Dat Optic RM16_EX8 User manual
1RM16_EX8UserGuidev1.0‐DATOptic.com
RM16_EX8
SATA RAID Cards
USER Manual
Version: 1.00
Issue Date: July, 2008
2RM16_EX8UserGuidev1.0‐DATOptic.com
INTRODUCTION
This section presents a brief overview of the RM16_EX8 SATA RAID System.
Overview
The RM16_EX8 is a high-performance Serial ATA RAID system support a maximum of 16
SATA II on a single chassis. The RM16_EX8 featuring a PCI Express x4* or x8 lane
(selectable) host connection with a bandwidth of up to 20Gbps. When properly configured,
this RM16_EX8 provides a non-stop service with a high degree of fault tolerance through the
use of our RAID technology and can also provide advanced array management features.
*when use as PCI E x4 the performance of RM16_EX8 will be lower
Unparalleled Performance
The built-in hardware RAID engine provides reliable data protection for desktops,
workstations, and servers. These systems set the standard with enhancements that include
a high-performance Intel I/O Processor, new memory architecture (DDRII), and a high
performance PCI bus interconnection. The sixteen SATA II drives can be configures as the
RAID 0,1,3,5 and 6 engine, where RAID 6 can offer extreme-availability
Unsurpassed Data Availability
The RM16_EX8 with drive RAID controllers provide RAID 6 functionality to meet these
demanding requirements.
The RM16_EX8 raid engine also provide RAID levels 0, 1, 10(1E), 3, 5, 6, Single Disk or
JBOD configurations. Its high data availability and protection is derived from the following
capabilities:
Online RAID Capacity Expansion
Array Roaming, Online RAID Level
Stripe Size Migration
Dynamic Volume Set Expansion
Global Online Spare
Automatic Drive Failure Detection
Automatic Failed Drive Rebuilding
Disk Hot-Swap Online Background Rebuilding
Instant Availability/Background Initialization.
During the controller firmware flash upgrade process, it is possible that an error results in
corruption of the controller firmware. This could result in the device becoming non-
functional. However, with our Redundant Flash image feature, the controller will revert back
to the last known version of firmware and continue operating. This reduces the risk of
system failure due to firmware crashes.
Easy RAID Management
The RM16_EX8 raid engine utilizes built-in firmware with an embedded terminal emulation
that can access via:
-Hot key at Mother Board BIOS boot-up screen.
-The Web base GUI manager via IP address allows both local and remote access.
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Features
Adapter Architecture
Intel IOP341 I/O processor with RAID 6 engineer
PCI Express x8 host bus connection
Default 256 MB of DDR2-533 SDRAM with ECC protection, upgrade to 2GB (Option)
Support up to 16x SATA ll drives
Write-through or write-back cache support
Multi-System to support for large storage requirements
BIOS boot support for greater fault tolerance
Supports extreme performance Intel RAID 6 functionality
NVRAM for RAID event & transaction log
Battery backup module (BBM) (Option)
RAID Features
RAID level 0, 1, 10(1E), 3, 5, 6, Single Disk and JBOD
Multiple RAID selection
Online array roaming
Online RAID level/stripe size migration
Online capacity expansion & RAID level migration simultaneously
Online volume set growth
Instant availability and background initialization
Automatic drive insertion/removal detection and rebuilding
Greater than 2TB per volume set for 64-bit LBA
Redundant flash image for adapter availability
Support SMART, NCQ and OOB staggered spin-up capable drives
Monitors/Notification
System status indication through system and HDD LED; LCD display, and alarm
buzzer
SMTP support for email notification
SNMP agent supports for remote SNMP manager
Management
Field-upgradeable firmware in flash ROM or via remote Ethernet
Hot key boot-up RM16_EX8 BIOS RAID manager via M/B BIOS
Support controller’s API library, allowing customer to write its own AP
Support Command Line Interface (CLI)
Single Admin Portal (SAP) monitor utility
Disk Stress Test (DST) utility for production in Windows
Firmware-embedded browser-based manager, SMTP manager, SNMP agent and
Telnet function via Ethernet port (IP address base)
Support controller’s API library for customer to write its own AP
Push Button and LCD display panel
Operating System
Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista
Linux: Red Hat Linux, SuSE Linux and other
FreeBSD, Novell Netware 6.5
Solaris 10 X86/X86_64
SCO Unixware 7.1.4
Mac OS 10.X (EFI BIOS support)
ForlatestsupportedOSlistingvisithttp://www.datoptic.com
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HARDWARE INSTALLATION
This section describes the procedure for installing the install the PCI E host adapter
Before Your Begin Installation
Thank you for purchasing the RM16_EX8 raid engine as your RAID data storage and
management system. This user guide gives you a simple step-by-step instructions for
installing and configuring the SATA RAID Controller. To ensure personal safety and to
protect your equipment and data, please read the information carefully in pack content list
before you begin installing.
