Accusys ExaSAN A08S3-PS User manual

ExaSAN A08S3-PS
User Guide
Includes hardware setup information for:
PCIe RAID System Models: A08S3-PS
QSFP HBA Model: Z2M-G3
QSFP PCIe Cables
Optional hardware setup information for:
PCIe Convertor: C1M
Also includes software setup information for:
RAID Management Software:
RAIDGuard X
Accusys Storage Ltd.,
Version: V0.0.1

Revision Sheet
User Guide
Page i
Revision Sheet
Release
No.
Date
Revision Description
V0.0.1
04/30/2014
Initial release

User Guide Page ii
PREFACE
Notice
The product features and specifications described in this guide are subject to change without
notice.
The manufacturer shall not be liable for any damage, or the loss of data resulting from the
performance or use of the information contained herein.
About This Guide
Congratulations on your purchase of the ExaSAN (pronounced X-sa-SAN) A08S3-PS, The first
PCIe 3.0 desktop model of the ExaSAN family, specifically designed for all post production
storage. It delivers stability, exceptional performance, and scalable capacity.
This guide also contains instructions for installing and using the ExaSAN A08S3-PS system and
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technologies and RAIDGuard X (ExaSAN’s
RAID management software).
If you are new to RAID and RAIDGuard X, this guide will help you become familiar with the
technology, and assist you in setting up and using RAID on the A08S3-PS. If you are already
familiar with ExaSAN, use this guide as a reference for implementing your ExaSAN A08S3-PS
solution to achieve maximum performance and reliability.
For details of hardware installation, setup, configuration and considerations, see
Chapter 1, “Introducing ExaSAN PCIe3.0 Storage System”
Chapter 2, “Preparing to Install ExaSAN A08S3-PS”
Chapter 3, “Installing ExaSAN A08S3-PS”
Chapter 4, “Using RAIDGuard X”
Chapter 5, RAID Overview
Guide to Conventions
Inside the double boxes are important information that users should be aware of:
Caution
This indicates the existence of a potential hazard that could result in
personal injury, damage to your equipment or loss of data if the safety
instruction is not observed.
Note
This indicates useful tips on getting the most from your Accusys RAID
system.

User Guide Page iii
Trademarks
Accusys and the names of Accusys products and logos referenced herein are trademarks
and/or service marks or registered trademarks and/or service marks of Accusys Storage Ltd.
Xsan, Mac, Mac OS, and Macintosh are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Apple.
Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or service marks
of their respective owners.
All contents of this manual are copyrighted by Accusys Storage Ltd.
The information contained herein is the exclusive property of Accusys Storage Ltd. and shall not
be copied, transferred, photocopied, translated on paper, film, electronic media, or computer-
readable form, or otherwise reproduced in any way, without the express written permission of
Accusys Inc.
Document version V0.0.1
Date Published: January, 2014
© Copyright 2014 Accusys Storage Ltd.
All Rights Reserved.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

