ASTEK A54812-SW User manual

A54812-SW SAS Switch
User Guide
Version Release: April 12, 2016

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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Overview .....................................................................................................................................................4
1.1 A54812-SW Switch Features...............................................................................................................................4
1.2 SAS and the A54812-SW Switch .........................................................................................................................4
1.3 SAS Phys, Ports, and Connectors ........................................................................................................................6
1.4 SAS Connectors and Cabling ...............................................................................................................................8
1.5 SAS Routing and Zoning......................................................................................................................................8
1.5.1 SAS Zoning Overview ...................................................................................................................................8
1.5.2 Creating SAS Zones ......................................................................................................................................9
1.5.3 Configuring SAS Zones ...............................................................................................................................10
1.6 Connecting Devices to the A54812-SW Switch.................................................................................................11
Chapter 2: Installation and Hardware Setup ..............................................................................................................18
2.1 Unpacking the Switch .......................................................................................................................................18
2.2 Identifying Switch Components........................................................................................................................18
2.2.1 A54812-SW Connectors.............................................................................................................................18
2.2.2 A54812-SW LEDs........................................................................................................................................18
2.3 Installing the A54812-SW Switch......................................................................................................................19
2.3.1 Replacing a failed fan.................................................................................................................................19
2.3.2 Replacing a failed power supply ................................................................................................................20
2.4 Connecting to a Host ........................................................................................................................................20
2.5 Changing the IP Address ...................................................................................................................................21
2.5.1 Setting a Static IP Address .........................................................................................................................21
2.5.2 Setting a Dynamic IP Address ....................................................................................................................21
2.6 Connecting SAS and SATA Hardware................................................................................................................21
2.7 Optimizing Switch Performance with SATA Drives...........................................................................................22
2.8 Safety/Emissions/Susceptibility Declarations and Notices...............................................................................23
2.8.1 CE ...............................................................................................................................................................23
2.8.2 North America............................................................................................................................................24
2.8.3 FCC 15.19(a) (3) Notification......................................................................................................................24
2.8.4 Astek Radiated Emission Notice ................................................................................................................24
Chapter 3: SAS Domain Manager Graphical User Interface ......................................................................................24
3.1 SDM-GUI Accounts............................................................................................................................................24
3.2 Starting SDM-GUI..............................................................................................................................................25
3.3 Summary Tab and Menu Options.....................................................................................................................25

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3.4 File, Server, and Help Menu Options................................................................................................................26
3.5 Views Tab..........................................................................................................................................................27
3.5.1 View End Device Table...............................................................................................................................27
3.5.2 View Alias Table .........................................................................................................................................28
3.5.3 View Zone Groups......................................................................................................................................29
3.5.4 View Zone Sets...........................................................................................................................................30
3.6 Domain Tab.......................................................................................................................................................30
3.6.1 Alias Management.....................................................................................................................................30
3.6.2 Automatically Configure Zone Groups and Zone Sets ...............................................................................32
3.6.3 Manually Configure Zone Groups ..............................................................................................................34
3.6.4 Manually Configure Zone Sets...................................................................................................................36
3.7 Devices Tab .......................................................................................................................................................40
3.7.1 Properties Tab............................................................................................................................................42
3.7.2 Environmentals Tab ...................................................................................................................................42
3.7.3 Attached Devices Tab ................................................................................................................................45
3.7.4 Phys Tab.....................................................................................................................................................46
3.7.5 Phy Counters Tab.......................................................................................................................................47
3.7.6 Zone Group Tab .........................................................................................................................................47
3.7.7 Operations Tab ..........................................................................................................................................48
3.7.8 SNMP/SMTP Tab........................................................................................................................................56
3.8 Configuration Backup and Restore ...................................................................................................................59
3.8.1 Restore.......................................................................................................................................................59
3.8.2 Smart Restore ............................................................................................................................................59
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................................61

