does not contain any port or loop IDs, no Fibre Channel
connection is established to other FC devices
: raid;
: raid; getids 1
EOC
: raid;

• If a message appears that includes the devices' port and loop IDs, a Fibre Channel
connection is established to other FC devices.
: raid;
: raid; getids 1
PortID: 0xFFFFFE, LoopID: 0x7E
PortID: 0xFFFFFC, LoopID: 0x80
PortID: 0x630900, LoopID: 0x82
EOC
: raid;

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 Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Problem Indications

Solution: Establishing the Fibre Channel connection if it is down

1 Verify that all FC connections are securely connected

2 Verify that all LEDs are lit up green on the SP2xx and the FC switch
3 Remove and reinsert the Fibre Channel module to ensure proper connectivity. If this
does not produce successful results, please replace the module.

SFP connectivity problem

1 Check LEDs on SP2xx storage processor
• No green LED indicates no connectivity
2 Check LEDs on the FC port on the switch
• Amber LED indicates no connectivity
3 If there is no connectivity, remove and reinsert the SFP module to ensure proper con-
nection. If this does not produce successful results, please replace the SFP module.

SP2xx Storage Processor modules: No Interlink communication

Methods of discovering that your Interlink connection is not established

1 Type “hwconf” at the command line

• If a message appears with 0 0 0 0, no Interlink connection is established

: raid;
: raid; hwconf
2 1 1 124 134217728 120488064 117331136 67108864 0 0 0 0
: raid;

• If a message appears without 0 0 0 0, an Interlink connection is established

: raid;
: raid; hwconf
2 1 1 124 134217728 120488064 117331136 67108864 268435456 253974432
250950272 134217728
: raid;

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 Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Problem Indications

2 Look at Interlink messages that appear on the command line

• If a message appears like the following, no Interlink connection is established

10:55:24 09/11/02; interlink.c@2034 [rr_poll]: Calling Clear_interlink( )

10:55:24 09/11/02; rrci_pollster(292): Remote controller is now down!

• If a message appears like the following, an Interlink connection has been reestab-
lished.

10:58:56 09/11/02; ISR: a change in Name Server Database - chip 1

10:59:07 09/11/02; rrci_pollster(292): Remote controller is now up

3 Look at the Interlink messages during boot up

• If a message appears that does not indicate a synchronization of controllers, no
Interlink connection is established

11:31:59 09/11/02; --- Starting remote controller communications daemon

11:31:59 09/11/02; rrcid /dev/rrci
11:31:59 09/11/02; Starting rrcid (pid 291) on controller 0
11:31:59 09/11/02; 291
11:32:29 09/11/02; Waiting for peer controller ...............

• If a message appears that indicates controllers are successfully synchronized, an

Interlink connection is established

11:05:03 09/11/02; --- Starting remote controller communications daemon

11:05:03 09/11/02; rrcid /dev/rrci
11:05:03 09/11/02; Starting rrcid (pid 291) on controller 1
11:05:03 09/11/02; 291
11:05:15 09/11/02; rrci_pollster(292): Remote controller is now up
11:05:16 09/11/02; Waiting for peer controller ......
11:05:16 09/11/02; Syncing Controllers in progress .....
.
.
[Note: additional lines of output will appear here during the bootup]
.
.
11:05:22 09/11/02; Syncing Controllers complete.

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 Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Problem Indications

Solution: Establishing the Interlink connection if it is down

1 Reboot both controllers

2 When the raid prompt appears, try issuing the "hwconf" command again and verify
that an Interlink connection has been established.
3 If the Interlink connection still cannot be established, please call DataDirect Networks
Networks Technical Support for assistance.

Ethernet connection cannot be established

1 Verify the cable is properly and securely connected to the RJ45 connector.
2 Issue the "netparm -print" command and verify that the IP address, the IP mask, and
the IP gateway are properly configured according to the existing network environ-
ment settings.
3 Try to "ping" the SP228/SP288 storage processor from a HOST on the same network.