Package Contents
If any items listed in your package is missing, please contact your local dealers before
proceeding with installation (disk drives and additional disk mounting tray are not included):
RM16_EX8 RAID system
• 1 x RM16_EX8 – Sixteen SATA drives RAID 3U rack mount
• 16x RM16_EX8 SATA tray (with or without HDD depend on model ordered)
• 1 x Installation CD
• 1 x User Manual
• 1 x PCI-Express x8 Host adapter
• 1 x 1.50 meter PCI E x8 cable
• 2 x AC cord cables – for Redundant PSU model (optional)
• 1 x AC cord cable – ATX PSU
Overiew Front
Figure # 1 – Front View
HDDlatch
HDD#1
HDD#16
HDD#4
HDD#13
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Figure # 2 Back view
Tools Required
An ESD grounding strap or mat is required. Also required are standard hand tools to open
your system’s case.
System Requirement
The PCI-Express x8 Host adapter can be installed in a PCI Express slot with minimum of 4x ,
x8 or x16 lanes, where the 8x lanes is the default set up
Warning:
High voltages may be found inside computer equipment. Before installing any of the
hardware in this package or removing the protective covers of any computer equipment,
turn off power switches and disconnect power cords. Do not reconnect the power cords until
you have replaced the covers.
Electrostatic Discharge
Static electricity can cause serious damage to the electronic components on this SATA RAID
controller. To avoid damage caused by electrostatic discharge, observe the following
precautions:
Before you handle the RM16_EX8 internal components in any way, touch a
grounded, anti-static surface, such as an unpainted portion of the system chassis, for
a few seconds to discharge any built-up static electricity.
Installation Tools
The following items may be needed to assist with installing the RM16_EX8 raid engine into
an available PCI expansion slot.
Small screwdriver
Host system hardware manuals and manuals for the disk or enclosure being
installed.
Personal Safety Information
To ensure personal safety as well as the safety of the equipment:
Always wear a grounding strap or work on an ESD-protective mat.
Before opening the system cabinet, turn off power switches and unplug the power
cords.
ACswitches
Ethernet
(RJ‐45)
it h
PCIex8
connection
LCDDisplay
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Do not reconnect the power cords until you have replaced the covers.
Installation
Follow the instructions below to install a PCI express x8 lanes adapter into your computer /
Server.
Unpack
Unpack and remove the contents from the package. Inspect it carefully, if anything is
missing or damaged, contact your local dealer.
Power Computer /Server Off
Turn off computer and remove the AC power cord. Remove the system’s cover. See the
computer system documentation for detail instruction.
Install the PCI Express adapter Cards
To install the PCI Express adapter, remove the mounting screw and existing bracket from the
rear panel behind the selected PCI Express slot on computer system. Align the gold-fingered
edge on the card with the selected PCI expansion slot. Press gently but firmly down to
ensure that the card is properly seated in the slot, as shown in
Figure # 3.
Next, screw the bracket into the computer chassis.
Note: RM16 PCI Express adapter require a PCI-Express x8 slot. To run as x4 slot
please refer to Appendix F
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Install HDD into RM16_EX8
Install HDD into RM16 tray with supplied screws
Install RM16 tray + HDD into RM16, lock the HDD prevented accidental remove
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<. Picture here >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Note RM16_EX8 comes with preconfigured RAID HDD then please installed HDD accordance
to their slot number as show below.