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Chapter 1: Overview
This document is the primary reference for the A54812-SW Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) switch. It describes the
features of the switch and explains how to install and physically configure the switch. The document also explains
how to use both the web-based interface and the command-driven interface of the SAS Domain Manager (SDM)
utility to create storage configurations in the SAS domain. It also includes troubleshooting information.
This document assumes that you are familiar with SAS devices and SAS hardware configuration. The following
people are the intended audience of this document:
Engineers and managers who are evaluating the A54812-SW switch for possible use in a system
System administrators and users who are installing and using the A54812-SW switch
1.1 A54812-SW Switch Features
The A54812-SW switch has the following features:
A total of 12 connectors that support passive copper and active cables including optical cables
Non-blocking feature provides simultaneous access of any port to any port at full port bandwidth
Connectors support SAS link rates of 12.0 Gb/s, 6.0Gb/s, or 3.0Gb/s
Connectors support Serial ATA (SATA) link rates of 6.0Gb/s, or 3.0Gb/s
10/100 Base-T Ethernet for enclosure management
Three hot-swap fans
Dual hot-swap power supplies
1.2 SAS and the A54812-SW Switch
SAS replaces Ultra320 SCSI as the next phase in the evolution of the SCSI standard. The SAS interface addresses
enterprise data storage and retrieval requirements with features such as point-to-point topology, 12.0Gb/s
transfer rate, minimum arbitration overhead, native support for both SAS and SATA drives, and smaller cables and
connectors.
In SAS storage environments, the A54812-SW switch allows connection of multiple targets and initiators through a
switched device for manageable scalability. The SDM application provides a central management point to view
the SAS topology, manage other switches or expanders in the domain, and configure zoning to provide exclusive
access between endpoints in the domain. The A54812-SW switch allows data centers to benefit from the
improved performance, minimum arbitration overhead, simplified cabling, and lower system implementation
costs of SAS and SATA, while easing migration from Direct Attached Storage.
The A54812-SW switch is a 1U rack chassis. The following figure shows the A54812-SW switch.
Figure 1 A54812-SW Switch

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The A54812-SW switch uses one LSISAS3x48 12 Gb/s SAS expanders, which is compliant with the ANSI Serial
Attached SCSI specification and support SATA as defined in the Serial ATA: High Speed Serialized AT Attachment
and the Serial ATA II: Port Selector Specification.
The A54812-SW switch offers advanced hardware management with an internal power supply module, three
enclosure fans, and temperature and power supply voltage sensing and alerts. The switch is housed in a 1U
chassis for easy shelf placement in rack-mounted server clusters.
NOTE All the connectors support active cabling (optical) for longer cable runs. Passive cables can also
be connected to these ports for normal cable runs.
The following figure shows how the A54812-SW switch centralizes management of all application servers and data
storage devices in the SAS domain.
Figure 2 A54812-SW Resource Management

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In this simplified representation, the servers at the top of the figure must access data on the storage devices in
the lower part of the figure. The A54812-SW switch manages the SAS configuration, allowing both servers to
access all storage devices. Or, if zoning is used, single application servers can access specific storage devices
exclusively.
You can connect multiple A54812-SW switches in various topologies to provide failover support and to increase
the number of connected devices in the SAS domain. The theoretical upper limit of SAS devices in a domain is
16,000. The upper limit of SAS addresses in an A54812-SW switch topology is 1000.
The following figure shows a high-level block diagram of the A54812-SW switch.
Figure 3 Block Diagram of the A54812-SW Switch
Brief descriptions of the A54812-SW functional blocks follow:
LSISAS3x48 Expander –This block includes management functions such as routing, device discovery, and
zoning. It also includes the SDM firmware. This block controls the flow of data through the SAS connectors.
SAS Connectors –The A54812-SW switch has 12 x4 Mini SAS HD connectors, numbered 0 through 11. It
supports connection to SAS devices at link rates of 12.0Gb/s, 6.0Gb/s, and 3.0Gb/s.
Ethernet Phy –The external 10/100 Ethernet port provides access to the SDM management application, which
sets up storage configurations in the SAS domain, monitors the status of the switch, and runs diagnostic tests. It
also provides access to the SDM command line interface (CLI).
Fans –The A54812-SW switch enclosure contains three fans. The fan speed can be monitored using the SDM
utility.
Flash Memory –The LSISAS3x48 expander connects to a parallel flash memory through the expander’s
external memory interface. This flash memory is used for firmware storage and execution, as well as nonvolatile
data such as Ethernet MAC address and SAS World Wide Identifier (WWID).
Temperature Sensors –The temperature sensors inputs can monitor with the SDM utility .
1.3 SAS Phys, Ports, and Connectors
Phys and ports are a basic concept of SAS. A phy is the basic physical connection point for a SAS device. A phy
contains a single transmitter and receiver, which communicate across a SAS link to a single transmitter and
receiver in another phy, as the following figure shows.
Figure 4 Link between Two Single SAS Phys

