HighPoint RocketRAID 152x Host Adapter User manual

RocketRAID 152x
SATA HostAdapter
User’s Guide
Revision:1.2
Date: Dec. 2006
HighPointTechnologies,Inc.

Copyright
Copyright © 2006 HighPoint Technologies, Inc. This document contains materials
protected by International Copyright Laws. All rights reserved. No part of this
manual may be reproduced, transmitted or transcribed in any form and for any
purpose without the express written permission of HighPoint Technologies, Inc.
Trademarks
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Product names or brand names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered
trademarks or copyrights of their respective owners. Backup your important data
before using HighPoint’s products and use at your own risk. In no event shall
HighPoint be liable for any loss of profits, or for direct, indirect, special, incidental or
consequential damages arising from any defect or error in HighPoint’s products or
manuals. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of HighPoint.
Notice
Reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is
accurate. HighPoint assumes no liability for technical inaccuracies, typographical, or
other errors contained herein.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Introduction
About this Guide .......................................................................................................1-1
Introducing the RocketRAID 152x HostAdapter.......................................................1-1
Product Features........................................................................................................1-1
Understanding RAID Concepts and Terminology .....................................................1-2
Chapter 2
RocketRAID 152x Hardware Description/Installation
1-RocketRAID 152x Hardware ..................................................................................2-1
2 - RocketRAID 152xAdapter Layout ........................................................................2-1
3 - Installing the RocketRAID 152x HostAdapter......................................................2-2
4 - Verifying Installation .............................................................................................2-3
Chapter 3
RocketRAID 152x BIOS Utility
RocketRAID152xBIOSUtility
1- BIOSCommand Overview .....................................................................................3-1
2 - Creating RAIDArrays ...........................................................................................3-2
3 - Recovering RAID 1 arrays ....................................................................................3-3
4 - Updating the BIOS ................................................................................................3-4
Chapter 4
RocketRAID 152x Driver and Software Installation
Microsoft Windows(2000, XP, 2003 Server, x64,Vista)
Table of Contents
I

Table of Contents
Driver and Software CD .............................................................................................4-1
Windows Driver Installation ......................................................................................4-3
1 - Installing the RAID Management Console/ Interface Overview...........................4-4
2 - Software Interface - Overview of commands/functions ........................................4-5
3 - Creating anArray ..................................................................................................4-7
4 - Deleting anArray ..................................................................................................4-8
5 - Recovering/VerifyingArrays.................................................................................4-8
6 - Misc. Array/Device Options .................................................................................4-9
7 - Managing Events................................................................................................4-10
8 - Configuring Remote Systems ..............................................................................4-14
9 - Configuring Users and Privileges .......................................................................4-18
Chapter 5
LinuxDriverSupport
1 - Fedora Core 6 Linux installation Overview............................................................5-1
2 - Installing Fedora Core 6 on the RocketRAID 152x HostAdapter .........................5-1
3 - Installing the RocketRAID 152x driver for an Existing System..............................5-2
3 - Updating the Driver ..............................................................................................5-4
4 - Uninstalling the Driver ..........................................................................................5-4
Chapter 6
SuSE Linux 10.1(Open and Novell) Driver Support
1 - SuSE Linux 10.1 installation Overview ..................................................................6-1
2 - Installing SuSE Linux on the RocketRAID 152x HostAdapter..............................6-1
3 - Installing the RocketRAID 152x Driver on an Existing System .............................6-2
4 - Updating the Driver ..............................................................................................6-5
5 - Installing the RAID Management Software ..........................................................6-5
6 - Uninstalling the Driver ..........................................................................................6-5
Chapter 7
FreeBSD Driver Support
1 - Installing FreeBSD on the RocketRAID 152x Controller .......................................7-1
II

Table of Contents
2 - Installing the RocketRAID 152x Driver on an Existing System .............................7-4
3 - Updating the Driver ..............................................................................................7-7
4 - Installing the RAID Management Software ..........................................................7-7
5 - Uninstalling the Driver ..........................................................................................7-7
Appendix
CustomerSupport
Customer Support .................................................................................................... A-1
III

Chapter 1
Introduction
Contents of this Chapter:
About this guide
Introducing the RocketRAID 152x HostAdapter
Product Features
Understanding RAID Concepts and Terminology

Introduction
About this Guide
The RocketRAID 152x eSATAHost Adapter’s User’s Guide provides information
about the functions and capabilities of the RocketRAID 1522A and RocketRAID 1520
host adapters, and instructions for installing, configuring and maintaining RAID
arrays hosted by these adapters.
Introducing the RocketRAID 152x Host Adapter
The HighPoint RocketRAID 152x series of host adapter cards are 2-channel PCI SATA
RAIDcontrollers. TheRocketRAID 152x solutionsareideal for homecomputingsystems,
small home/office servers, and removable storage/backup applications.
ProductFeatures
•PCI32bit@33/66Mhz
•2 SATAports at 1.5Gb/s (RR1522Amodel utilizes external, eSATAports)
•Up to 2 SATA I (compatible with SATAII) Hard Drives
•Compatible with eSATAenclosures(RR1522Amodel)
•Supports RAID 0, 1, and JBOD
•BIOS Booting (INT13) to RAID array
•Hot swap and hot spare
•Online array roaming
•Web browser-base software (Web GUI)
•CommandLineInterface (CLI)
•SMTP email notification for events and error reporting
•Remote array management through (Web GUI, RAID GUI and CLI)
•Support Windows (XP, 2000, Server 2003 and Vista), Linux and FreeBSD
•RoHSCompliant
1-1 1-1