RAID Configuration Warning

Removing an active drive during a write sequence usually causes a media error, because
the correct ECC or CRC data may not be written to the media successfully. Afterward,
when reading from the affected sectors, the drive will show media errors if the ECC/CRC
and data do not match. Such an error is not recoverable unless the data that was incorrectly
written to the affected areas is written again.
DataDirect Networks performs drive verification during production testing, and media
errors you observe are caused by drive removal, during shipping, or by handling before
system setup.
Using the command line interface, issue the verify command at the raid; prompt. See
your Administration and Operations User Guide for details. Verification takes from one to
two hours, depending on drive capacity. You must perform the drive verification process
before configuring the RAID for use. Once the system is in place, do not remove drives to
test redundancy.

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 Chapter 6

Servicing the EF2915 Series System

The EF2915 is fully field-serviceable with modular components. This chapter describes
the steps to remove and replace Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) that provide critical
system functions. All FRUs are easily accessible from the front or rear of the unit. They
include:
• Disk drives
• SP2xx storage processors
• Power supplies
• Cooling fans

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Identifying Field Replaceable Units

Identifying Field Replaceable Units

Figure 6-1 shows the EF2915 rear panel and the locations of Field Replaceable Units
(FRUs).

Table 6-1. Rear Panel Components – EF2915

Callout Description

1 Power Supply 1

2 Power Supply 0

3 Fan Module 1

4 Fan Module 0

5 AC connector

6 SP2xx storage processor (0)

7 SP2xx storage processor (1)

8 EMIO

9 On/Off Switch

3 8 7 4

5 1 6 2 9
Figure 6-1. EF2915 Rear Panel

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Inserting SFPs

Inserting SFPs
The Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) is a compact optical transceiver used to couple
the optical fiber cable to the fibre channel host adapter in the EF2915 system. They slide
into the port openings of the SP2xx processors.

Caution: Care must be taken to insure that the SFPs are inserted in the correct orientation
! in order to avoid damaging the SFP or the socket that it fits into.
Refer to Figure 6-2 for the correct orientation of the SFP for insertion into the processor
socket.

Figure 6-2. SFP Insertion

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Replacing a Faulty Disk Drive

Replacing a Faulty Disk Drive

The front panel has slide-in trays, each containing one 3.5" disk drive. All drives are hot-
swappable: any drive may be removed and inserted while the EF2915 is operating (power
on) with no effect on the operation of other drives or the system as a whole. The tray
assembly is designed to allow easy inspection of a drive and replacement if necessary.
If a drive’s amber LED stays ON, this indicates that the drive has failed and must be
replaced.

Drive Slots and Locations

Drive slots are numbered from 0 to 14, from left to right as viewed from the front.

Removal
To remove a disk drive tray:
1 Lift up the LCD display panel.
2 Identify the drive that needs to be replaced.
3 Pull out the sliders to hold the LCD panel in place.
4 Hold the disk tray handle and carefully pull the tray away from the chassis (Figure 6-
3).

Figure 6-3. Removing a Disk Drive Tray

Insertion
To insert a disk drive tray:
1 Lift up the LCD display panel.
2 Pull out the sliders to hold the LCD panel in place.

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Replacing a Faulty Disk Drive

3 Holding the handle, align the tray with the slot.

4 Push the tray into the slot until it locks in place. You will hear a “click” as the drive
locks into place.

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Removing and Replacing Power Supplies

Removing and Replacing Power Supplies

Power supplies are hot-swappable: either power supply may be removed and inserted
while the EF2915 is operating (power is on) without affecting system operation.

Note: The EF2915 can operate on one power supply alone. We recommend that you
install two power supplies for redundancy.

To remove a power supply from the EF2915:

1 Turn off the power of the power supply to be removed.
2 Remove AC cord.
3 Remove the fastening screw (Figure 6-4 top).
4 Grasp the handle and slide the power supply out of the chassis (Figure 6-4 bottom).