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Each single-phy link (also called a narrow port) supports a maximum bandwidth of 1200 MB/s (12.0 Gb/s) per
direction, with a total bandwidth of 2400 MB/s full duplex in both directions.
A wide SAS port consists of more than one SAS phy (an 8-phy SAS port is also possible). A wide SAS port transmits
and receives data by using the same SAS address when connected to another SAS wide port. In other words, the
port is created dynamically when the connection is made. The following figure shows both a narrow SAS port and
a wide SAS port
Figure 5 Narrow and Wide SAS Ports
The A54812-SW switch has 48 phys, numbered 0 through 47. Each of the 12 SAS connectors on the switch case
(numbered 0 through 11 in this document) contains four phys, making them wide ports.
During normal operation, the SAS connectors on the switch are cabled to SAS connectors on initiator devices or
target devices. This connection creates a wide SAS port through which data is transmitted and received.

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1.4 SAS Connectors and Cabling
Use a crossover cable to connect the A54812-SW switch to a server or to another host device. Use 4x Mini SAS HD
connectors (also called SFF-8644 connectors) on both ends of the crossover cable to connect the switch to the
device. Any of the connector can support passive and active cables.
The following figure shows a crossover cable with 4x Mini SAS connectors on both ends.
Figure 6 Mini SAS HD 4x Cable
All cables used with the A54812-SW switch must comply with the SAS 3 standard.
1.5 SAS Routing and Zoning
SAS is a connection-oriented, point-to-point technology. When a host (initiator) issues a request to read or write
data, the A54812-SW switch automatically determines how to route the connection request from the initiator to
the correct data storage device (target). By default, any SAS initiator or target connected to the A54812-SW
switch can access any other connected initiator or target in the SAS domain, without restrictions. However,
because the SAS domain grows to include multiple hosts and multiple storage volumes, you can segregate one
host from another host, or restrict one host from accessing storage owned by another host.
SAS zoning partitions the SAS topology to isolate selected hosts from each other or to permit selected hosts to
access only selected storage volumes. The A54812-SW switch supports the full SAS 3.0 T10 zoning model.
Zoning provides several benefits:
Security –Zoning prevents users from accessing information that is not available to them.
Manageability –Zoning reflects operational categories, such as marketing or engineering. Zoning also can
partition hosts that run different operating systems to minimize conflicts.
Performance –Zoning enables faster boot time because the host must discover only the storage within its
zone or zones.
1.5.1 SAS Zoning Overview
SAS zoning access control is implemented by linked switch and expander devices, with zoning enabled. These
devices define a Zoned Portion of a Service Delivery System (ZPSDS). No host device intervention is required. Each
zoning switch and expander device maintains an identical zone permission table, so zone access control is
maintained across the entire ZPSDS.

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To be part of the ZPSDS, the switch requires a SAS expander that supports saving the zone configuration, as
explained in the T-10 SAS Specification. Any expander that does not support saving of the zone configuration is
treated as a non-zoning expander and is not included in the ZPSDS.
Initiators and targets see only the portions of the ZPSDS to which they are assigned in the zone permission table.
These zoned portions are called zone groups. Zone groups are activated when they belong to a set. When the set
is enabled, the zoning is enforced. When the set is disabled, the zoning disappears. More than one set can exist in
a ZPSDS, and initiators and targets can belong to more than one set. However, only one set can be active. In
addition, more than one ZPSDS can exist in a SAS domain.
A ZPSDS has a zone manager for its configuration and management. The SDM utility (see Chapter 3, SAS Domain
Manager Graphical User Interface) configures the zone manager.
The following figure shows a simple example of zoning.
Figure 7 Simple Zoning Example
1.5.2 Creating SAS Zones
To create SAS zones, start by creating zone groups that include hosts or storage devices that share common
access privileges, and zone sets that connect the zone groups together. Use the SDM utility to create zones. The
SDM-GUI utility includes zoning wizards to create zone groups and zone sets automatically. You also can use the
SDM utility to create zone groups and zone sets.
A54812-SW

