HighPoint RocketRAID 174x User manual

RocketRAID 174x
SATAII HostAdapter
User’s Guide
Revision: 1.1
Date: Dec. 2006
HighPoint Technologies, 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 174x HostAdapter.......................................................1-1
Product Features........................................................................................................1-1
Understanding RAID Concepts and Terminology.....................................................1-2
Chapter 2
RocketRAID 174x Hardware Description/Installation
RocketRAID174xHardware.......................................................................................2-1
1 - RocketRAID 174xAdapter Layout ........................................................................2-1
2 - LED Connections ..................................................................................................2-2
3 - Installing the RocketRAID 174x HostAdapter......................................................2-3
4 - Verifying Installation .............................................................................................2-5
Chapter 3
RocketRAID 174x BIOS Utility
RocketRAID174xBIOSUtility ...................................................................................3-1
1- BIOSCommandOverview .....................................................................................3-1
2 - Creating RAIDArrays ...........................................................................................3-3
3 -Adding/Remove Spare Disks ................................................................................3-4
4 - Updating the BIOS ................................................................................................3-5
Chapter 4
RocketRAID 174x Driver and Software Installation
MicrosoftWindows
Table ot Contents
I

(2000, XP, 2003 Server, x64 versions, Vista)
Driver and Software CD .............................................................................................4-1
Windows Driver Installation ......................................................................................4-3
1- Web RAID Management Interface.........................................................................4-4
2 - Preparing Hard disks .............................................................................................4-5
3 - Array Management ...............................................................................................4-6
4 - Device Management ...........................................................................................4-10
5 - Configuring Spare Disks .....................................................................................4-12
6 - Managing Events and Tasks...............................................................................4-13
7 - Settings ............................................................................................................... 4-15
Chapter 5
LinuxDriverSupport
1 - Fedora Core 6 Linux installation Overview............................................................5-1
2 - Red Hat Enterprise 4 Overview .............................................................................5-5
3 - SuSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) installation Overview..................................5-9
Chapter 6
FreeBSD Driver Support
1 - Installing FreeBSD on the RocketRAID 174x Controller .......................................6-1
2 - Installing the RocketRAID 174x Driver on an Existing System .............................6-4
3 - Updating the Driver ..............................................................................................6-7
Appendix
CustomerSupport
Customer Support .................................................................................................... A-1
Table ot Contents
II
4 - Uninstalling the Driver ..........................................................................................6-7

Chapter 1
Introduction
Contents of this Chapter:
About this guide
Introducing the RocketRAID 174x HostAdapter
Product Features
Understanding RAID Concepts and Terminology

Introduction
About this Guide
The RocketRAID 174x SATAII HostAdapter’s User’s Guide provides information
about the functions and capabilities of the RR174x series of host adapter cards, and
instructions for installing, configuring and maintaining RAID arrays hosted by these
adapter.
Introducing the RocketRAID 174x Host Adapter
The HighPoint RocketRAID 174x series are 4-channel PCI to Serial ATA II RAID
controllers. The RocketRAID 174x solutions are ideal for small business home and
office servers, NAS storage, workgroup and web servers. .
ProductFeatures
•PCI32bit@33/66Mhz
•2/4 internal SATAII 3Gb/s ports (variable, depends on model)
•2/4 external e.SATA3Gb/s ports (variable, depends on model)
•Up to 4 SATAII or SATA I Hard Drives
•Support RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and JBOD
•Backward compatible with RocketRAID 1640 RAID arrays
•Native Command Queuing (NCQ)
•Online Capacity Expansion (OCE) and Online RAID Level Migration (ORLM)
•Staggered drive spin up
•Hard Disk (Activity / Failed) LED chassis function
•SAF-TE Enclosure Management Functions
•BIOS Booting (INT13) to RAID array
•Quick and Background initialization for instant RAID access
•Write through and write back cache for RAID arrays
•Hot swap and hot spare
•Online array roaming
•S.M.A.R.T array monitoring for hard drive status and reliability
•64-bit LBA for RAID arrays greater than 2TB
•Low profile form factor for 1U chassis
1-1

Introduction
•Web browser-base software (Web GUI)
•CommandLine Interface(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, Vista), Linux and FreeBSD
•RoHSCompliant
Understanding RAID Concepts and Terminology
The following concepts and terminology is commonly used when describing the
functions of the RocketRAID 174x HostAdapter.
Diskinitialization
Initializing a disk writes necessary RAID configuration information to that disk. Disks
must be initialized before configuring them into RAID arrays. The initialization
process will destroy all data on the disk.
Disk Status
New The disk contains no data and has not been initialized.
Initialized The disk has been initialized and can be used for array creation.
Configured The disk has been assigned to one or more arrays, or configured as a
spare disk.
Legacy The disk was used on other controllers before use with the RocketRAID
174x (see legacy disk below).
Arrayinitialization
A redundant array (RAID5, RAID1, RAID10) needs to be initialized to ensure full
performance and reliability. Non-redundant arrays (RAID0, JBOD) do not need to be
initialized.
1-2

