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Compaq StorageWorks High
Availability Storage Solution for ProLiant
DA-10463 Canada — Version 4 — February 6, 2001
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VERVIEW
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Installation
The High Availability Storage Solution for ProLiant is a pre-tested configuration of hardware, software, installation, and customer training that is targeted at
moving large Microsoft Exchange servers into a SAN-compatible environment. Installation is available from Compaq Customer Services, and includes:
• Assembly of hardware components.
• Installation of Fibre Channel host adapters into customer's Exchange servers.
• Configuration of RAID Array 4000 and Fibre Channel hubs into a High Availability storage subsystem.
• Installation of management software.
• Migration of customer's Exchange data from existing disks to the RA4000 disks.
• System Verification Test.
Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop
The Compaq High Availability Storage Solution for ProLiant Solution uses Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop technology to transfer data between the servers
and the external storage subsystems. Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop delivers the advantages of 100 MB/s bandwidth, up to 126 addressable connections,
easy cabling, 500 meters (546.8 yards) to 10 kilometer (6.21 miles) distances between nodes, hot pluggable and node-bypass capabilities.
The High Availability Storage Solution for ProLiant configuration uses two independent Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loops to provide full no-single-point-of-
failure redundancy. Each loop implements an independent Fibre Channel Fabric. Any failure on one Fabric causes the system to use the other Fabric for
communication between the servers and the external storage. For the purposes of this Solution, one loop is called "Fabric A", and the other is called
"Fabric B".
StorageWorks RAID Array 4000
The Compaq High Availability Storage Solution for ProLiant Solution uses two dual-redundant RA4000 RAID subsystems. These include a total of four
RAID controllers in two separate rack mounted enclosures. Each RA4000 subsystem operates completely independently, and the redundant controller in
each subsystem protects against controller failures.
RAID levels 0 (striping), 1 (mirroring), 4 (block parity) and 5 (distributed block parity) are supported by the RA4000. For maximum data availability in case
of disk failure, and to maximize I/O request performance, RAID 1 (mirroring) is the preferred option for the High Availability Storage Solution for ProLiant.
In mirrored data subsystems, two complete copies of all of the user's data are maintained, and READ requests from the server can be handled from either
copy--which maximizes READ performance.
Each RA4000 supports up to 64 megabytes of cache memory. This is used to optimize the performance of Microsoft Exchange Server application.
Fibre Channel Storage Hub 7
The Fibre Channel Storage Hub 7 is a 7 port Fibre Channel Hub. The two Hub 7s in this solution provide the Fibre Channel interconnection fabric for the
High Availability Storage Solution for ProLiant Solution. Each hub provides two ports for host connections and two ports for storage connections, with
additional ports for later expansion. The Hub 7s are mounted in the Rack 9000 in a 1U form factor.
Fibre Channel Host Adapter Kit / PCI
The Fibre Channel Host Adapter Kit / PCI provides the capability to attach Compaq ProLiant servers to the Fibre Channel interconnection fabric. Each
Fibre Channel Tape Host Adapter has a single Fibre Channel port that provides a fiber optic connection to the Storage Hub 7. Each Host Adapter Kit uses
one PCI slot in a ProLiant server. To achieve data path redundancy, each server has two Host Adapter Kits. Each server has one connection to Fabric A
and a separate connection to Fabric B.
Rack 9000 22U
Compaq sets the standard for performance and value in the enterprise with the Compaq Rack 9000 Series family of rack cabinets and rack options. This
enterprise-class rack cabinet system combines next-generation structural integrity and ease of use capabilities to deliver industry-leading performance.
Ideal for onsite assembly of rack mounted Compaq ProLiant servers and StorageWorks products, the Compaq Rack 9000 Series of rack cabinets
complement and protect your customer's investment in technology. Specifically designed to ensure outstanding performance and seamless integration
throughout the entire enterprise, the Compaq Rack 9000 could easily be the last family of racks that your customers ever have to think about purchasing.
Key features include:
• Unique frame and rail design
• Thermal integrity
• Security provisions
• Flexibility
• Custom expandability
• Warranty