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The following rules apply to zone groups and zone sets:
Only phys on the edge of the ZPSDS can be grouped into administrator-defined zone groups. Phys that
interconnect zoning expanders are automatically placed into Zone Group 1.
An administrator defines zone group permissions. This procedure permits end devices attached to, or
downstream of, the zoned phy to communicate with one another.
Zoning limits a host's access to only the targets downstream of zoned phys in which its zone phy is granted
zoning access permission. A host can access all logical unit numbers (LUNs) behind the SAS phy, and it does not
restrict access to individual storage LUNs.
You can create up to 248 zone groups within a single zone set.
SAS phys within a zone group cannot automatically access each other, but you can grant them access
privileges.
You can grant a zone group permission to access multiple zone groups, if required.
A zone group can be a member of more than one zone set.
A phy can be a member of only one zone group per zone set.
A zone set must be active for its definitions to be applied to the SAS domain. Zone sets are activated in the
SDM utility.
Only one zone set can be active at one time. When no zone set is active, zoning is disabled and domain access
is unrestricted.
Changes to the active zone set (for example, a change to zone group or zone set membership, or a change to
zone group permissions) do not take effect until the next zone set activate command.
When the SAS topology changes (for example, when you move a host or storage attachment from one switch
connection to another) you must manually redefine zone group permissions within the active zone set. The
switch does not do this task automatically. Changes to the active zone set do not take effect until the zone set
is updated and reactivated.
Zoning is managed throughout the ZPSDS formed around the A54812-SW switch, used to manage zoning, and
any SAS 2.0 or SAS 3.0 zoning expanders that can be linked back to it without crossing a non-zoning expander.
When zoning is enabled, zone group and permission data are migrated automatically between the A54812-SW
switches and the SAS 2.0 or SAS 3.0 zoning-enabled expanders throughout the ZPSDS. If a storage configuration
includes a legacy expander that is not-zoning enabled, that expander and its attached devices inherit the zone
group and permissions of the zone phy to which it is connected.
To create a high-availability (failover) configuration, use one A54812-SW switch for each data path between
the host and the shared storage. SAS allows for only a single path between endpoints. See Figure 13 for more
information.
1.5.3 Configuring SAS Zones
The following figure shows a sample configuration with three hosts and five JBODs.

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Figure 8 Configuration for Zoning Example
Host 1 belongs to a local work group and accesses JBOD 1 as its primary resource. But Host 1 also accesses
JBOD 2, JBOD 3, and JBOD 4 as a backup resource.
Host 2, a backup server, has JBOD 2, JBOD 3, and JBOD 4 as its primary resource. It also accesses JBOD 1
Host 3, a web server, has exclusive access to JBOD 5. It also accesses JBOD 2, JBOD 3, and JBOD 4 for backup.
Because Host 1 and Host 2 have the same JBOD access requirements, you can define them as a single zone
group. You can define JBOD 2, JBOD 3, and JBOD 4 as a zone group because they are always used together as a
backup resource.
To create a suitable configuration, run the SDM utility and create the zone groups shown in the following figure.
Figure 9 Creating Zone Groups
Next, use the SDM utility to assign the following permissions, by creating zone sets:
Zone Group 6 accesses Zone Groups 8 and 9, and vice versa.
Zone Group 7 accesses Zone Groups 9 and 10, and vice versa.
1.6 Connecting Devices to the A54812-SW Switch
The rules for connecting devices to the 12 SAS connectors on the A54812-SW switch are as follows:

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Any SAS initiator can be connected to any SAS connector on the switch.
Any SAS target can be connected to any SAS connector on the switch. A target can be a RAID array, a JBOD,
another switch, or individual SAS drives or SATA drives.
Switches can be cascaded by connecting any SAS connector of the downstream switch to any SAS connector on
the upstream switch.
When SAS zoning is used, and multiple A54812-SW switches are used in the domain, the switches can be
cabled directly to one another.
Two switches can be connected with more than one cable to increase bandwidth between switches.
All SAS connectors on the switch are Mini SAS HD, wide port-style connectors.
All connections can be x1, x4 or x8. For any other configuration, contact your field applications engineer.
The maximum connections permitted are as follows:
—Six cascaded expanders, with each switch counting as one expander
—Four cascaded switches
—A total of 64 total expanders in the topology
The following examples show several ways in which you can connect devices to the A54812-SW switch. Example 1
shows four servers (host bus adapters) and five JBODs connected to the A54812-SW switch.
Figure 10 Example 1, Multiple Servers and JBODs
A single rack can contain the switch and all the other devices. The configuration requires nine SAS cables with a
Mini SAS HD connector on each end. Depending on how you set up zoning for the devices, all servers could access
data on all the JBODs, or servers could be restricted to accessing a subset of the JBODs.
Example 2 shows eight servers and one RAID array connected to the A54812-SW switch.

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Figure 11 Example 2, Multiple Servers and One RAID
Each connection uses a separate cable with a Mini SAS HD connector on each end. All eight servers can access
data on the RAID array. If more storage capacity is required, you can expand the RAID array, or you can create a
configuration with a second cascading switch, as shown in the next example.
Example 3 shows eight servers and one cascading switch connected to the A54812-SW switch. Several JBODs and
RAID arrays connect to the other switch.
NOTE Example 5 and Example 6 also show configurations with cascading switches.
Figure 12 Example 3, Multiple Servers and a Cascading Switch

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Example 3 shows how you can cascade two A54812-SW switches to increase the number of devices in the SAS
domain. As in Example 1, all of the servers can access all the data storage devices, or you can implement a zoning
configuration to restrict the access.
Example 4 shows a high-availability configuration in which a server is connected through two A54812-SW switches
to two input connectors on a JBOD.
Figure 13 Example 4, High Availability Configuration
This dual porting configuration gives the server a redundant path through the switches for high availability. If one
switch or connection fails, the server can still access the JBOD through the other connection.
Example 5 shows a large data storage network that includes two A54812-SW switches and several expanders.
NOTE Expanders are either zoning expanders or non-zoning expanders. When SAS drives are attached to
a zoning expander, each drive can be zoned individually and each drive can be placed in its own
zone group. When SAS drives are attached to a non-zoning expander, they cannot be zoned
individually. All the drives behind a non-zoning expander must be in the same zone group as the
expander.

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Figure 14 Example 5, Large Data Storage Topology
A complex zoning configuration like the one shown in Example 5 could potentially include hundreds of SAS
initiators and targets. This flexible arrangement can easily be expanded without extensive cabling changes. The
SDM utility detects newly added SAS devices during device discovery. You can use the SDM utility to modify and
expand the storage configuration.
NOTE For zoning to function correctly, you must cable A54812-SW switches directly to one another, or
you must cable them through SAS 2.0 oe SAS 3.0 zoning expanders.
Example 6 shows a daisy chain, or cascaded, switch, configuration with four A54812-SW switches. This example
assumes that various SAS targets and SAS initiators are attached to the other connectors on the switches.
A54812-SW

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Figure 15 Example 6, Cascaded Switch Configuration
As in Example 3 (Figure 12), the cables in this example can run from any connector of the downstream switch to
any connector in the switch above it. The cascade sequence is limited to four switches.
Example 7 shows a star (tree) configuration of four switches, with Switch B, Switch C, and Switch D connected
directly to Switch A. As in Example 6 (Figure 15), this example assumes that various SAS targets and SAS initiators
are attached to the other connectors on the switches.

