easyRAID F8P U3R4 User manual

Ultra
160 SCSI to IDE
Disk
Array System
User’s
Guide
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easyRAID F8P U3R4
®

1. Before starting, take a few minutes to
read this manual, read all of these instructions
and save this manual for later reference.
2. Protect the Disk Array from extremely high or low
temperatures. Let the Disk Array warm (or cool ) to
room temperature before using it.
3. Protect the Disk Array from being bumped or
dropped. Do not place this product on an
unstable cart, stand, or table. It may fall, causing
serious damage to the product.
4. Keep the Disk Array away from magnetic forces.
5. Do not use this product near water.
6. Keep the Disk Array away from dust, sand, or dirt.
7. Gaps and openings in the cabinet and the back
are provided for ventilation. To ensure reliable
operation and to protect it from overheating, the
gaps and openings should never be blocked
or covered by placing the product on a bed,
sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
8. Do not place this product near or over a radiator
or heat register.
9. Refer to rating plate for voltage and check the
appliance voltage corresponds to the supply
voltage.
10. The appliance must be grounded. This product is
equipped with a 3wire grounding-type power
cord, this power cord will only fit into a
groundingtype power outlet.
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11. If an extension cord or a power center is used
with this product, make sure that the total of all
products plug into the wall outlet does not
exceed the ampere rating.
12. Do not place the Disk Array where the cord will
be walked on.
13. Never push any kind of object into this product
through cabinet gaps and openings, they may
touch dangerous voltage points cause a risk of
fire or electric shock.
14. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet
before cleaning. Keep the Disk Array dry. Do not
use liquid cleaners, aerosol cleaners, or a wet
cloth. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
15. Except as specifically explained in this User’s
Manual, please do not attempt to service this
product by yourself. Opening or removing the
covers may expose you to dangerous voltages.
16. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under the
following conditions :
If this product has been exposed to water or
any liquid.
If the product has been dropped or the
cabinet damaged.

When selecting a suitable working location, please consider :
Ventilation
Temperature
Dust and dirt
Electromagnetic and Radio Frequency Interference.
Security
The selected location should provide at least six inches of open
space around the Disk Array cabinet for proper air flow.
Your Disk Array functions best at normal room temperature. Choose
a location free from extreme heat or cold.
Your Disk Array should be used in a clean environment that is free
from airborne contaminants such as dust, dirt, and smoke. Excessive
moisture or oil particles in the air can also hinder your system’s
performance.
To reduce the possibility of data errors caused by electromagnetic
interference, locate your Disk Array at least five feet away from
electrical appliances and equipment that generates magnetic
fields.
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The
Disk Array’s LCD Panel may be damaged by exposure
to
intense sunlight. Limit exposure to indirect or subdued
sunlight
only.
Warning!!

This manual serves as a useful guide you can refer to when you
wish to install and operate your Disk Array. It includes the
following information :
 Chapter 1 : “ Introduction “
Introduces you to your new Disk Array’s
features and general RAID concepts.
 Chapter 2 : “ Getting Started “
Describes general information about this Disk
Array.
 Chapter 3 : “ Configuration “
Provides a Quick and Easy way to setup this
Disk Array.
 Chapter 4 : “ Advanced Information “
Describes information in more detail.
 Chapter 5 : “ Hot-Swap “
Describes Hot-Swap components.
 Appendix A : “ Technical Specification “
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Features ..........................................................................1-2
General RAID concepts .....................................................1-4
RAID Level 0 .....................................................1-5
RAID Level 1 .....................................................1-6
RAID Level 3 .....................................................1-7
RAID Level 5 .....................................................1-8
Summary Comparison of RAID Levels ............................... 1-10
Supported RAID Levels .....................................................1-11
Multi-SCSI Format support .....................................................1-12
Contents
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General Overview ............................................................... 2-1
Unpacking & Checklist .................................................... 2-2
Choosing a place for Disk Array .......................................... 2-3
Identifying Parts of Disk Array
Front View .....................................................2-4
Rear View .....................................................2-5
Power Source ................................................................2-6
Installing the Hard Disk Drive .......................................... 2-7
How To Setup Active Terminator .......................................... 2-10
Host Linkage ..........................................................................2-11
Power-On & Self-Test............................................................... 2-12
LED Display & Function Keys
LED Display .......................................... 2-13
Function Keys .......................................... 2-14
LCD Status Panel ............................................................... 2-15
Clear Beeper..........................................................................2-16
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General Overview ............................................................... 3-1
Configuration from the front Panel ............................... 3-2

