PAC STORAGE PS 3012 User manual

Version: 1.7
PAC Storage PS 3000 Gen 1 Series
Hardware Manual

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Table of Contents
Safety Precautions....................................................................................................... 6
Energy Hazards Precaution........................................................................................ 6
Installation and Operation........................................................................................... 6
Service and Maintenance........................................................................................... 6
Important Notice......................................................................................................... 7
ESD Precautions........................................................................................................ 7
About this Manual........................................................................................................ 8
Revision History.......................................................................................................... 8
Introduction.................................................................................................................. 9
Product Overview....................................................................................................... 9
Model Variations..................................................................................................... 9
Major Components................................................................................................... 10
Controller and Interface ........................................................................................ 10
Expansion Enclosure Controller and Interface ...................................................... 10
Power Supply Unit with Built-in Cooling Module.................................................... 11
The Rear Panel........................................................................................................ 11
Dual Controller Models ......................................................................................... 11
Single Controller Models....................................................................................... 12
Upgrading Single Controller to Dual Controller System......................................... 12
Connection Between Unified Storage System and Expansion Enclosures............ 12
Chassis .................................................................................................................... 12
Front Panel........................................................................................................... 13
Rear Panel............................................................................................................ 14
Internal Backplane................................................................................................ 15
Front Panel Components.......................................................................................... 15
LED Panel ............................................................................................................ 15
Drive Tray Bezel................................................................................................... 16
Rear Panel Components .......................................................................................... 16
Controller Module of Unified Storage Systems...................................................... 16
Controller Module of Expansion Enclosures.......................................................... 17
Super Capacitor & Flash Backup Module.............................................................. 18
PSU & Cooling Module......................................................................................... 19
System Monitoring Features..................................................................................... 19
Expansion Enclosure Support............................................................................... 19
Expansion Enclosure Status Monitoring................................................................ 20
I2C Bus ................................................................................................................. 20
Firmware (FW) and PAC Management Software.................................................. 20
Audible Alarms...................................................................................................... 20

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Hot-Swapping........................................................................................................... 21
Hardware Installation................................................................................................. 21
Installation Prerequisites........................................................................................... 21
Installation Procedures Overview ............................................................................. 22
Unpacking the System.............................................................................................. 22
Box Contents........................................................................................................ 22
Pre-installed Components..................................................................................... 23
Components to be Installed .................................................................................. 23
Installing Drives........................................................................................................ 23
Drive Installation Prerequisites.............................................................................. 23
SAS Interface........................................................................................................ 24
Hard Drive Designation......................................................................................... 25
Installing the Hard Drive into Drive Tray (PS 3025 excluded)................................ 26
Installing the Hard Drive into Drive Tray for PS 3025 only..................................... 26
Installing the Drive Tray into the Enclosure........................................................... 28
Installing Host Boards............................................................................................... 29
Removing the Controller....................................................................................... 31
Installing the Controller......................................................................................... 31
System Connection.................................................................................................... 31
General Considerations on Making Connections...................................................... 31
Host-Side Topologies............................................................................................ 32
Host-Side Parameters........................................................................................... 32
Maximum Concurrent Host LUN Connection (“Nexus” in SCSI)............................ 33
Maximum Queued I/O Count ................................................................................ 33
Fibre-Host Connections............................................................................................ 33
Fibre-Host Topologies........................................................................................... 34
Fibre Cabling ........................................................................................................ 35
Simple End-to-End Connection............................................................................. 36
DAS (Direct-Attached) Connection........................................................................ 36
Switched Fabric Connection (Dual Controller)....................................................... 38
Switched Fabric Connection (Single Controller).................................................... 39
SAS-Host Connections............................................................................................. 40
DAS (Direct-Attached Storage) Connection with Redundant Host Path................ 41
DAS (Direct-Attached Storage) Connection to Two Servers.................................. 43
Ethernet-Host Connections....................................................................................... 43
Network & Host Connection Topologies................................................................ 44
High Availability IP SAN with Redundant Controller.............................................. 45
Single Controller with Fault-Tolerant Path............................................................. 47
High Availability IP SAN (Recommended Cabling Method for Remote Replication).... 48
High Availability IP SAN with Port Trunk (Remote Replication Enabled)............... 50
Hybrid Host Connections.......................................................................................... 51