User Guide Page iv
ExaSAN A08S3-PS User Guide
Table of content
Page #
Notice.............................................................................................................................................................ii
About This Guide........................................................................................................................................ii
Guide to Conventions ...............................................................................................................................ii
Trademarks.................................................................................................................................................iii
Table of content.........................................................................................................................................iv
Table of Figures........................................................................................................................................vii
1. Introducing ExaSAN PCIe 3.0 Storage Systems.............................................................................1-1
1.1 System Overview ....................................................................................................................1-1
1.1.1 What is the ExaSAN Solution.............................................................................................................1-1
1.1.2 What is the ExaSAN A08S3-PS Solution...........................................................................................1-2
1.1.3 ExaSAN A08S3-PS Components and Accessories.............................................................................1-2
1.1.3.1 ExaSAN PCIe RAID System ....................................................................................................1-2
1.1.3.2 Hard Disk Drive (HDD) for the RAID System.........................................................................1-3
1.1.3.3 ExaSAN QSFP Host Bus Adapter (Z2M).................................................................................1-3
1.1.3.4 QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) PCIe Copper or Optical Cables ...........................1-3
1.1.3.5 Power Cord................................................................................................................................1-4
1.1.4 Key Features.......................................................................................................................................1-4
1.2 Unpacking the System............................................................................................................1-6
1.2.1 What Is In Your Order........................................................................................................................1-6
1.2.2 Checking the Equipment you’ll need..................................................................................................1-6
1.2.3 Unpacking...........................................................................................................................................1-7
1.3 What’s in the Box ...................................................................................................................1-7
1.3.1 A08S3-PS System...............................................................................................................................1-7
1.3.2 A08S3-PS Accessories .......................................................................................................................1-7
1.3.3 A08S3-PS Disk Tray package ............................................................................................................1-7
1.4 Your A08S3-PS at a Glance...................................................................................................1-8
1.4.1 ExaSAN A08S3-PS ............................................................................................................................1-8
1.4.1.1 A08S3-PS Front Panel & LED Indicators.................................................................................1-8
1.4.1.2 Beeper Codes ............................................................................................................................1-9
1.4.1.3 Disk Mapping..........................................................................................................................1-10
1.4.1.4 Disk Tray and LED Indicators ................................................................................................1-10
1.4.1.5 A08S3-PS Rear Panel..............................................................................................................1-12
1.4.2 ExaSAN QSFP Host Bus Adapter (HBA) and LED Indicators........................................................1-13
1.5 What Else You Need.............................................................................................................1-14
1.5.1 DAS environment.............................................................................................................................1-14
1.5.1.1 Hardware.................................................................................................................................1-14
1.5.1.2 Software ..................................................................................................................................1-15
1.5.2 SAN environment.............................................................................................................................1-16
1.5.2.1 Hardware.................................................................................................................................1-16
1.5.2.2 Software ..................................................................................................................................1-16
2. Preparing to Install ExaSAN A08S3-PS.........................................................................................2-1
2.1 Precaution for Handling the System.....................................................................................2-1

User Guide Page v
2.2 Choosing the Location for the System..................................................................................2-1
2.3 Electrical Power......................................................................................................................2-1
2.4 Operating Environment.........................................................................................................2-2