Configuration Procedures .......................................... 3-3
Starting the Configuration .......................................... 3-4
Configuration from VT100 Terminal Mode .....................3-7
Configuration Procedures ............................... 3-8
Main Screen .....................................................3-9
Re-config RAID .......................................... 3-10
Set RAID Level .......................................... 3-11
Hot Spare Disk .......................................... 3-12
Set SCSI ID# .....................................................3-13
Password .....................................................3-14
Save & Restart .......................................... 3-15
Capacity Expansion.......................................... 3-16
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Memory Expansion ............................................................... 4-2
Disk Array Controller Block Diagram........................................ 4-5
Updating Firmware ............................................................... 4-6
Setting Up VT100 Terminal Emulation in Windows 95 .......... 4-7
Start to Update Firmware.................................................... 4-14
Multiple RAID Configuration .......................................... 4-20
Slice and Lun Mapping .....................................................4-27
On-Line Expand for Multiple RAID Groups .....................4-34
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Removing / Installing Hard Disk Drive ............................... 5-2
Removing / Installing Redundant Power Supply Unit .......... 5-6
Removing / Installing Cooling Fan.......................................... 5-9
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::
Technical Specifications A-1

1-11
Introduction
This chapter will introduce you to your new Disk Array’s features and
provide information on general RAID concept.
Chapter
1: “Introduction”

1-22
Introduction
This section provides an overview of the features. For more detailed
information, please refer to the technical specifications appendix
at the end of this manual .
Your Disk Array includes the following features :
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As everyone knows, conventional Disk Arrays are designed for
experienced computer specialists. To solve complicated and time
consuming operating procedures, we came up with a revolutionary
idea :
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As compared to a conventional Disk Array’s long-winded setup
procedures, your Disk Array can be ready to go after using the
simple step by step built-in setup program.
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Your Disk Array combines an extremely high speed microprocessor
with the latest chip set, IDE hardware technology , perfect firmware
and an artistic design. The result is one of the fastest, most reliable
Disk Array systems on the market.
 Supports virtually all popular operating systems, platforms and
network environments because it works independently from the
O.S.
 Ultra 160 LVD SCSI channel interface to your Host computer, up
to 160MB data transfer rate provides the processing and access
power for you to handle complex and large files.
 Selective SCSI ID 0 ~ 14 , support with active termination.
 Tagged-command queuing : allows processing of up to 255
simultaneous data requests.
 Selective RAID levels 0, 1, 0+1, 3 or 5 , JBOD.
 Build-in 64MB cache memory, expandable up to 512MB.
 Serial communication port ( Terminal Port ) permits array
controller operation through a standard VT100 terminal
(or equivalent).
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1-33
Introduction
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 Automatic failed disk drive detection.
 Auto rebuild : when a replacement disk installed (or by using
hot spare disk ), The system provides automatic data rebuild
without any commands or functions keyed in. ( Transparent to
Host )
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 An LCD status panel displays a comprehensive readout of the
operating status, and the HDD LED indicators on each HDD tray
display the individual HDD status.
When disk failure occurs on a member disk of the disk array, the
built-in buzzer sounds simultaneously and LCD status panel also
points out the location of the failed hard disk drive. In the
meantime the LED HDD status indicator will light up “ Red “on
the failed HDD tray , according the LED indicator on the HDD
tray you can perform quick, efficient and correct maintenance.
Hot Swap : allows you to remove and install the “ Hot Swap “
parts without interrupting data access while the system is on.
The “ Hot Swap “ parts include the Hard Disk Drive, Redundant
Power Supply Unit and Cooling Fan.