Preconfigured HDD map
HDD # 1 HDD # 2 HDD # 3 HDD # 4
HDD # 5 HDD # 6 HDD # 7 HDD # 8
HDD # 9 HDD # 10 HDD # 11 HDD #12
HDD # 13 HDD # 14 HDD # 15 HDD #16
5. Connect the PCI Express x8 lane cable
Connect an included PCI Express x8 cable between RM16_EX8 and host computer, make
sure the latches are secured to the PCI Express connectors on RM16_EX and computer
system.
<<<<<<To host picturre and to System picture
6. Power up the System
Check the installation thoroughly, reinstall the computer cover, and reconnect the power
cord cables. Turn on the power switch at the rear of the RM16_EX8(if equipped) and then
press the power button of the host computer.
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Driver Installation chapter for more detail
-Windows page -
-Mac page -
-Linux page
-FreeBSD
-Solaris 10
To manage RM16_EX8 RAID configuration
Connect an Ethernet cable to RJ45 connection in the back of RM16_EX8 and refer to:
WebGUI chapter for more detail of RM16_EX8 RAID configuration – Page XX
Use RM16_EX8 as a boot disk
The RM16_EX8 raid engine is a bootable controller. If your system already contains a
bootable device with an installed operating system, you can set up your system to boot a
second operating system from the new controller. To add a second bootable controller,
you may need to enter setup of M/B BIOS and change the device boot sequence so that the
RM16_EX8 raid engine in the list. If the system BIOS setup does not allow this change, your
system may not be configurable to allow the RM16_EX8 raid engine to act as a second boot
device.
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Driver Installation
This chapter describes how to install the RM16_EX8 raid engine driver to your operating
system.
Driver Installation for Windows
The RM16_EX8 raid engine can be used with Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP,
Windows Server 2003, and Vista. The RM16_EX8 supports SCSI Miniport and StorPort
device driver for Windows Server 2003/Vista.
New Storage Device Drivers in Windows 2003/XP-64/Vista
The Storport driver is new to Windows 2003/XP-64/Vista. Storport implements a new
architecture designed for better performance with RAID systems and in Storage Area
Network (SAN) environments. Storport delivers higher I/O throughput, enhanced
manageability, and an improved miniport interface. Storport better utilizes faster adapters
through the use of reduced Delay Procedure Call (DPC) and improved queue management.
Install NEW Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista on a RM16_EX8 RAID Volume
The following instructions explain how to install the RM16_EX8 RAID controller driver. For
completed details on installing Windows, see the Windows User’s Manual.
Installation Procedures
The following detailed procedure installing the SATA RAID controller driver while installing
Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista. Have your bootable Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista
CD and follow the required procedure below to install SATA RAID controller:
1. Make sure you follow the instructions in Chapter 2 “Hardware Installation” to install the
controller and connect the disk drives or enclosure.
2. Start the system and then press Tab+F6 to access the RM16_EX8 BIOS RAID manager.
Use the RM16_EX8 BIOS RAID manager to create the RAID set and volume set to which
you will install Windows.
Note: The computer system BIOS must support bootable from CD-ROM. For details, see
Chapter 3 “RM16_EX8 BIOS RAID manager”. Once a volume set is created and
configured, continue with next step to install the operating system.
3. Insert the Windows setup CD and reboot the system to begin the Windows installation.
4. Press F6 key as soon as the Windows screen shows ”Setup is Inspecting your Computer’s
Hardware Configuration”. A message stating “Press F6 to Specify Thrid-party RAID
Controller” will display during this time. This must be done or else the Windows installer
will not prompt for the driver for from the SATA RAID controller and the driver diskette
will not be recognized.
5. The next screen will show: “Setup could not determine the type of one or more mass
storage device installed in your system”. Selected “specify additional SCSI adapter” by
pressing S.
6. Window will prompt to place the “Manufacturer-supplied hardware support disk” into
floppy drive A: Insert the SATA RAID series driver diskette in drive “A:” and press Enter
key.
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Note: see appendix H for making floppy drivers
7. Window will check the floppy; select the correct card and CPU type for your hardware
from the listing and press Enter key to install it.