Figure 6-4. Removing the Power Supply Module from the EF2915)

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Removing and Replacing Power Supplies

Replacement
To install a power supply:
1 Align the power supply with the opening on the rear panel.
2 Be sure that the power supply switch is set to OFF.
3 Slide the supply into the chassis.
4 Tighten the thumb screw.
5 Plug in the AC cord.
6 Turn on power.
7 Verify that the power supply is functioning properly by checking its status using the
LCD information and the DataDirect Networks SAN Manager.

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Removing and Replacing Processor Modules

Removing and Replacing Processor Modules

You do not need to remove the top cover to remove and replace the SP2xx processor
modules, since they are not swappable.

Note: If the system is active, removal of a processor module should be done during
scheduled maintenance, unless multi-pathing software is being used on the host.

Removal
To remove a SP22x processor module:
1 Make sure all of the cables are clearly marked to indicate which connector on the stor-
age processor they plug into.
2 Unscrew the two screws (Figure 6-5 top).
3 Carefully pull the board from the chassis (Figure 6-5 bottom). This disengages the
SP22x processor module from the mid-plane board.

Caution: Slide the board out evenly. It connects to the mid-plane by two connectors.
!
4 Slide the board away from the system.

Note: Do not remove the backplane from the SP22x processor module. Replacement
units have the backplane attached.

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Removing and Replacing Processor Modules

Figure 6-5. Removing an SP22x Processor Module

To remove a SP28x processor module:

1 Make sure all of the cables are clearly marked to indicate which connector on the stor-
age processor they plug into.
2 Unscrew the two screws (Figure 6-6 top).
3 Carefully pull the board from the chassis (Figure 6-6 bottom). This disengages the
SP28x processor module from the mid-plane board.

Caution: Slide the board out evenly. It connects to the mid-plane by two connectors.
!
4 Slide the board away from the system.

Note: Do not remove the backplane from the SP28x processor module. Replacement
units have the backplane attached.

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Removing and Replacing Processor Modules

Figure 6-6. Removing an SP28x Processor Module

Processor Memory
If it is desired to add memory to an SP2xx processor, make sure that if a single SIMM is
used, the SIMM is inserted in socket U2 (the outboard socket). If two SIMMs are used,
make sure that they are of the exact same manufacturer, model and speed.

Replacement
Caution: When inserting the SP2xx processor modules, make sure you align the connec-
! tor pins with the connectors.
To replace a SP2xx storage processor module:
1 Align the storage processor module with the opening in the rear panel.
2 Slide the storage processor module in until it meets the mid-plane connectors.
3 Using even pressure, carefully slide the board in to engage the connectors. Press
firmly to seat the connectors, but without excessive pressure.
4 Tighten the two screws.

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Removing and Replacing Processor Modules

5 Reconnect the cables to the correct connectors.

6 Verify the storage processor is functioning correctly by checking the status using the
DataDirect Networks SAN Manager and LCD.

Note: After replacing a storage processor module, you must reconfigure the RAID
set on the new storage processor if its configuration is different from that of the
original storage processor.

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Removing and Replacing Fan Modules

Removing and Replacing Fan Modules

The EF2915’s two fans are serviceable from the rear of the unit.

Caution: To avoid system damage in case of fan failure, never run the EF2915 for more
! than 5 minutes without operating either fan.

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Removing and Replacing Fan Modules

To remove a fan module in the EF2915:

1 Unscrew the screws (Figure 6-7 top).
2 Using the handle, pull out the fan module (Figure 6-7 bottom).

Note: The power connector for the fans is hard-mounted to the fan module. Power is
disconnected automatically when you pull the module out.

Figure 6-7. Removing a Fan Module in the EF2915

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Removing and Replacing Fan Modules

Replacement
To replace a fan module:
1 Using the handle, align the fan module with the opening on the rear panel.
2 Align the power connector with the plug.
3 Carefully push the module into place.
4 Tighten the thumb screw.
5 Verify the fan module is functioning properly by checking status using the LCD and
DataDirect Networks SAN Manager.