Introduction
When you create a redundant array using the RocketRAID 174x controller’s BIOS
Configuration Utility, it will create the array in un-initialized state. The initialization
process can be completed after installing the driver and management software.
When creating an array using the HighPoint RAID Management Console software,
you can specify an initialization option (Skip initialization, foreground and
background).
Note: The RocketRAID 174x’s BIOS utility cannot complete the array initialization
process – the RAID management utilities (OS specific software) is used to complete
this task.
Foregroundinitialization
Foreground initialization will zero-out all data on the array. The array is not accessible
by the operating system until initialization is complete.
Backgroundinitialization
Background initialization allows the array to be used immediately. For RAID1 and
RAID10 arrays, initialization will results in data being duplicated identically to the
mirror pair. For RAID5 arrays, initialization will result in parity being generated from
all array members.
Note:An un-initialized RAID1 or RAID10 array can still provide redundancy in case
of a disk failure.ARAID5 array, however, is not fault-tolerant until initialization is
finished.
OnlineCapacity Expansion(OCE)
This feature allows disks to be added to existing RAID arrays, in order to increase the
array’s capacity, without fear of data loss. Any number of disks can be added to an
array, at any time. Data can be accessed and utilized even while being redistributed.
1-3

Introduction
Online RAID Level Migration
This term describes the ability to change one type of array (RAID level), into a
different type of array (changing a RAID 1 array into a RAID 10 array for example).
Data is still accessible during the migration process, and a base level of security is
still active.
OCE, ORLM and the RocketRAID 174x
The RocketRAID 174x supports both Online Capacity Expansion (OCE), and Online
RAID Level Migration (ORLM). Both features are supported by a single function - an
array can be transformed from one RAID level to another RAID level while simulta-
neously being resized, even under I/O load.
Spare disk
A spare disk is a single disk that can be used to automatically rebuild a redundant
array in case of drive failure. Spare disks may also be members of a RAID array. Any
available space on these disks may be used to rebuild other broken arrays.
Legacy disk
Disks attached to the RocketRAID 174x that contain valid partition tables will be
identified as legacy disks. Alegacy disk attached to the RocketRAID 174x can be
accessed by the operating system, but cannot be used to create RAID arrays. A
legacy disk must be initialized before assigning it to an array.
1-4

Chapter 2
RocketRAID 174x
Hardware Description/Installation
Contents of this Chapter:
RocketRAID174xHardware
1 - RocketRAID 174xAdapter Layout
2 - LED Connections
3 - Installing the RocketRAID 174x HostAdapter
4 - Verifying Installation

RocketRAID 174x Hardware
1 – RocketRAID 174xAdapter Layout
RocketRAID 1740Adapter Layout
RocketRAID 1742Adapter Layout
RocketRAID 174x Hardware Description/Installation
2-1

RocketRAID 174x Hardware Description/Installation
2 - LED Connections
The RocketRAID 174x has two LED jumpers that are used to indicate the activity and
failure status of hard disks attached to the card’s four SATAII channels. These
jumpers are labeled as CONN# (connector).
The odd numbered pins of each CONN (1, 3, 5, and 7) represent the RR174x’s SATA
channels 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. The even numbered pins (top row) are not
utilized.
Note: These connectors were designed for use with SATA/SATAII back-planes and
enclosures (they were not designed for standard 2-pin LED cables). Consult the
system chassis’ manual for more information about LED support, and configuration
options.
CONN1,CONN3
These LED connectors can be used to configure Disk Failure (CONN3) and Disk
Activity (CONN1) indicators for each individual disk attached to the RocketRAID
174x.
BEEP1-Speaker
Alarm (speaker): The speaker emits and audible alarm in the case of disk/array failure.
JP5
SAF-TE support: this support is dependent upon the system chassis. Not all chassis
models support SAF-TE features. Consult the chassis’s manual for more information.
Port1-Port4
These represent the RocketRAID 174x’s 4 SATAII ports. Depending upon the model,
these ports utilize standard SATAor eSATA (external SATA) connectors.
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RocketRAID 174x Hardware Description/Installation
CONN3 – Hard Disk Failure LED’s.
3 - Installing the RocketRAID 174x Host Adapter
Note: Make sure the system is powered-off before installing the RocketRAID 174x
host adapter.
The RocketRAID 174x 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.
CONN1 – Hard diskActivity LED’s.
Note: The RR1740 LED’s utilize right-angle connectors, but functions in the same
manner as the other 174x host adapters.
2. Remove the PCI slot cover.
3. Gently insert the RocketRAID 174x into the PCI slot, and secure the bracket to
the system chassis.
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RocketRAID 174x Hardware Description/Installation
4. After installing the adapter, attach hard disks to the RocketRAID 174x using the
appropriate data cable. SATA cables have universal connections – either end
can be attached to the adapter or hard disk. Each RocketRAID 174x included
two standard SATAcables, for the internal ports (Port 3 and Port 4). The eSATA
ports are designed for use with external disk enclosures that utilize eSATA
connectors.
5. Many server-level chassis include hard-disk hot-swap bays. For these system
chassis, cables are attached to the chassis backplane, rather than directly to
each individual hard disk. Consult the chassis’s manual for proper installation
procedures.
6. Close and secure the system chassis.
2-4