2.5 Security....................................................................................................................................2-2
3. Installing the ExaSAN A08S3-PS ...................................................................................................3-1
3.1 Installing the System ..............................................................................................................3-1
3.1.1 Installing Disk Drives.........................................................................................................................3-1
3.1.2 Installing the HBA Card .....................................................................................................................3-2
3.1.3 Connecting the HBA to the A08S3-PS System for DAS....................................................................3-4
3.2 Powering the System On and Off..........................................................................................3-6
3.2.1 Powering On.......................................................................................................................................3-6
3.2.2 Powering Off ......................................................................................................................................3-7
3.3 ExaSAN GUI RAIDGuard X Overview...............................................................................3-8
3.3.1 RAIDGuard X Key Features...............................................................................................................3-8
3.3.2 Installation prerequisites.....................................................................................................................3-8
3.3.3 Before You Start.................................................................................................................................3-9
3.3.4 Installing the driver and RAIDGuard X..............................................................................................3-9
3.3.4.1 Installing RAIDGuard X on MAC and Windows .....................................................................3-9
3.3.4.2 Installing ExaSAN RAID system driver on Linux..................................................................3-12
3.3.5 Confirm the ExaSAN RAID system driver on OS............................................................................3-17
3.3.5.1 Confirming the ExaSAN RAID system driver on Mac...........................................................3-17
3.3.5.2 Confirming the ExaSAN RAID system driver in Windows....................................................3-19
3.3.6 Confirm LEDs on HBA....................................................................................................................3-20
4. Using RAIDGuardX GUI.................................................................................................................4-1
4.1 Accessing the RAIDGuardX GUI .........................................................................................4-3
4.1.1 RAIDGuard X Client and Server........................................................................................................4-3
4.1.2 RAIDGuard X Menu Bar....................................................................................................................4-4
4.1.2.1 Adding and Removing Controllers............................................................................................4-5
4.1.2.2 Planning your RAID..................................................................................................................4-9
4.1.2.3 Creating and Deleting an Array...............................................................................................4-11
4.1.2.4 Controller Info.........................................................................................................................4-16
4.1.2.5 Formatting and Mounting Arrays............................................................................................4-19
4.1.2.6 Email Notification Setting.......................................................................................................4-19
4.1.2.7 Preference Setting ...................................................................................................................4-21
4.1.2.7.1 Mode...................................................................................................................................4-21
4.1.2.7.2 Cache..................................................................................................................................4-24
4.1.2.7.3 MISC ..................................................................................................................................4-25
4.1.2.8 Options Function Setting.........................................................................................................4-26
4.1.2.8.1 Slicing.................................................................................................................................4-27
4.1.2.8.2 LUN Map ...........................................................................................................................4-30
4.1.2.8.3 Expansion...........................................................................................................................4-32
4.1.2.8.4 Migrations ..........................................................................................................................4-34
4.1.2.8.5 Snapshot .............................................................................................................................4-36
4.1.2.8.6 Health Center......................................................................................................................4-40
4.1.2.8.7 Unlock Drives.....................................................................................................................4-41
4.1.3 Updating the ExaSAN RAID system Firmware ...............................................................................4-43
4.1.3.1 Preparing the Firmware Update Files......................................................................................4-43
4.1.3.2 Installing the Firmware Update Files ......................................................................................4-44
5. RAID Overview.................................................................................................................................5-1