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Removing and Replacing the EMIO Module

Removing and Replacing the EMIO Module

The EF2915 has one Enclosure Management Input Output module that is serviceable from
the rear of the unit.

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Removing and Replacing the EMIO Module

To remove the EMIO module from an EF2915:

1 Unscrew the screws (Figure 6-8 top).
2 Using the handle, pull out the fan module (Figure 6-8 bottom).

Figure 6-8. Removing the EMIO module from the EF2915

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Removing and Replacing Battery Module

Removing and Replacing Battery Module

The EF2915 has one battery module that is serviceable from the rear of the unit.

To remove the battery module from an EF2915:

1 Unscrew the screws (Figure 6-9 top).
2 Using the handle, pull out the fan module (Figure 6-9 bottom).

Figure 6-9. Removing the Battery Module from an EF2915

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 Chapter 6: Servicing the EF2915 Series System
Removing and Replacing Battery Module

82 EF2915 Series User Guide

 Chapter 7

Glossary

This section describes the terminology introduced in this guide, as well as related terms
used in telecommunications technology and standards.
Arbitrated Loop
A Fibre Channel topology that defines the connections between hosts and devices. Two or
more ports can be interconnected, but only two at a time can communicate. The loop
supports up to 126 devices and one fabric attachment on one loop.
Arbitrated Loop Physical Address
An 8-bit value that identifies a device in an arbitrated loop. This value is always the last 8
bits of the 24-bit address field.
Arbitration
The process that facilitates orderly access to a shared-loop technology.
Buffer to Buffer Credit
The (Fibre Channel) flow control system that provides pacing of the traffic load in order to
prevent frame loss. In effect, it determines how many frames can be sent to a recipient. A
credit represents a device’s ability to accept an additional frame. If no credits are issued by
a recipient to a sender, the sender cannot send to that recipient.
Class 2
A connectionless Class of Service that allows streams of frames to be sent to different
destinations quickly and requires acknowledgment of frame delivery. It is generally used in
applications requiring a high degree of data integrity at the transport level.
Class 3
A connectionless Class of Service (sometimes called a “datagram”) that does not require
acknowledgment of frame delivery. Class 3 provides higher performance with less
overhead, but can be less reliable, since under highly congested conditions, it may discard
frames.
Destination WWN
The world-wide name that identifies the port that will receive the frame.
Discovery
In a fabric network, the process of identifying other devices in the network. See also Name
Server and Loop Initialization.
Exchange
A set of related, bidirectional sequences that represents a complete I/O operation. See also
Sequence.

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 Chapter 7: Glossary

Fabric
One or more Fibre Channel switch(es) in a network configuration in which each port in a
node (device) is attached to the fabric through a link that consists of a pair of fibers. See
also Link.
Fabric Login (FLOGI)
The process in which a port establishes all network operating parameters between two
participants. See also Fabric and Port Login.
Fibre
A generic term that describes the serial media types supported by Fibre Channel, such as
coaxial cable, optical, or twisted pair. See also Link.
Fibre Channel
The name for the set of (ANSI) standards that describe the serial protocol that supports
both channel and network users.
F_Port
Fabric Port. A physical interface within the fabric (switch) that attaches to an N_Port
(Node port) through a point-to-point connection. See also N_Port.
Fl_Port
Fabric Loop Port. An F_Port containing arbitrated loop functions.
HBA
Host Bus Adaptor. A Fibre Channel interface card that plugs into a host such as a PCI or
SBUS card.
Initiator
A server or workstation in a Fibre Channel network that starts transactions to disk or tape.
See also Target.
iSCSI
Small Computer Systems Interface mapped onto TCP/IP.
Loop Initialization
Part of the initialization process in a Fibre Channel arbitrated loop that assigns the
Arbitrated Loop Physical Addresses to new participants. The process also provides
notification of changes in the topology and recovery from loop failure.
Name Server
A database that allows each attached device in a fabric to register or query information,
such as the names, addresses, and classes of service of other participants in the network.
Node
A device that has at least one N_Port or one NL_Port.
NL_Port
Node Loop Port. The end node ports in an arbitrated loop.