1-44
Introduction
Correct installation of the disk array requires an understanding of
RAID technology and the concepts described in this section.
Definition
RAID is an acronym of Redundant Array of Independent Disks .
A RAID is a Disk Array in which part of the storage capacity is used
to record redundant information about the user data stored on the
remainder of the storage capacity. The redundant information
enables regeneration of user data in the event that one of the
Array’s member Disks or the access path to it fails.
Benefits
of RAID
1. Secure Data
RAID is an emerging storage technology with the potential to
revolutionize the data storage technology. A typical RAID unit
contains a set of disk drives, typically two to six, which appear to
the user to be equivalent to a single large capacity disk drive.
The remarkable benefit of disk array is that if any single disk in the
RAID fails, the system and array still continues to function without
loss of data. This is possible because the redundancy data is
stored on separate disk drives and the RAID can
reconstruct the data that was stored on the failed disk drive.
2.
Increases system performance
As the effective seek time for finding data on a disk can
potentially be reduced by allowing multiple simultaneous access
of different data on different disks. Utilizing parallel reads and
writes of the data spread across the disks in the array, the data
transfer rate can be increased significantly over that of a single
disk.
3. Easy maintenance
RAID system maintenance is typically simplified because it is
easy to replace individual disks and other components while the
system continues to function. ( Hot swap support )
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1-55
Introduction
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 Improved I/O performance is the major reason of using RAID
level 0.
No protection is provided against data loss due to member
disk failures. A RAID level 0 array by itself is thus an unsuitable
storage medium for data that can not easily be reproduced,
or for data that must be available for critical system operation.
It is more suitable for data that can be reproduced or is
replicated on other media.
A RAID level 0 array can be particularly useful for :
Storing program image libraries or runtime libraries for rapid
loading, these libraries are normally read only.
Storing large tables or other structures of read only data for
rapid application access. Like program images, the data
should be backed up on highly reliable media, from which it
can be recreated in the event of a failure.
Collecting data from external sources at very high data
transfer rates.
 RAID level 0 arrays are not particularly suitable for :
Applications which make sequential requests for small
amount of data. These applications will spend most of their
I/O time waiting for disks to spin, whether or not they use
striped arrays as storage media.
Applications which make synchronous random requests for
small amounts of data.
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1-66
Introduction
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RAID level 1 provides both very high data reliability and continued
data availability in the event of a failure of an array member. When
a RAID level 1 member disk fails, array management software
simply directs all application requests to the surviving member.
RAID level 1 is suitable for data for which reliability requirements are
extremely high, or for data to which high performance access is
required, and for which the cost of storage is a secondary issue.

1-77
Introduction
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RAID Level 3 technology use a dedicated parity disk to store
redundant information about the data on several data disks. RAID
Level 3 is an excellent choice for applications which require single
stream I/O with a high data transfer rate.
RAID Level 3 is optimal for applications in which large block of
sequential data must be transferred quickly, these applications are
usually of one of these types :
They operate on large data objects such as graphical image
processing, CAD/CAM files, and others.
They are non-interactive applications that process large data
sequentially.
They usually request a large amount of data (32KBytes or more)
with each I/O request.
 The distinctive performance characteristics of RAID Level 3 :
RAID Level 3 provides excellent performance for data
transfer-intensive applications.
RAID level 3 is not well suited for transaction processing or
other I/O request-intensive applications.

1-88
Introduction
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When RAID Level 5 technology is combined with cache memory to
improve its write performance, the result can be used in any
applications where general purpose disks would be suitable.
For read only or read mostly application I/O loads, RAID Level 5
performance should approximate that of a RAID Level 0 array. In
fact, for a given user capacity, RAID Level 5 read performance
should normally be slightly better because requests are spread
across one more members than they would be in a RAID Level 0
array of equivalent usable capacity.
A RAID level 5 array performs best in applications where data
and I/O load characteristics match their capabilities :
Data whose enhanced availability is worth protecting, but for
which the value of full disk mirroring is questionable.
High read request rates.
Small percentage of writes in I/O load.