User Guide Page vi
5.1 How RAID Works ..................................................................................................................5-1
5.2 Data Storage Methods............................................................................................................5-1
5.2.1 Data Striping.......................................................................................................................................5-1
5.2.2 Data Mirroring....................................................................................................................................5-1
5.2.3 Data Parity..........................................................................................................................................5-1
5.3 RAID Levels............................................................................................................................5-2
5.3.1 RAID 0: Striping.................................................................................................................................5-2
5.3.2 RAID 1: Mirroring..............................................................................................................................5-2
5.3.3 RAID 5: Independent data disks with distributed parity.....................................................................5-2
5.3.4 RAID 6: Independent data disks with two Independent parity schemes.............................................5-2
5.3.5 RAID 0+1: Striped set with Mirroring................................................................................................5-2
6. Appendices........................................................................................................................................6-1
Appendix A: FAQs ..............................................................................................................................6-2
Appendix B: Icons ...............................................................................................................................6-5
Appendix C: Customer Service and Support....................................................................................6-6

User Guide Page vii
Table of Figures
Page #
Figure 1: A08S3-PS DAS environment .......................................................................................................... 1-1
Figure 2: A typical Level 2 SAN environment Figure 3: A08S3-PS in SAN
environment.............................................................................................................................................. 1-2
Figure 3: Z2M HBA card.................................................................................................................................. 1-3
Figure 4: QSFP optical cable.......................................................................................................................... 1-3
Figure 5: Power cord....................................................................................................................................... 1-4
Figure 6: A08S3-PS packing list..................................................................................................................... 1-6
Figure 7: A08S3-PS front view ....................................................................................................................... 1-8
Figure 8: A08S3-PS tray front view.............................................................................................................. 1-10
Figure 9: A08S3-PS back view ..................................................................................................................... 1-12
Figure 10: HBA LED indicators .................................................................................................................... 1-13
Figure 11: A08S3-PS DAS environment ...................................................................................................... 1-14
Figure 12: C1M with DAS connection to Mac host..................................................................................... 1-15
Figure 13: Mounting screws on tray.............................................................................................................. 3-1
Figure 14: Insert tray into A08S3-PS.............................................................................................................. 3-1
Figure 15: Z2M duo port card......................................................................................................................... 3-2
Figure 16: Install HBA card............................................................................................................................. 3-3
Figure 17: Install HBA card on a PCIe slot.................................................................................................... 3-3
Figure 18: Connecting PCIe cable to A08S3-PS ........................................................................................... 3-4
Figure 19: Connecting PCIe cable to a host.................................................................................................. 3-4
Figure 20: Connecting the power cord to A08S3-PS.................................................................................... 3-5
Figure 21: power on sequence....................................................................................................................... 3-6
Figure 22: power off sequence....................................................................................................................... 3-7
Figure 23: GUI welcome page ...................................................................................................................... 3-10
Figure 24: GUI license page ......................................................................................................................... 3-10
Figure 25: GUI destination select page ....................................................................................................... 3-11
Figure 26: GUI installation type page .......................................................................................................... 3-11
Figure 27: GUI installation successful page............................................................................................... 3-12
Figure 28: to click about This MAC.............................................................................................................. 3-17
Figure 29: About This MAC .......................................................................................................................... 3-17
Figure 30: more info About this MAC.......................................................................................................... 3-18
Figure 31: MAC Pro info................................................................................................................................ 3-18
Figure 32: device manager in Windows platform....................................................................................... 3-19
Figure 33: GUI “Main screen”......................................................................................................................... 4-1
Figure 34: GUI “MAC OS X platform” ............................................................................................................ 4-3
Figure 35: GUI “SAN environment” ............................................................................................................... 4-3
Figure 36: GUI “Add RAID controller” ........................................................................................................... 4-5
Figure 37: GUI “RAID controller info”............................................................................................................ 4-6
Figure 38: GUI “Manual add RAID controller 1/2” ........................................................................................ 4-7
Figure 39: GUI “Manual add RAID controller 2/2” ........................................................................................ 4-7
Figure 40: Create array with 8 HDDs in RAID 5............................................................................................. 4-9
Figure 41: Create array with 8 HDDs in RAID 6............................................................................................. 4-9
Figure 42: Create array with 16 HDDs in two RAID5 .................................................................................. 4-10
Figure 43: Create array with 8 HDDs in one RAID 5 and one RAID 1........................................................ 4-10
Figure 44: Create array with 16 HDDs in two of two RAID5 and one RAID 1............................................ 4-10
Figure 45: Create array with 18 HDDs in two RAID5 and one RAID1........................................................ 4-10
Figure 46: GUI “Select RAID level” .............................................................................................................. 4-11
Figure 47: GUI “Select sector size” ............................................................................................................. 4-12
Figure 48: GUI “Select hard drives”............................................................................................................. 4-13
Figure 49: parity initialize ............................................................................................................................. 4-13
Figure 50: GUI “Array initializing percentage” ........................................................................................... 4-14
Figure 51: GUI “Delete array”....................................................................................................................... 4-15
Figure 52: GUI “Controller info”................................................................................................................... 4-16
Figure 53: GUI “Controller info for four sections” ..................................................................................... 4-17
Figure 54: GUI “Array member” ................................................................................................................... 4-18
Figure 55: GUI “Array tab”............................................................................................................................ 4-18
Figure 56: GUI “Drive tab” ............................................................................................................................ 4-18