Introduction
Understanding RAID Concepts and Terminology
The following concepts and terminology is commonly used when describing the
functions of the RocketRAID 152x HostAdapter.
Disk Status
Available The disk can be used for array creation.
Configured The disk has been assigned to one or more arrays, or configured as a
spare disk.
Arrayinitialization/Duplication
A redundant array (RAID1) needs to be initialized to ensure full performance and
reliability. Non-redundant arrays (RAID0, JBOD) do not need to be initialized.
A RAID 1 array may also be created using a disk that already contains data. This data
is duplicated to the second disk during the creation process.
1-2

Chapter 2
RocketRAID 152x
Hardware Description/Installation
Contents of this Chapter:
RocketRAID152xHardware
1 - RocketRAID 152xAdapter Layout
2 - Installing the RocketRAID 152x HostAdapter
3 - Verifying Installation

RocketRAID 152x Hardware Description/Installation
RocketRAID 152x Hardware
RocketRAID 152x Adapter Layout
1 – RocketRAID 1522AAdapter Layout
SATA1- SATA2
These represent the RocketRAID 152x’s two eSATA ports.
These ports are designed for use with eSATA (external SATA) enclosures, and are
compatible with SATA and SATAII hard disk drives.
2 – RocketRAID 1520Adapter Layout
2-1

RocketRAID 152x Hardware Description/Installation
2 - Installing the RocketRAID 152x Host Adapter
Note: Make sure the system is powered-off before installing the RocketRAID 152x
host adapter.
The RocketRAID 152x includes both standard and low-profile brackets. It may be
necessary to attach the low-profile bracket in place of the standard bracket, depend-
ing upon the chassis design.
1. Open the system chassis and locate an unused PCI slot.
2. Remove the PCI slot cover.
3. Gently insert the RocketRAID 152x into the PCI slot, and secure the bracket to
the system chassis.
SATA1- SATA2
These represent the RocketRAID 1520’s two SATA ports.
These ports are compatible with SATAand SATAII hard disk drives.
2-2

4. After installing the adapter, close and secure the system chassis.
5. Install the hard disk drives into the external disk enclosure (sold separately –
consult the enclosure’s manual for the proper hard disk installation procedures).
Attach the enclosure to the RocketRAID 152x’s eSATA ports using the eSATA
data cables.
3 - Verifying Installation
Once the RocketRAID 152x host adapter and hard disks have been installed, boot-up
the system to verify that the hardware is properly recognized.
1. Power on the system. If the system detects the presence of the adapter, the
RocketRAID 152x BIOS Utility will be displayed during bootup.
2. Press Ctrl+H to access the RocketRAID 152x BIOS Utility.
The BIOS Utility will display information about hard disks attached to the adapter.
Make sure all attached disks are detected by this utility. If any of the hard disks are
not detected, power down the system and check all cable connections.
RocketRAID 152x Hardware Description/Installation
2-3

Chapter 3
RocketRAID 152x BIOS Utility
Contents of this Chapter:
RocketRAID152xBIOSUtility
1- BIOSCommand Overview
2 - Creating RAIDArrays
3 - Recovering RAID 1 arrarys
4 - Updating the BIOS

RocketRAID 152x BIOS Utility
RocketRAID 152x BIOS Utility
The RocketRAID 152x’s BIOS Utility can be accessed using the “Ctrl+H” command.
This command should be displayed automatically when the RocketRAID 152x’s BIOS
screen appears during the system’s boot up procedure.
1 - BIOS Command Overview
The RocketRAID 152x BIOS Utility provides a wide selection of RAID related
commands. These commands are displayed towards the top of the utility’s interface.
Command keys:
Use the ←→arrow keys to scroll through the various commands, and the ↑↓
arrows to browse through the corresponding command menus. Use the ENTER key
to execute the selected command.
The ESC button can be used to cancel the selected command, or return to the previ-
ous command menu.
Create - this command is used to create RAID arrays. Section 2 discusses this
command in detail.
Delete - this command will delete the selected RAID array.
Warning: This command may result in permanent data loss - it should only be used
if data stored on the target array is no longer relevant, or has been backed up to an
alternate storage device.
Settings
Set Boot Mark - this function is used to designate a particular disk or RAID array
to function as the RocketRAID 152x’s boot device.
Note: This setting is only relevant if the motherboard’s BIOS has set the
RocketRAID 152x to function as the system’s primary boot device.
View – this command is used to select between two views. Press the ENTER key to
change the view.
3-1