8. After Windows scans the hardware and finds the controller, it will display: “Setup will
load support for the following Mass Storage devices:
“ARECA [Windows X86-64 Storport] SATA/SAS PCI RAID Controller (RAID6-Engine inside)”.
Press Enter key to continue and copy the driver files. From this point on, simply follow
the Microsoft Windows installation procedure. Follow the on-screen Instructions,
responding as needed, to complete the installation.
9. After the installation is completed, reboot the system to load the new drivers/operating
system.
10.See Chapter 5 in this manual to customize your RAID volume sets using RM16_EX8
RAID storage manager.
Making Volume Sets Available to Windows System
When you reboot the system, log in as a system administrator. Continue with the following
steps to make any additional volume sets or pass-through disks accessible to Windows. This
procedure assumes that the RM16_EX8 raid engine hardware, driver, and Windows are
installed and operational in your system.
1. Partition and format the new volume set or disks using Disk Administrator:
a. Choose “Administrative Tools” from the “Start” menu.
b. Choose “Computer Management” from the “Administrative Tools” menu.
c. Select “Storage”.
d. Select “Disk Management”.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to write a signature to the drive.
3. Right click on the disk drive and select “Create Volume” from the menu.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to create a volume set and to give a disk drive letter.
Installing RM16_EX8 into an existing Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista system
In this scenario, you are installing the controller in an existing Windows system. To install
the driver:
1. Follow the instructions in Chapter 2, the Hardware Installation Chapter, to install the
controller and connect the disk drives or enclosure.
2. Turn on the computer Windows OS will recognize the RM16_EX8 RAID Controller and
launch the “Found New Hardware Wizard”, which guides you in installing the RM16_EX8
driver.
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3. The “Upgrade Device Driver Wizard” will pop-up and provide a choice of how to proceed.
Choose “Display a list of known drivers for this device, so that you can choose a specific
driver.” And click on “Next”.
4. When the next screen queries the user about utilizing the currently installed driver, click
on the “Have Disk” button.
5. When the “Install From Disk” dialog appears, insert the included CD-ROM and type-in or
browse to the correct path for the “Copy manufacturer’s files from:” dialog box.
6. After specifying the driver location, the previous dialog box will appear showing the
selected driver to be installed. Click the “Next” button.
7. The “Digital Signature Not Found” screen will appear. Click on “Yes” to continue the
installation.
8. Windows automatically copies the appropriate driver files and rebuilds its driver
database.
9. The “Found New Hardware Wizard” summary screen appears; click the “Finish” button.
10.The “System Settings Change” dialog box appears. Remove the diskette from the drive
and click Yes option to restart the computer to load the new drivers.
11.See Chapter 5 in this manual for information on customizing your RAID volumes using
RM16_EX8 RAID Web storage manager.
12.See section 3.2.1.2 Making Volume Sets Available to Windows System to initialize the
RM16_EX8 volume
Uninstall controller from Windows 2000 / XP / 2003 / Vista
To remove the RM16_EX8 raid engine driver from the Windows system, follow the
instructions below.
1. Ensure that you have closed all applications and are logged in with administrative rights.
2. Open “Control Panel” and start the “Add/Remove Program” icon and uninstall and
software for the SATA RAID controller.
3. Go to “Control Panel” and select “System”. Select the “Hardware” tab and then click the
“Device Manager” button. In “Device Manager”, expand the “SCSI and RAID Controllers”
section. Right click on the “Areca SATA RAID Adapter” and select “uninstall”.
4. Click “Yes” to confirm removing the RM16_EX8 driver. The prompt to restart the system
will then be displayed.
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Driver Installation for Linux
This chapter describes how to install the RM16_EX8 driver to Red Hat Linux, and SuSE
Linux. Before installing the RM16_EX8 driver to the Linux, complete the following actions:
1. Install and configure the controller and hard disk drives according to the instructions in
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation.
2. Start the system and then press Tab+F6 to enter the RM16_EX8 BIOS RAID manager
configuration utility. Use the RM16_EX8 BIOS RAID manager utility to create the RAID
set and volume set. For details, see Chapter 3, RM16_EX8 BIOS RAID Manager.