User Guide Page viii
Figure 57: GUI “e-mail setting” .................................................................................................................... 4-20
Figure 58: GUI “Mode setting” ..................................................................................................................... 4-21
Figure 59: DLP concept ................................................................................................................................ 4-21
Figure 60: NCQ concept................................................................................................................................ 4-22
Figure 61: EQ mode concept........................................................................................................................ 4-23
Figure 62: GUI “Cache”................................................................................................................................. 4-24
Figure 63: GUI “MISC” .................................................................................................................................. 4-25
Figure 64: GUI “Slicing”................................................................................................................................ 4-26
Figure 65: slicing concept............................................................................................................................ 4-27
Figure 66: GUI “Slicing 1/3”.......................................................................................................................... 4-28
Figure 67: GUI “Slicing 2/3”.......................................................................................................................... 4-28
Figure 68: GUI “Slicing 3/3”.......................................................................................................................... 4-29
Figure 69: GUI “Lun mapping 1/3”............................................................................................................... 4-30
Figure 70: GUI “Lun mapping 2/3”............................................................................................................... 4-31
Figure 71: GUI “Lun mapping 3/3”............................................................................................................... 4-31
Figure 72: Expainsion concept .................................................................................................................... 4-32
Figure 73: GUI “expansion 1/2”.................................................................................................................... 4-33
Figure 74: GUI “expansion 2/2”.................................................................................................................... 4-33
Figure 75: Migration example 2.................................................................................................................... 4-34
Figure 76: Migration example 3.................................................................................................................... 4-34
Figure 77: GUI “Migration” ........................................................................................................................... 4-35
Figure 78: GUI “Migration percentage” ....................................................................................................... 4-35
Figure 79: Snapshot concept ....................................................................................................................... 4-36
Figure 80: Two types of snapshot function ................................................................................................ 4-37
Figure 81: GUI “Snapshot setting 1/2” ........................................................................................................ 4-38
Figure 82: GUI “Snapshot setting 2/2” ........................................................................................................ 4-39
Figure 83: GUI “health center” ..................................................................................................................... 4-40
Figure 84: GUI “HDD off-line”....................................................................................................................... 4-41
Figure 85: GUI “HDD locked” ....................................................................................................................... 4-42
Figure 86: GUI “Unlock HDDs”..................................................................................................................... 4-42
Figure 87: GUI “Update system code (firmware)” ...................................................................................... 4-44

1. Introduction
User Guide
1. Introducing ExaSAN PCIe 3.0 Storage System

1. Introduction
User Guide Page 1-1
1. Introducing ExaSAN PCIe 3.0 Storage Systems
1.1 System Overview
Your new ExaSAN (pronounced “X-sa-SAN”) PCIe 3.0 Storage System “A08S3-PS” is the new
family of PCIe 3.0 based storage and switch solutions from Accusys which is capable of
transferring data up to 32 Gb/sec. The tower storage A08S3-PS can be used as a DAS (Direct-
Attached Storage) or SAN (Storage Area Network) storage solution for the post production and
broadcasting industries that require high bandwidth
1.1.1 What is the ExaSAN Solution
Developed by Accusys Storage Ltd., a worldwide leader in RAID (Redundant Array of
Independent Disks) storage systems, ExaSAN is a family of storage and switch products that
take advantage of well known PCIe (PCI Express) technology speeds, standards, and roadmap.
The current ExaSAN products employ PCIe3.0 protocol that provides a 8 Gb/sec per lane
transfers. With 4 lane QSFP (Quad SFP) connectors and cables, ExaSAN can transfer up to
32 Gb/sec using single port QSFP HBA’s. With a dual port QSFP HBA, data transfers up to 64
Gb/sec are available to the connected workstation. The ExaSAN total solution, including its
complete line of rack mount systems, tower systems, PCIe switch systems and accessories,
puts the benefits of shared, scalable, and high-performance storage within easy reach of
organizations with limited IT resources and budgets.
Post production work including non-linear editing (NLE) requires high bandwidth storage to
quickly move the volume of data being processed, and ExaSAN storage solution meets those
demands. The high bandwidth provided by ExaSAN technology allows the client to complete
editing tasks in a much shorter time to save time and money. ExaSAN is available as a
complete solution that includes the PCIe RAID system, cable and HBA card in a DAS
configuration.
Figure 1 below depicts the ExaSAN A08S3-PS system solution architecture in a DAS
environment.
Figure 1: A08S3-PS DAS environment
Whether it’s collaborative video editing in a post-production workgroup, or a shared research
project in a university, the ExaSAN solution offers a range of performance levels and storage
capacities that scale to meet the needs of small-to-medium-sized organizations. Equally
important and useful is its integrated design, centralized administration and monitoring, and a
suite of built-in management tools; which eliminate the need for a staff of experts to install and
maintain a SAN for the workgroups.