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Single Hybrid Unit Connected to FC/iSCSI Hosts ................................................. 51
Utilizing Hybrid iSCSI Ports for Data Replication................................................... 52
Expansion Enclosure Connections........................................................................... 52
SAS Expansion Enclosure Configuration.............................................................. 53
Configuration Rules .............................................................................................. 53
Dual Controller Expansion Connection.................................................................. 55
Single Controller Expansion Connection............................................................... 57
Management Console Connections.......................................................................... 59
Connecting Unified Storage System to External Consoles.................................... 59
Power Connections .................................................................................................. 59
Checklist............................................................................................................... 59
Power Cords Connection...................................................................................... 60
Power On Procedure ............................................................................................ 60
Power On Status Check........................................................................................ 61
Power Off Procedure ............................................................................................ 61
System Monitoring..................................................................................................... 62
Monitoring Features.................................................................................................. 62
LED Panel................................................................................................................ 62
Drive Tray LED......................................................................................................... 63
Unified Storage System Controller LEDs.................................................................. 64
1G Ethernet Management Port LEDs ....................................................................... 65
12G SAS Expansion Port LEDs................................................................................ 66
10G Ethernet Port LEDs........................................................................................... 66
16G Fibre Channel Port LEDs.................................................................................. 67
8G Fibre Channel LEDs............................................................................................ 67
Converged Host Board............................................................................................. 68
Controller LED for 12G SAS Expansion Enclosure Models....................................... 69
PSU & Built-in Cooling Module LEDs........................................................................ 70
Alarms and I2C Bus .................................................................................................. 70
Audible Alarms...................................................................................................... 70
I2C......................................................................................................................... 71
System Maintenance.................................................................................................. 71
Restoring Default System Settings........................................................................... 71
Restoring Default Settings .................................................................................... 72
Replacing the Unified Storage System Controller Module(s) .................................... 72
Replacing the Host Board......................................................................................... 74
Replacing Memory Module(s)................................................................................... 75
Replacing the Cache Backup Module (CBM)............................................................ 75
Supercapacitor Fault Conditions and Precautions................................................. 76
Replacing the Supercapacitor............................................................................... 76
Replacing Flash Backup Module........................................................................... 77

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Replacing the Power Supply Module / Cooling Module............................................. 77
Detecting a Failed PSU......................................................................................... 78
Replacing Power Supply Unit................................................................................ 78
Replacing Hard Drive ............................................................................................... 80
Replacing Hard Drive (PS 3025 excluded)............................................................ 80
Replacing Hard Drive for PS 3025 only................................................................. 81
Slide Rail Kit Installation Guide ................................................................................ 82
Slide Rail Kits ........................................................................................................... 83
Enclosure Installation Prerequisites.......................................................................... 83
Unpacking the System.............................................................................................. 83
Component Installation Procedure............................................................................ 83
Tools Required......................................................................................................... 84
Rackmount Slide Rail Kits ........................................................................................ 84
Rack Ear Mount Kit................................................................................................... 84
Kit Contents.......................................................................................................... 84
Installation Procedure........................................................................................... 85
Slide Rail Kit............................................................................................................. 86
Kit Contents.......................................................................................................... 86
Installation Procedure........................................................................................... 87
Once Mounted.......................................................................................................... 89
Safety Reminders..................................................................................................... 90
Appendix .................................................................................................................... 91
Technical Specifications........................................................................................... 91
Host Board Interface............................................................................................. 91
Power Supply........................................................................................................ 92
Dimensions........................................................................................................... 92
Environment ......................................................................................................... 93

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Safety Precautions
Read these instructions carefully before you install, operate, or transport the PAC Storage PS
3000 Gen1 Series Unified Storage System and expansion enclosures.
Energy Hazards Precaution
This equipment is intended to be used in Restrict Access Location, like computer room.
The access can only be gained by SERVICE PERSONS or by USERS who have been
instructed about the metal chassis of the equipment is have energy hazards that service
persons have to pay special attention or take special protection before touching it. Further,
the access is through the use of key or security identity system. Only authorized by well
trained professional person can access the restrict access location.
Installation and Operation
Install the rack cabinet and the associated equipment at a site where the ambient
temperature (special room cooling equipment may be required) stays lower than:
a. 35  C ~ if your system has a BBU
b. 40  C ~ if your system does not have a BBU
 Install the power source socket outlet near the enclosure where it is easily
accessible and ground the rack cabinet.
- Secure airflow clearance inside and around the rack cabinet.
- Secure an 18 to 20cm clearance on the rear side.
- Do not cover the enclosure openings.
- Route the cables inside the rack cabinet.
- Do not leave drive bays empty as it will affect airflow efficiency.
Secure each enclosure module using its retaining screws.
Place power cords and other cables away from foot traffic. Do not place items on top
of power cords and make sure they do not rest against data cables.
Install all modules to the enclosure before powering-on systems.
Ensure that the correct power range is being used before powering-on.
DO NOT remove covers or replaceable modules if they are not faulty.
If the system is not going to be used for a long period of time, disconnect it from the
power mains to avoid transient over-voltage.
For power source redundancy, please make sure that the two PSUs are plugged into
two different power sources (i.e. Different circuit breakers).
Service and Maintenance
Keep the faulty module in place until you have a replacement unit; an empty
module greatly affects the airflow efficiency within the enclosure.
During service operation, place the enclosure on soft and clean surface to prevent
exterior damage. Do not place tools or other items on top.