1-99
Introduction
RAID level 5 arrays have unique performance characteristics :
The data can be recalculated or regenerated, using parity,
when any drive in the array fails.
When the failed drive is replaced, either automatically if the
subsystem contained a hot spare drive, or by user intervention
during a scheduled maintenance period, the system will be
restored its full data redundancy configuration by rebuilding
all of the data that had been stored on the failed drive onto
the new drive. This is accomplished using parity information
and data from the other data disks. Once the rebuild process
is complete, all data is again protected from loss due to any
failure of a single disk drive.

1-110
Introduction
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RAID
Level
Common
Name Description Array’s
Capcity
Data
Reliabiity
Data
Trasfer
Capacity
0Disk
Striping
Data distributed across the
disks in the array.
No redundant infromation
provided.
(N)
disks
Low Very
High
1 Mirroring All data Dulicated 1 * disk Ver y
High High
3Parallel
Transfer
Disks with
Parity
Data sector is subdivided
and distributed across all
data disk. Redundant
information stored on a
dicated partiy disk
(N-1)
disks
Ver y
High
Highest
of all
listed
alternatives
5Independent
Access Array
with Rotating
Paridy
Data sectors are distributed
as with disk striping,
redundant information is
interspersed with user data.
(N-1)
disks
Ver y
High
Ver y
High

1-111
Introduction
RAID
Level
Function
Description
Drives required
Min. Max.
Based on the needs of a Disk Array’s capacity, data availability,
and overall performance, you can select a proper RAID level for
your Disk Array. The supported RAID levels are shown in below:
0
“Disk Striping”, block striping is used, which
yields higher performance than with the
individual disk drives.
* There is no redundant function.
2 8
1“DIsk Mirroring”. Disk drives are mirrored,
all data is 100% duplicated on each
equivalent disk drives.
* High Data Reliability
2 8
3“Parallel Transfer Disks with parity”. Data is
striped across physical drives. parity
protection is used for data redundancy.
3 8
5“Independent Access Array with Parity”.
Data is striped across physical drives.
Rotating parity protection is used for data
redundancy.
3 8
0+1 “Disk Striping” + “Disk Mirroring” Function 4 8
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1-112
Introduction
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The Disk Array provides one LVD Ultra 160 SCSI channel for
connecting to your host system. With proper cabling, it may support
Narrow or Wide; Standard, Fast or Ultra SCSI formats. ( single
ended )
Overall cable length
For secure data transfer , please refer to the cable length limitations
as below :
* Cable length = External Host cables length + Internal Host cable
length
* Standard Disk Array External cable length = 90cm ( 3 ft )
* Standard Disk Array Internal cable length = 20cm
SCSI
Type
Clock
Rate
Data
Rate
Maximu
Cable
Length
Cable
Required
Remark
Ultra 160
(16 bit)
40
MHZ
160
MB/sec
12m HPD 68—
HPD 68 pin
LVD
Ultra 2
(16 bit)
40
MHZ
80
MB/sec
12m HPD 68—
HPD 68 pin
Ultra
wide
(16 bit)
20
MHZ
40
MB/sec
1.5m HPD 68—
HPD 68 pin
Ultra
SCSI
(8 bit)
20
MHZ
20
MB/sec
1.5m HPD 68—
HPD 50 pin

2-11
Getting
Started
Chapter
2: “Getting Started”
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This chapter helps you get ready to use the Disk Array. It gives you:
Unpacking & Checklist
Choosing a place for Disk Array
Identifying Parts of Disk Array
 Power Source
 Installing the Hard Disk Drives
 Setup active terminator
 Host Linkage
 Power-On and Self-test
 LED Display and Function Keys
LCD Status Display
 Clear beeper
The following illustrations will help you read the further sections.
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RAID should never be considered a replacement for doing regular
backup. It’s highly recommended to conduct a backup strategy
for critical data.