1. Introduction
User Guide Page 1-2
Figure 2: A typical Level 2 SAN environment Figure 3: A08S3-PS in SAN environment
1.1.2 What is the ExaSAN A08S3-PS Solution
The ExaSAN A08S3-PS is a 8Bay disk array system in a small form factor employing the latest
PCIe3.0 technology with support for RAID level 0, 1, 5, 6, 0+1, high speed 3.5” SAS/SATA
drives. The Single port RAID controller of A08S3-PS combined with 8 drives can provide up to
32 Gb/s transfers.
Your ExaSAN A08S3-PS system package consists of the components listed below.
1. ExaSAN A08S3-PS PCIe RAID system, see Section 1.1.3.1 and 1.1.3.2
2. QSFP-PCIe 3.0 Host Bus Adapter, compatible with PCIe 3.0 and 2.0 slots on the host
server, see Section 1.1.3.3
3. QSFP 2M copper cable for connecting the HBA installed in the host to the RAID. Additional
cables are optional, see Section 1.1.3.4
4. AC power adapter and Power cord, see Section 1.1.3.5
Note that items 1 through 4 are Accusys-supplied equipment as part of the A08S3-PS package.
The host server and HDD for the RAID are not Accusys-supplied equipment Contact your
System Integrator/Value Added Reseller if you need assistance in purchasing these
components.
1.1.3 ExaSAN A08S3-PS Components and Accessories
This section provides detailed description of each system component and accessories included
in the A08S3-PS package.
1.1.3.1 ExaSAN PCIe RAID System
The A08S3-PS RAID system is a desktop RAID system supporting up to 8 hot swappable SAS
or SATA Enterprise HDDs. See 1.1.3.2 for HDD section for more detail.
This RAID system includes A08S3 chassis, RAID controller, power supply, and HDD trays only.

1. Introduction
User Guide Page 1-3
1.1.3.2 Hard Disk Drive (HDD) for the RAID System
Hard disk drives or solid state disks come in different storage capacities and performance
levels. For 3.5” SAS or SATA HDD for the A08S3-PS should be the same capacity, speed
performance, model, and firmware.
Accusys recommends 3.5” SAS and SATA Enterprise HDDs for the A08S3-PS systems.
1.1.3.3 ExaSAN QSFP Host Bus Adapter (Z2M)
The ExaSAN QSFP HBA (Figure 3) requires an available PCIe x4, x8, or x16 slot in your client
system. Note that the PCIe slots on some motherboards are for graphics cards only. (Check
your motherboard documentation or verify with the motherboard vendor for compatibility. Also
note that some PCIe x4 or x8 slots only share or run at PCIe1.1 speed, so please be advised to
consult your motherboard documentation to take full advantage of ExaSAN’s performance.
Figure 3: Z2M HBA card
1.1.3.4 QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) PCIe Copper or
Optical Cables
A 2m QSFP Copper Cable is included in your A08S3-PS system package. It is used to connect
the host system to the storage system.
Optional QSFP cables (Figure 4) are available at varying lengths in copper or optical
1. 2m QSFP Copper Cable
2. 10m QSFP Optical Cable
3. 30m QSFP Optical Cable
4. 50m QSFP Optical Cable
5. 100m QSFP Optical Cable
Figure 4: QSFP optical cable