RocketRAID 174x Hardware Description/Installation
4 - Verifying Installation
Once the RocketRAID 174x host adapter and hard disks have been installed into the
chassis, 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 174x BIOS Utility will be displayed during bootup.
2. Press Ctrl+H to access the RocketRAID 174x 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 the power and SATAcable
connections.
2-5

Chapter 3
RocketRAID 174x BIOS Utility
Contents of this Chapter:
RocketRAID174xBIOSUtility
1- BIOSCommand Overview
2 - Creating RAIDArrays
3 -Adding/Removing Spare Disks
4 - Updating the BIOS

RocketRAID 174x BIOS Utility
The RocketRAID 174x’s BIOS Utility can be accessed using the “Ctrl+H” command.
This command should be displayed automatically when the RocketRAID 174x’s BIOS
screen appears during the system’s boot up procedure.
1 - BIOS Command Overview
The RocketRAID 174x BIOS Utility provides a wide selection of RAID related
commands. These commands are displayed towards the top of the utility’s interface.
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.
RocketRAID 174x BIOS Utility
3-1

RocketRAID 174x BIOS Utility
Add/Remove Spare - this command is used to assign hard disks to function as
spare disks. The controller is capable of using spare disks to automatically rebuild
broken or faulted RAID arrays.
Section 3 discusses this command in detail.
Settings
Set Boot Mark - this function is used to designate a particular disk or RAID array
to function as the RocketRAID 174x’s boot device.
Note: This setting is only relevant if the motherboard’s BIOS has set the
RocketRAID 174x to function as the system’s primary boot device.
Staggered drive spin up – This function is used to enable (or disable) staggered
drive spin up support. This setting, by default, is disabled. Enabling staggered drive
spin up will power up the hard disks one at a time, approximately every two seconds
View – this command is used to select between two views. Press the ENTER key to
change the view.
Devices – displays information about hard disks attached to the RocketRAID 174x.
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
174x. Use the ↑↓arrow keys to highlight the target array, and press ENTER to view
the information.
Initialize - this function is used to prepare disks for use with RAID arrays.
Note: Arrays cannot be created between disks that have not been initialized.
The following section discusses this command in detail.
3-2

RocketRAID 174x BIOS Utility
2 - Creating RAID Arrays
InitializingDisks:
Before creating a RAID array, the disks must be initialized.
Initialization writes necessary RAID configuration information to the hard disk.
Use the ←→arrow keys to select the Initialize command, and press ENTER.
Warning: Initialization will destroy all pre- existing data on the selected hard
disks.
Use the ↑↓arrow keys to highlight the target hard disk(s) and press ENTER. Next,
press the Y(yes) key to initialize the selected disk(s), or N(no) key to cancel the
initialization process.
Once initialized, these disks can be utilized to create 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, 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 newArray
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.A device 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.
3-3

RocketRAID 174x BIOS Utility
6. Next, Use the ↓arrow key to highlight the Capacity (GB) option and press
ENTER. The total available capacity will be displayed. Press ENTER if you wish
to use all available space.
7. If you wish to reserve disk space for additional arrays/single disks, use the
keyboard to input the amount of space (in GB) you wish to set aside for this
particular array, and press ENTER.
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).
8. 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.
Additional Notes: Redundant arrays cannot be initialized at the BIOS level – the RAID
management software is used to complete this task. An un-initialized array can still be
utilized (it will be recognized as an available volume during an OS installation, for
example), but we highly recommend completing the initialization process before
transferring critical data to the redundant array, to avoid the risk of data loss, should a
diskfail.
3 - Adding/Remove Spare Disks
This command is used to assign a hard disk to act as a Spare Disk.
Spare Disks are used to automatically rebuild Redundant RAID arrays (RAID 1, 5, 10)
in the case of disk failure. To set a hard disk to act as a Spare Disk, use the ↑↓arrow
keys to select a disk, and press ENTER.
To remove the Spare Disk setting from a hard disk, highlight the spare disk, and press
ENTER.
Generally, single disks are designated to act as spares (disks that are not configured
into RAID arrays).
However, in some instances, disks that are members of RAID arrays may also be
designated to act as a spare.If the disks in question are part of a RAID array that did
3-4