If you are using a Linux distribution for which there is not a compiled driver available from
Areca, you can copy the source from the included CD or download the source from the
Areca/DATOptic website and compile a new driver.
Compiled and tested drivers for Red Hat and SuSE Linux are included on the included CD.
You can download updated versions of compiled and tested drivers for Red Hat or SuSE
Linux from the Areca web site at http://www.areca.com.tw or http://www.datoptic.com
Included in these downloads is the Linux driver source, which can be used to compile the
updated version driver for RedHat, SuSE and other versions of Linux.
Please refer to the “readme.txt” file on the included CD or website to make driver diskette
and to install driver to the system.
Driver Installation for FreeBSD
This chapter describes how to install the SATA RAID controller driver to FreeBSD. Before
installing the RM16_EX8 driver to FreeBSD, complete following actions:
1. Install and configure the controller and hard disk drives according to the instructions in
Chapter 2, Hardware Installation.
2. Start the system and then press Tab+F6 to enter the RM16_EX8 BIOS RAID Manager
configuration utility. Use the RM16_EX8 BIOS RAID manager utility to create the raid set
and volume set. For details, see Chapter RM16_EX8 BIOS RAID Manager.
3. The supplied software CD that came with the RM16_EX8 system includes compiled and
tested drivers for FreeBSD 4.x (4.2 and onwards) and 5.x (5.2 and onwards). To check if
a more current version driver is available, please see the
4. Areca web site at http://www.areca.com.tw. Please refer to the “readme.txt” file on the
SATA RAID controller software CD or website to make driver diskette and to install
driver to the system.
Driver Installation for Solaris 10
Please refer to the “readme.txt” file on the software CD or a manual from website:
http://www.areca.com.tw or http://www.datoptic.com
13RM16_EX8UserGuidev1.0‐DATOptic.com
Driver Installation for Mac 10.x
After hardware installation per Hardware installation section - page, the SATA disk drives
connected to the RM16_EX8 must be configured and the volume set must be created before
they are ready to use by the system.
You must have administrative level permissions to install RM16_EX8 Mac driver & software.
You can install driver& software on your Power Mac G5 or Mac Pro as below:
,
Afterhardwareinstallation,theSATAdiskdrivesconnectedtotheSATA
RAIDcontrollermustbeconfiguredandthevolumesetunitsinitialized
beforetheyarereadytouse.
TheMacdriverwasinstalledbyrunning(double‐clickon
ArcMSR‐1.3.1.pkgicon)ArcMSR‐1.3.1.pkgfromtheDesktop.Installation
successfulandcardrecognizedinsystemprofiler.
TheMcRAIDmanagerinterfacecanbeaccessedthroughthebuilt‐in
configurationandadministrationutilitythatresidesinthe
controller’sfirmware.Itprovidescompletecontrolandmanagementof
thecontrolleranddiskarrays,eliminatingtheneedforadditional
hardwareorsoftware.
TheArcHttpproxyserverisprovidedontheCD‐ROMdeliveredwithSATA
cardordownloadfromthewww.areca.com.tw.Thefirmwareembedded
McRAIDstoragemanagercanconfigureandmonitortheSATARAID
controllerviaArcHttpProxyServer.
1.Loginasroot.CopytheArcHttpfiletoalocaldirectory.
(1).InserttheSATARAIDcontrollerCDintheCD‐ROMdrive.
(2).Copy<CD‐ROM>\PACKAGES\Mac\httpdirectorytolocal.
Or
(1).Downloadfromthewww.areca.com.tworfromtheemailattachment.
2.YoumusthaveadministrativelevelpermissionstoinstallSATARAID
controllerArcHttpsoftware.ThisprocedureassumesthattheSATARAID
hardwareandMacdriverareinstalledandoperationalinyoursystem.
ThefollowingdetailsaretheinstallationprocedureoftheSATARAID
controllerMacArcHttpsoftware.
(1).Runthearchttp64usingTerminal.appbyusingthefollowing
command:
Usage:sudo./archttp64(TCP_PORT).