1. Introduction
User Guide Page 1-4
1.1.3.5 Power Cord
An AC Power Cord (Figure 5) is included in the A08S3-PS package. The power cord supports
three models - AU, EU, or the US standard power cord. The option corresponds to the region
the product is shipped to.
.
Figure 5: Power cord
1.1.4 Key Features
Below are the key features of the A08S3-PS. They are the reasons why ExaSAN is the best
RAID solution for a power user, working on studio, or individual work space.
1. Host Interface
PCIe3.0 8Gb/s x4 lanes, for transfers up to 32Gb/s
2. Disk Interface
Supports 8 x 3.5” 4Gb SAS/SATA HDD(hard disks) or 2.5”SSD (flash disks)
3. RAID Controller Specifications
Hardware XOR/Multi-Parity engine
2GB DDRII-800 memory, ECC-protected, support up to 4GB
4. Software Specifications
Multiple RAID levels: 0,1,5,6, 0+1, and JBOD
Up to 4 independent disk arrays
RAID capacity partitioning: up to 16 slices
Support up to 64 LUNs
Variable stripe sizes: 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 (KB)
Selective initialization method with background initialization
Online RAID set expansion and level migration
Controller and Disk Cache Control to optimize read/write performance
Supports write-back and write-through caching
Automatic drive insertion/removal detection and fast disk rebuilding
Online bad block data recovery and reallocation
Online disk scrubbing and data refresh and parity regeneration
Disk health monitoring by S.M.A.R.T.
NVRAM-based transaction log and auto parity resynchronization
Array roaming and disk traveling with redundant on-disk metadata
Array recovery to restore RAID configurations
Dual firmware images for firmware recovery
Disk Lag Proof technology to guarantee disk timely response
Equalization mode to smooth the performance of sequential data transfers

1. Introduction
User Guide Page 1-5
5. Management
Java-based GUI, cross-platform executable
Enclosure components monitoring and control via GUI
LED indicator for RAID & enclosure status
Event logging to text file with event viewer
Event notification by email (SMTP)
Centralized multiple RAID system management
Supports both in-band and out-of-band management
Supports RAID management by EFI and BIOS
Support firmware upgrade via GUI
Support CLI (Command Line Interface)
Support SNMP
Support remote management
6. Enclosure
FAN, Power, Temperature status LED indication in the front faceplate.
Dimensions: 557mm(H) x 291mm(W) x 502mm(L)
Weight: 11.5 Kg (w/o HDDs or SSDs); 25 pound (w/o HDDs or SSDs)
7. Supported OS
Windows XP/2003/Vista/2008 and Windows 7(32/64-bit, Miniport and Storport driver,
WHQL certified)
Linux: Red Hat, SUSE, Fedora, CentOS, Debian, etc.
MAC: OS X( 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 and later)
8. Operating Conditions
Humidity: 5% - 85%
Operating Temperature: 0C –40C
Certification: RoHS, UL, CE, FCC, C-Tick, BSMI
9. QSFP HBA
PCIe3.0 x4 HBA
Standard height form factor card
Dimension 234.4 x 110 mm
10. QSFP Cable
QSFP connector
Copper cable lengths: 2M(standard)
Optical cable lengths: 10M, 50M, 100M(all optical cables are optional)

1. Introduction
User Guide Page 1-6
1.2 Unpacking the System
Your ExaSAN A08S3-PS is shipped in special packaging (Figure 6) to provide protection during
transportation, as well as to facilitate simple and safe removal from the carton(s). Note that
different components may be shipped in separate cartons.
Figure 6: A08S3-PS packing list
1.2.1 What Is In Your Order
Your ExaSAN System Integrator/Value Added Reseller should have helped you assess, identify,
and order all necessary system components and accessories, not included in the A08S3-PS
packaging. If you ordered the complete A08S3-PS system solution, your order includes
everything described in Section 1.3.
There are generic system components and accessories required by the ExaSAN solution but
not included. Please refer to Section 1.5, “What Else You Need” for additional information.
1.2.2 Checking the Equipment you’ll need
Section 1.1.3 has a complete list of all the equipment you’ll need to set up the ExaSAN A08S3-
PS. Check carefully against that list; verify that you have all of the system components and
accessories before commencing hardware installation.