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 Chapter 7: Glossary

N_Port
Node Port. A physical interface within an end device (node) that may attach to an F-Port
or directly to another N_Port through a point-to-point connection.
Point-to-point
A dedicated Fibre Channel connection (link) between two devices. See also Topology.
Port
A Fibre Channel physical entity that connects a node to a network.
Port Login (PLOGI)
The login process in which a port sends its port-to-port operating parameters to every port
in the network that it needs to communicate with.
Port Name
See World Wide Name.
Private Loop
A free-standing arbitrated loop with no fabric attachments. See also Arbitrated Loop.
Public Loop
An arbitrated loop attached to a (SAN) fabric switch. See also Arbitrated Loop.
SAN
Storage Area Network. A network that links servers and workstations to disk arrays and
tape backup subsystems in a Fibre Channel network.
Sequence
A group of one or more related frames. See also Frame and Word.
Sequence Count
The value in the frame header that helps identify the order in which the frames were
transmitted.
Sequence ID
The value in a frame header that distinguishes one frame sequence from another.
Source WWN
The world-wide name that identifies the sender of the frame.
Target
A disk array or tape subsystem in a Fibre Channel network.
Topology
The logical or physical arrangement of devices in a network configuration. Also refers to a
specific way of connecting the components, such as point-to-point or arbitrated loop. See
also Point-to-Point and Arbitrated Loop.
Word
The basic Fibre Channel building block used to construct frames. It consists of four 10-bit
bytes. See also Frame and Sequence.

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 Chapter 7: Glossary

WWN
World Wide Name. A unique 64-bit address assigned to a Fibre Channel device during
manufacturing. See also Source WWN and Destination WWN.

86 EF2915 Series User Guide

Index

A
Air flow 26
ALPA (Arbitrated Loop Physical Address) 87
arbitrated loop 87
arbitration 87

B
back end 21
Buffer to Buffer Credit 87

C
Cabling 30
checksum 22
chunk size 21
chunks 21
Class 2 87
Class 3 87

D
data availability 21
data integrity 21
Database Application Agent for Oracle 53
Destination WWN 87
Drive names and locations 70
Drives
names and locations 70
dual porting 21

E
Environmental requirements 26
exchange (in Fibre Channel) 87

F
F_Port 88
fabric 88
Fabric Login (FLOGI) 88
Fibre Channel
overview 10
terminology 87
Fl_Port 88
front end 21
Front panel 45

G
glossary
Fibre Channel 87

EF2915 Series User Guide 87

 Chapter :

H
HBA 88
host portability 21

I
Installation 25
cabling
cable connections 30
location 26
unpacking 27
iSCSI overview 14

L
lookahead 21
Loop Initialization 88

N
N_Port 89
Name Server 88
NL_Port 88
Node (in Fibre Channel) 88

O
Oracle 53
overview
Fibre Channel 10
iSCSI 14
SAN 7

P
Point-to-point (in Fibre Channel) 89
Port Login (PLOGI) 89
Power 26
Private Loop (in Fibre Channel) 89
Public Loop (in Fibre Channel) 89

R
Rack installation 28
RAID file systems 14
readahead 22
Removing and replacing disk drives 70
request rate 22

S
SAN overview 7
sequence (in Fibre Channel) 89
sequence count (in Fibre Channel) 89
sequence ID 89
servicing the iQ12xx Series 67
setting up the iQ12xx Series 25
Source WWN 89
Specifications 23
striping 22

T
transfer rate 22

88 EF2915 Series User Guide

 Chapter :

U
Unpacking 27

W
word (in Fibre Channel) 89
World Wide Name (WWN) 87

EF2915 Series User Guide 89

DataDirect Networks, Inc.
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