Parameters:TCP_PORTvalue=1~65535(IfTCP_PORTassigned,Archttpwill
startfromthisport.Otherwise,itwillusethesettinginthe
archttpsrv.confordefault81).Thisistheportaddressassigningfor
thefirstadapter.
Suchas:sudo./archttp641553
(2).Archttpserverconsolestarted,Controllercarddetectedthen
ArcHttpproxyserverscreenappears.
3.Start‐upMcRAIDStorageManager
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WiththeMcRAIDStorageManager,youcanlocallymanageasystem
containingaSATARAIDcontrollerthathasMacandasupportedbrowser.
Alocallymanagedsystemrequiresallofthefollowingcomponents:
(1).AsupportedWebbrowser(InSafaribrowserforOSX),whichshould
alreadybeinstalledonthesystem.
(2).InstallArcHttpproxyserverontheSATARAIDsystem.
ToconfigurethePCI‐X/PCIeSATARAIDcontroller,youneedtoknowits
IPAddress.LaunchyourMcRAIDStorageManagerbyentering
http://[ComputerIPAddress]:[portnumber]inthewebbrowser.
Suchastypehttp:\\localhost:1553inbrowser
(2).Whenconnectionisestablished,theSystemLoginscreenappears.
TheSATARAIDcontrollerdefaultUserNameis:adminandthePassword
is:0000
NowtheRAIDsetupshouldbeconnected.McRAIDStorageManagerwebpage
appears:
4.Ifyouwanttochangethe"archttpsrv.conf"settingupofArcHttp
configuration,Forexample:Generalconfiguration,MailConfiguration,
andSNMPConfiguration,PleasestartSafariBrowserhttp:\\localhost:
CfgAssistant.Suchashttp:\\localhost:1554.
TheArcHttpconfigurationstarts
ConfigureGeneralConfigurationandsubmit.AfterArcHttphassuccessfullysubmitted,
theArchttpconsolerestarts.
1. Insert the included CD that came with RM16_EX8 to optical drive.
2. Double-click on the following file that resides at <CD-ROM>\ packages\MacOS to add
the installer on the Finder.
oFor Power Mac G5 run install_mraid_mac.zip
oFor Mac Pro run install_mraid_macpro.zip
3. Launch the installer by double-clicking the install_mraid_mac or install_mraid_macpro
on the Finder.
4. Follow the installer steps to install Areca driver, MRAID (archttp64 and arc_cli utility) at
the same time.
5. Reboot your Power Mac G5 or Mac Pro system.
Normally archttp64 and arc_cli are installed at the same time on our RM16_EX8 RAID
adapter. Once archttp64 and arc_cli have been installed, the background task
15RM16_EX8UserGuidev1.0‐DATOptic.com
automatically starts each time when you start your computer. There is one MARID icon
showing on your desktop. This icon is for you to start up the RM16_EX8 RAID storage
manager (by archttp64) and arc_cli utility. You can also only upgrade the driver,
archttp64 or arc_cli individual item that resides at <CD-ROM>\packages\MacOS Arc-cli
performs many tasks at the command line. You can download arc-cli manual from Areca
website or software CD <CDROM>\ DOCS directory.
Driver Installation for UnixWare 7.1.4
Please refer to the “readme.txt” file on the software CD or a
manual from website: http://www.areca.com.tw
Driver Installation for NetWare 6.5
Please refer to the “readme.txt” file on the software
CD or a manual from website: http://www.areca.com.
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RM16_EX8 RAID Storage Manager
The RM16_EX8 RAID storage manager start-up configuration screen displays the current
configuration of your SATA RAID controller. It displays the Raid Set List, Volume Set List,
and Physical Disk List.
The RAID set information, volume set information, current configuration, and drive
information can also be viewed by clicking on the “Raid Set Hierarchy” in the main menu.
Note: You can find controller Ethernet port IP address in RM16_EX8’s LCD Display
Main Menu
The main menu shows all available functions, to access it clicking on the appropriate link.
Individual Category
Description
Quick Function Create a default configuration, which is based on the number of physical disks
installed; it can modify the volume set Capacity, Raid Level, and Stripe Size.