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Figure 16 Example 7, Switches in a Star (Tree) Configuration
NOTE The cables can run from any connectors on Switch B, Switch C, and Switch D to any connectors on
the central Switch A. You can attach more switches to the other connectors on Switch A. You also
can attach additional switches to Switch B, Switch C, or Switch D

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Chapter 2: Installation and Hardware Setup
This chapter explains how to unpack the A54812-SW SAS switch, install it on an optional rack shelf, connect power
cables and other cables to it, change the default static IP address, and connect SAS storage devices to it. This
chapter also explains how to interpret the LEDs on the switch.
2.1 Unpacking the Switch
Place the A54812-SW switch shipping carton on a grounded surface before opening the carton. Open the shipping
carton and carefully unpack its contents. The carton contains the following items:
One A54812-SW SAS switch
Two AC power cord with inline power supply
One USB flash drive that contains this document
If any item is missing or damaged, contact your local reseller for replacement.
2.2 Identifying Switch Components
The following figure shows the connectors and LEDs on the A54812-SW switch. Each of the 48 SAS phys has a
corresponding fault status LED and an activity LED. The switch also includes a rate LED and activity LED for the
Ethernet connector.
Figure 17 Switch Components
2.2.1 A54812-SW Connectors
All 12 connectors on the A54812-SW switch accept standard passive or active mini-SAS HD cabling. See Chapter 1,
Overview, for an explanation of SAS connectors and cables.
2.2.2 A54812-SW LEDs
The following table shows how to interpret the LEDs for the system, the phys, and the Ethernet (RJ-45) connector.
The LEDs in the RJ-45 connector are built into the left and right corners of the connector.

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Table 1 LED Modes
LED Name
Color
Meaning
Power (P12V)
Green
12-V power is present on the board
SAS Activity
Green
Blinks with activity on at least one of the four phys in the x4 SAS port.
SAS Fault
Amber - solid
At least one of the phys in the x4 SAS port is down
SAS Fault
Amber - blinking
All amber LEDs blinking indicates an enclosure fault.
Ethernet Link/Activity
Amber
Link is active. Blinks with activity.
Ethernet Link Rate
Green
Rate of link.
Off = 10 Mb/s.
On = 100 Mb/s.
2.3 Installing the A54812-SW Switch
CAUTION To prevent the A54812-SW switch from overheating; do not operate it in an environment that
exceeds the maximum recommended ambient temperature of 45 °C (113 °F).
When installing the switch, consider the following information:
The acceptable temperature and humidity operating ranges for installation and operation of the switch are as
follows:
—Temperature range: 15 °C to 45 °C (dry bulb)
—Relative humidity range: 5 percent to 90 percent non-condensing
—Maximum dew point temperature: 32 °C
Install the A54812-SW switch in a site free from strong electromagnetic field generators (such as motors),
vibration, and dust.
Allow some space for proper ventilation at the front and back of the switch, where the fans draw air into the
switch for cooling.
The AC power adapter is rated at 100 V to 240 V, and 50 Hz to 60 Hz.
2.3.1 Replacing a failed fan
To replace a failed fan unscrew the two screws and pull the fan out. Push the new fan in and secure the screws.

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2.3.2 Replacing a failed power supply
To replace a failed power supply slide the lever to the right and pull out the power supply. Push the new power
supply all the way in until the lever latches.
2.4 Connecting to a Host
To connect the A54812-SW switch to a host, follow these steps:
1. Attach one end of a cable to the 10/100 Ethernet connector (RJ-45 connector) on the connector side of the
switch to gain access to the SDM utility, which you use to configure and manage the switch.
—Use a standard RJ-45 cable to connect to an external Ethernet hub or switch.
—Use a crossover RJ-45 cable to connect directly to a computer.
2. Plug the other end of the RJ-45 cable into an Ethernet hub, a switch, or a computer. Start the SDM utility on the
host. By default, the switch supports the configuration parameters listed in the following table, which provides
a point-to-point (non-network) Ethernet connection between the switch and the host.
WARNING Provide the A54812-SW switch with an AC-protective earth-ground connection. Never
defeat the ground conductor or operate the A54812-SW switch without a suitably
installed ground conductor.
The following table lists the switch configuration defaults.
Table 2 Switch Configuration Defaults Parameter Default
Parameter
Default
Name
A54812-SW
POST
Regular
Active Zone Set
None
IP Address Assignment
Static
IP Address
192.168.0.100
IP Subnet Mask
255.255.255.0
IP Gateway
192.168.0.1
You can reconfigure the switch to connect to an Ethernet network.