1. Introduction
User Guide Page 1-7
1.2.3 Unpacking
Follow the steps below to open the carton and remove the system from its packaging. .
1. Read Chapter 2, “Preparing to Install ExaSAN A08S3-PS.”
2. Remove any packing material on the outside of the carton.
3. Cut the tape at the top of the carton. If you use a long cutting instrument, exercise care to
avoid damaging the content inside.
4. Open up the top flaps of the carton to reveal the content inside. Remove the protective foam
on top of the system. Carefully remove each item from inside the carton.
1.3 What’s in the Box
Carefully check your carton contents against the included packing list, or the inside flap of the
box, and your original purchase order. You should have the items as described in the sections
below.
Contact your Accusys System Integrator/Value Added Reseller or Accusys Customer Service
(see Appendix C “Customer Service and Technical Support” for more information) to report any
missing item.
1.3.1 A08S3-PS System
Your ExaSAN RAID disk system carton contains the following items:
1. PCIe 3.0 RAID disk system - A08S3-PS (x1)
2. Accessories package (x1)
1.3.2 A08S3-PS Accessories
The Accessories package includes the following items. These items can also be ordered and
shipped separately from Accusys.
1. QSFP Host Bus Adapter Z2M (x1)
2. 2M QSFP copper cable (x1)
3. AC power cord (x1)
4. Installation DVD (x1)
5. Packing list (x1)
6. Screw pack (x1)
7. Chassis key (x2)
1.3.3 A08S3-PS Disk Tray package
The Disk Tray package is included inside the chassis with a total of 8 disk trays.

1. Introduction
User Guide Page 1-8
1.4 Your A08S3-PS at a Glance
This section helps you get familiar with the physical appearance of your ExaSAN A08S3-PS.
1.4.1 ExaSAN A08S3-PS
1.4.1.1 A08S3-PS Front Panel & LED Indicators
Figure 7: A08S3-PS front view
There are two columns of LEDs on the front panel, which correspond to the following:
Disk 1 status
Disk 1 activity
Disk 2 status
Disk 2 activity
Disk 3 status
Disk 3 activity
Disk 4 status
Disk 4 activity
Disk 5 status
Disk 5 activity
Disk 6 status
Disk 6 activity
Disk 7 status
Disk 7 activity
Disk 8 status
Disk 8 activity

1. Introduction
User Guide Page 1-9
Name
Color
Description
1
Power Button
Blue
Control the power to the RAID system
Push the button to power on the RAID
system
Push the button for 5 seconds to shut
down the power of the RAID system
manually.
2
Disk status
Green/Red/
Abmer
Green Hard disk drive condition is normal
during powered on state.
Red Hard disk drive condition is abnormal
during powered on state.
Amber Hard disk drive condition is normal and
transiting (Rebuild/Migrate/Expand).
No Light indicates no hard disk drive present.
3
Disk Activity
Blue
Blinking Blue Host server is accessing the
hard disk drive (including when transitioning)
No Light indicates no hard disk drive to be
accessed.
1.4.1.2 Beeper Codes
Controller Status
Beeper mode
Turn on the Controller
Two short beeps
System Panic
Long beep
Controller Work Status, ex:
Disk init, disk rebuild, disk
expansion, disk migratrion, disk
snapshot, etc.
Regularly repeating one short beep
System Problem, ex:
Fan issue, Power issue, RAID error,
etc.
Regularly repeating one long beep and
two short beeps
Create array successfully
One short beep
Memory test error
Regularly repeating three rapid short
beeps

1. Introduction
User Guide Page 1-10
1.4.1.3 Disk Mapping
Disk 1
Disk 2
Disk 3
Disk 4
Disk 5
Disk 6
Disk 7
Disk 8
1.4.1.4 Disk Tray and LED Indicators
Figure 8: A08S3-PS tray front view
Disk Status
LED #1 (Access LED)
LED #2 (Power/Failure/Status LED)
Disk Online
Steady Green
Disk Fail
Steady Red
No Disk
Steady Red
Disk Lock
Steady Green
Disk Access
Flashing Blue
Steady Green
Disk
Initialization
Flashing Blue
Steady Green
Disk Rebuild
Flashing Blue
Rebuild Drives: Steady Red
Original Drives: Steady Green
Disk Expansion
Flashing Blue
Extend Drives: Steady Red
Original Drives: Steady Green
Disk Migration
Flashing Blue
Migrating Drives > Original Drives