Raid Set Functions Create/Delete/Expand/Modify… a RAID set
Volume Set Functions Create, Delete, Modify… a RAID volume sets parameters
Physical Drives Create pass through disks and modify the existing pass through drives parameters.
Also provides the function to identify disk drives (blinking Fault LED).
System Controls
Setting the raid system configuration.
Information
Viewing RAID set information, volume set information, current configuration, and
drive information
Please below for more detail of each category
1. Quick Function
Note: In Quick Create, your volume set is automatically configured based on the number of
disks in your system. Use the “Raid Set Functions” and “Volume Set Functions” if you prefer
to create multiples RAID sets or customize your system.
In this Quick Function the number of physical drives in the RM16_EX8 raid engine
determines the RAID levels that can be implemented with the RAID set. You can create a
RAID set associated with exactly one volume set. The user can change the RAID level, stripe
size, and capacity. A hot spare option is also created depending upon the existing
configuration. Click the “Confirm The Operation” check box and click on the “Submit” button
in the “Quick Create” screen, the RAID set and volume set will start to initialize.
Note: If volume capacity exceeds 2TB, controller will show the "Greater Two TB Volume
Support" sub-menu.
Greater Two TB Volume Support option:
-No
-64bit LBA
-For Windows.
For more details please download PDF file at:
http://www.datoptic.com/Over2TBforWindows.zip
18RM16_EX8UserGuidev1.0‐DATOptic.com
RaidSet Functions
Use the “Raid Set Functions” and “Volume Set Functions” if you prefer to customize your
system. Manual configuration can provide full control of the RAID set settings, but it will
take longer to complete than the “Quick Volume/Raid Setup” configuration. Select the
“Raid Set Functions” to manually configure the RAID set for the first time or delete and
reconfigure existing RAID sets. (A RAID set is a group of disks containing one or more
volume sets.)
1. Create Raid Set
To create a RAID set, click on the “Create Raid Set” link. A “Select The Drive For RAID Set”
screen will be displayed showing the drive(s) connected to the current controller. Click on
the selected physical drives within the current RAID set. The default RAID set name will
always appear as “Raid Set. #”.
Click the “Confirm The Operation” check box and click on the “Submit” button on the
screen; the RAID set will start to initialize.
2. Delete Raid Set
To delete a RAID set, click on the “Deleted Raid Set” link. The “Select The Raid Set To
Delete” screen is displayed showing all existing RAID sets in the current controller. Click the
RAID set number you which to delete in the select column on the delete screen. Click the
“Confirm The Operation” check box and click on the “Submit” button in the screen to delete
it.
3. Expand Raid Set
Instead of deleting a RAID set and recreating it with additional disk drives, the “Expand Raid
Set” function allows the users to add disk drives to the RAID set that have already been
created.
To expand a RAID set:
Select the “Expand Raid Set” option. If there is an available disk, then the “Select SATA
Drives For Raid Set Expansion” screen appears. Select the target RAID set by clicking on the
appropriate radio button. Select the target disk by clicking on the appropriate check box.
Press the Yes key to start the expansion on the RAID set.
The new additional capacity can be utilized by one or more volume sets. The volume sets
associated with this RAID set appear for you to have chance to modify RAID level or stripe
size. Follow the instruction presented in the “Modify Volume Set ” to modify the volume
sets; operation system specific utilities may be required to expand operating system
partitions.
4. Activate Incomplete Raid Set
If one of the disk drives is removed in power off state, the RAID set state will change to
“Incomplete State”. If the user wants to continue to use the SATA RAID controller, the user
can use the “Activate Raid Set” option to active the RAID set. After the user completes this
function, the RAID set state will change to “Degraded Mode”.
19RM16_EX8UserGuidev1.0‐DATOptic.com
Note:
-Once the “Expand Raid Set” process has started, user can not stop it. The process must
be completed
If a disk drive fails during raid set expansion and a hot spare is available, an auto rebuild
operation will occur after the RAID set expansion completes.
To activate the incomplete the RAID set, click on the “Activate Raid Set” link. A “Select The
RAID SET To Activate” screen is displayed showing all RAID sets existing on the current
controller.
