Compaq AA-RHGWB-TE Computer Hardware User Manual


 
2
Hardware Requirements and Restrictions
This chapter describes the hardware requirements and restrictions for
a TruCluster Server cluster. It includes lists of supported cables, trilink
connectors, Y cables, and terminators.
See the TruCluster Server Software Product Description (SPD) for the latest
information about supported hardware.
2.1 TruCluster Server Member System Requirements
The requirements for member systems in a TruCluster Server cluster are as
follows:
Each supported member system requires a minimum firmware revision.
See the Release Notes Overview supplied with the Alpha Systems
Firmware Update CD-ROM.
You can also obtain firmware information from the Web at
http://www.compaq.com/support/. Select Alpha Systems from
the downloadable drivers & utilities menu. Check the release
notes for the appropriate system type to determine the firmware version
required.
TruCluster Server Version 5.0A supports eight-member cluster
configurations as follows:
Fibre Channel: Eight-member systems may be connected to common
storage over Fibre Channel in a fabric (switch) configuration.
Parallel SCSI: Only four of the member systems may be connected to
any one SCSI bus, but you can have multiple SCSI buses connected
to different sets of nodes, and the sets of nodes may overlap. We
recommend you use a DS-DWZZH-05 UltraSCSI hub with fair
arbitration enabled when connecting four-member systems to a
common SCSI bus.
TruCluster Server does not support the XMI CIXCD on an AlphaServer
8x00, GS60, GS60E, or GS140 system.
2.2 Memory Channel Restrictions
The Memory Channel interconnect is used for cluster communications
between the member systems.
Hardware Requirements and Restrictions 21