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When transporting the enclosure, repackage all disk drives separately in the original
package foam blocks. Replaceable modules can stay in the enclosure if you are
using the original package; if not, repackage them separately as well.
Disconnect the power cords before servicing or cleaning the enclosure.
Use a slightly moistened paper sheet or cloth for cleaning. Avoid using liquid or
sprayed detergent.
When replacing components, insert them as gently as possible while assuring full
engagement. Vibration and shock can easily damage hard drives.
Only qualified service personnel should open the enclosure.
Contact service personnel if any of the following situations occurs:
- The power cord or plug is damaged.
- The enclosure has been exposed to moisture.
- The system has not been working properly.
- The enclosure was dropped against a hard surface.
- The enclosure shows obvious signs of breakage.
To move the enclosure, more than one person might be necessary due to its weight.
Drives should be removed from the enclosure beforehand.
Important Notice
The use of PAC Storage certified components is strongly recommended to ensure
compatibility, quality and normal operation with your PAC Storage products. Please contact
your distributor for a list of PAC Storage certified components (e.g. SFP, SFP+, HBA card,
iSCSI cable, FC cable, memorymodule, etc.).
ESD Precautions
Handle the modules by their retention screws, ejector levers, or the module’s metal
frame/faceplate only. Avoid touching the PCB boards or connector pins.
Use a grounded wrist strap and an anti-static work pad to discharge static
electricity when installing or operating the enclosure.
Avoid dust, debris, carpets, plastic, vinyl, and Styrofoam in your work area.
Do not remove any module or component from its anti-static bag before installation
takes place.
Drives must not be stacked on top of each other without their protective drive trays.
Even when drives are fixed in the drive trays, contacting the exposedPCB or rear-
side interface may damage the drives.

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About This Manual
The manual introduces hardware components of the PAC Storage PS 3000 Gen 1 Unified
Storage System and expansion enclosures. It also describes how to install, monitor, and
maintain them.
For non-serviceable components, please contact our support site.
Firmware operation: Consult the Firmware User Manual on the CD-ROM.
PAC Management Software: Consult the PAC Management Software User Manual on the
CD-ROM.
Revision History
Version Date Description
1.0 Feb. 2016 Initial release
1.1 May. 2016 Safety precautions updated
1.2 June 2016 Rail kit and CBM installation updated
1.3 October 2016 Updated system connections, monitoring status, interface
LEDs
1.4 November 2016 Bug fixes
1.5 April 2017
Added a note about host board installation and replacement
Updated PSU & fan IDs, 3025A/ 3025B models
1.6 June 2017
Added SAS 12G expansion board information
Added M3 screw information about 2.5” tray with MUX board
Wording fixes
1.7 August 2018 Corrected JBOD connection of using SAN expansion host
board

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Introduction
Product Overview
This manual introduces PAC Storage PS 3000 Gen 1 Series systems that support 3Gbps,
6Gbps and
12Gbps SAS and Near Line SAS, SATA hard drives and SSDs. The enclosure is designed
to utilize 2.5” or 3.5” hard drives. Drive capacity can be expanded by attaching expansion
hard drive enclosures.
Model Variations
Comprised of Unified Storage and expansion enclosure models, Unified Storage Systems
store hard drives and control the entire storage array while expansion enclosures connect to
a master Unified Storage System and allow storage capacity expansion by adding more
hard drives. Hard drive limitation(s) may vary model to model.
PS 3012
PS 3024
PS 3025
PS 3016

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PS 3024 4U
Major Components
NOTE
Upon receiving your system, check the package contents against the included
Unpacking List. If module(s) are missing, please contact your system
vendor immediately.
Controller and Interface
Each controller comes with pre-installed DIMM module(s).
The traditional battery backup is replaced by an innovative Cache Backup Module
methodology (CBM) which consists of a super capacitor and a flash backup module (FBM).
Cached data is quickly distributed to a flash backup module for permanent storage with the
support of the super capacitor in the event of a power outage. The advantage of a super
capacitor is its very fast charging time. The super capacitor is charged within a few minutes
and available to distribute power to the controller. Cached data can be saved immediately
and permanently in flash backup module (FBM).
The embedded firmware features intelligent algorithms, such as power-saving modes,
variable fan speeds, and exiled drive handling, making this model a greener choice.
Expansion Enclosure Controller and Interface
The enclosure is managed by expander controllers that distribute data flow to individual disk
drives and report operating status through a proprietary enclosure service via in-band
protocols. The enclosure, along with other expansion enclosures, connects to a Unified
Storage System and serves as a building block of a scalable configuration.
In terms of supported protocols, the firmware supports communications with enclosure
devices, SAS/SATA disk drives and as Unified Storage System featuring SAS expansion
ports.
In terms of physical connection, the SAS interface provides ease of cabling through Mini-
SAS connectors. With a backplane adapting SAS or SATA drives, the system supports
enterprise-class SAS, Near-line SAS, cost-effective SATA-II or SATA-III hard drives or
SSDs, and is ideal for adding large capacity to a storage pool.