Click the RAID set number to activate in the select column. Click on the “Submit” button on
the screen to activate the RAID set that had a disk removed (or failed) in the power off
state. The RM16_EX8 raid engine will continue to work in degraded mode.
Create Hot Spare
When you choose the “Create Hot Spare” option in the “Raid Set Functions”, all unused
physical devices connected to the current controller appear. Select the target disk by
clicking on the appropriate check box.
Click the “Confirm The Operation” check box and click the “Submit” button in the screen to
create the hot spares. The “Create Hot Spare” option gives you the ability to define a global
hot spare.
Delete Hot Spare
Select the target Hot Spare disk to be deleted by clicking on the appropriate check box.
Click the “Confirm The Operation” check box and click the “Submit” button on the screen to
delete the hot spares.
Rescue Raid Set
When the system is powered off in the RAID set update/creation period, it possibly could
disappear due to this abnormal condition.
The “RESCUE” function can recover the missing RAID set information. The RAID controller
uses the time as the RAID set signature. The RAID set may have different time after the
RAID set is recovered. The “SIGANT” function can regenerate the signature for the
RAID set.
Offline Raid Set
This function is for customer being able to un-mount and remount a multi-disk volume. All
HDD of the selected RAID set will be put into offline state, spun down and fault LED in fast
blinking mode. User can remove those HDDs and insert new HDDS on those empty slots
without needing power down the controller.
Volume Set Functions
A volume set is seen by the host system as a single logical device. It is organized in a RAID
level with one or more physical disks. RAID level refers to the level of data performance
and protection of a volume set. A volume set capacity can consume all or a portion of the
disk capacity available in a RAID set. Multiple volume sets can exist on a group of disks in a
RAID set. Additional volume sets created in a specified RAID set will reside on all the
physical disks in the RAID set. Thus each volume set on the RAID set will have its data
spread evenly across all the disks in the RAID set.
20RM16_EX8UserGuidev1.0‐DATOptic.com
Create Volume Set
1. Volume sets of different RAID levels may coexist on the same RAID set.
2. Up to 16 volume sets can be created by the SATA RAID controller.
3. The maximum addressable size of a single volume set is not limited to 2.0TB because
the controller is capable of 64-bit mode. However, the operating system itself may not
be capable of addressing more than 2 TB. See the Areca website for details.
4. To create a volume set on a RAID set, move the cursor bar to the main menu and click
on the “Create Volume Set” link. This “Select The Raid Set To Create On It” screen will
show all RAID set numbers. Click the RAID set number that to be used and then click
the “Submit” button.
5. The “Enter Volume Attributeid Set=xx” option allows users to select the volume name,
capacity, RAID level, strip size, SCSI ID/LUN, cache mode, and tag queuing.
• Volume Name
The default volume name will always appear as “Volume Set. #”. You can rename the
volume set providing it does not exceed the 15 characters limit.
• Raid Level
Set the RAID level for the volume set. Highlight the desired RAID Level and press Enter key.
The available RAID levels for the current volume set are displayed. Select a RAID level and
press "Enter" to confirm.
• Capacity
The maximum volume size is the default initial setting. Enter the appropriate volume size to
fit your application.
• Greater Two TB Volume Support
If volume capacity exceeds 2TB, controller will show the "Greater Two TB Volume Support"
sub-menu.
Greater Two TB Volume Options are: No / 64bit LBA
For more details please download PDF file from
http://www.datoptic.com/PDF/Over2TB_050721.zip
• Initialization Mode
Press Enter key to define “Background Initialization”, “Foreground Initialization” or “No Init
(To Rescue Volume)”.
-Background Initialization - Tthe initialization proceeds as a background task, the volume
set is fully accessible for system reads and writes. The operating system can instantly
access to the newly created arrays without requiring a reboot and waiting the
initialization complete.
-Foreground Initialization - The initialization proceeds must be completed before the
volume set ready for system accesses.
-No Init - There is no initialization happed when you select “No Init” option. This option
can be use to rescue volume without losing data in the disk.
• Stripe Size
Table of contents
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