RocketRAID 152x BIOS Utility
Devices – displays information about hard disks attached to the RocketRAID 152x.
Use the ↑↓arrow keys to highlight the target hard disk, and press ENTER to view
the information.
RAID Arrays – displays information about RAID arrays attached to the RocketRAID
152x. Use the ↑↓arrow keys to highlight the target array, and press ENTER to view
the information.
Note: Arrays cannot be created between disks that have not been initialized.
The following section discusses this command in detail.
2 - Creating RAID Arrays
To create an array:
1. Use the ←→arrow keys to highlight the Create command, and press ENTER to
open the Create Menu.
2. Use the ↑↓arrow keys to select the appropriate RAID level (RAID 0, 1 or
JBOD), then press ENTER.
3. Next, use the ↓arrow key to highlight the Array Name option and press ENTER.
The array name dialogue box will appear. Use the keyboard to input a new Array
Name, and press the Enter key.
Note: the Array Name command is optional – it is not necessary to name the
array. The array can be named at a later time, and the name of the array can be
changed at any time.
4. On the Create menu, use the ↓arrow key to highlight the Select Devices item and
press ENTER.Adevice list will appear, and display all available hard disk drives.
5. Highlight the target disks that you want to use, and press ENTER to select them.
After all of the disks have been selected, press the ESC key to return to the
Create Menu.
Note: Multiple arrays can be created using the same set of hard disk drives.
The Capacity option allows you to set aside disk space that be used to create
another array, set as a spare disk, or partitioned to act as a single disk (by the
operating system).
3-2

RocketRAID 152x BIOS Utility
RAID 1 array: Two options are provided when creating RAID 1 (mirror) arrays:
Create Only, and Create and Duplicate.
The Create Only option is used when using new disks, or when starting from
scratch (any data on the disks will be lost). Do not select this option if you need
to preserve data on either of the disks.
Create and Duplicate allows the administrator to create mirror array using a data
disk. The first disk selected (Step 4) is designated as the source disk, and the
second is the target. All data stored on the source disk will be copied to the
target disk. The BIOS utility will display a progress bar (it will display % comple-
tion of the duplication procedure) if this option is selected.
6. To complete the creation procedure, use the ↓arrow key to highlight the Start
Creation item and press ENTER. Press the Y(yes) key to create the array, or N
(no) key to cancel the creation process.
3 - Recovering RAID 1 arrays
The RR152x BIOS utility provides a recovery option for broken RAID 1 arrays. The
utility will post a warning message during the system’s boot procedure in the case of
a broken array. If the failed disk is replaced, the BIOS will provide a rebuild option.
All data on the remaining disks will be copied to the replacement disk during this
procedure, and will restore the RAID 1 to it’s normal state.
3-3

RocketRAID 152x BIOS Utility
4 - Updating the BIOS
BIOS updates are released periodically, and posted on our website for download.
Inorder toupdate theBIOS,the systemmust be bootedinto DOSmode,using a
DOS-bootdiskette orCD image.
1) Copy the load.exe and the bios image file to the bootable floppy diskette
(you may need to use a different floppy depending upon how much space is
available on the boot diskette - this can vary).
2) If you are booting from a CD image, you will need to add these files to the
CD.
Insert the boot image media into the appropriate drive, and boot the system.
3) Once the A:\> prompt has appeared, insert the media that contains the
required BIOS files, and type the following command:
load xxx.xxx
Then, press enter.
Note: xxx.xxx = the name of the BIOS image file (type it exactly as it appears).
4) The utility will scan for the controller, and ask if you want to backup the
BIOS (save a copy of the current BIOS to a floppy diskette). This is optional
- you can answer No, and continue.
Note: This option will not function if the system was booted from CD.
5) The utility will then ask if you want to flash the controller (upgrade the
BIOS). Select Y for yes.
6) The utility will display a progress bar during the flash procedure, then will
attempt verify the update.
7) Once complete, the system can be rebooted.
3-4

Chapter 4
RocketRAID 152x Driver and
Software Installation Microsoft Windows
(2000, XP, 2003 Server, x64,Vista)
Contents of this Chapter:
Driver and Software CD
Windows Driver Installation

Driver and Software CD
The RocketRAID 152x retail box includes a Driver and Software CD.
This CD can be used to generate driver diskettes, and install the RAID Management
software for a variety of operating systems.
To create a driverdiskette:
1. Insert the CD into the system’s CD/DVD drive. The program should start
automatically.
2. Insert a blank floppy diskette into the system’s floppy drive.
3. Click on “Create Driver Diskette”.
4. Click on the “Please Select a Product” drop-down button, and select
‘RocketRAID152x” from the list.
RocketRAID 152x Driver and Software Installation
4-1

RocketRAID 152x Driver and Software Installation
5. Click on the “Please Select the Diskette you want to create” drop-down button,
and select the appropriate OS from the list.
6. Click on the “OK” button to create the driver diskette.
To installthe RAIDsoftware:
1. Click on “Install RAID Management Software”.
4-2