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Power supply unit with built-in cooling module
Cooling module is built into the power supply unit (PSU) to protect the system from
overheating. The two hot-swappable PSUs provide constant power to the system. The
modular nature of the system and the easy accessibility to all major components ensure ease
of maintenance.
The Rear Panel
Dual Controller Models
In Dual Controller systems, Controller A is located on top and controller B at the bottom for
all models. If one controller fails, the second controller module will take over in a manner
that is transparent to application servers.
2U models
3U models
The top controller (Controller A) is the primary controller. The bottom controller (Controller
B) is the secondary (= redundant) controller which is idle during norm al operation and
takes over the management role when Controller A cannot function properly due to
hardware error, controller module removal, etc.
If the failed Controller A restarts or a replacement is installed, Controller A will temporarily
assume the role of the secondary controller.
When the Unified Storage system is rebooted, all system configurations will revert back to
the default state and Controller B returns the primary role to ControllerA.

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Single-Controller Models
Single-Controller models are designated by an “S” at the end of their model number. The
second controller slot is filled with a dummy cage.
2U models
3U models
Upgrading Single-Controller to Dual-Controller System
If the model name of a Single Controller Unified Storage / expansion enclosure is designated
with the letter “S”, it can be upgraded into a Dual-Controller configuration by adding another
controller module and firmware upgrade (see software manual).
For details, please contact your vendor.
Connection between Unified Storage System and
Expansion Enclosures
The following rule applies when connecting Unified Storage and expansion enclosure (s):
Dual Controller Unified Storage System connects to Dual Controller expansion
enclosure.
Single Controller Unified Storage System connects to Single Controller expansion
enclosure.
Chassis
The chassis is rugged constructed and divided into front and rear sections. The chassis is
designed to be installed into a rack or cabinet.

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Front Panel
2U models
3U models
4U model
Hard drive trays (1): Each drive tray is hot-swappable and holds a 2.5 / 3.5-inch hard drive.
LED Panel (2): The panel has Service / Power / Cooling Fan / Thermal / System LEDs.
Mute button / service LED (3): The mute button is to mute an alarm when sound or to
indicate to the administrator the system requires service.

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Rotary ID switch in expansion enclosure systems (4): The rotary ID switch is for users to
set a unique ID to each expansionenclosure when connected in a multi-array environment.
Handles (5): There are handles on both sides of the enclosurefor users to pull / push the
enclosure out and into the cabinet when the enclosure is installed on a slide rail rackmount
system.
Rackmount holes (6): There are two rackmount holes (one on each side of the enclosure)
for users to secure the enclosure onto the cabinet.
Hard drive status LED (7): There is a set of hard drive status LEDs right hand side or
below of the hard drive tray to indicate operation status.
Rear Panel
# Description # Description
1ControllerA 3Power supply + cooling module
2Controller B
Controllers (1) / (2): Each controller module contains a main circuit board and a pre-
installed DIMM module. For Single-Controllers, a dummy cage will be placed at the
controller (2) position. The host port configurations will vary. For details, see Rear Panel
Components.
PSU (3): The hot-swappable PSUs provide power to the system.
There is a cooling module within each PSU.
Each power supply contains the following fans:
PSU
Fan PSU
0 PSU 1
System fan IDs 0 &
1 2 & 3
Please refer to your specific system for details shown in later sections of this chapter.

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WARNING
DO NOT remove the dummy cage for the Single Controller model.
Doing so will disrupt the internal air flow
Internal Backplane
An integrated backplane separates the front and rear sections of the chassis. This circuit
board provides logic level signals and low voltage power paths. Thermal sensors and I2C
devices are embedded to detect system temperatures and PSU/Cooling Module operating
status. This board contains no user-serviceable components.
WARNING
Accessing the backplane board may lead to fatal damage of the
system. Also, physical contact with the backplane board may cause electrical
hazards.
Front Panel Components
LED Panel
Unified Storage System LED panel Expansion Enclosure
LED panel
The LED panel can be located on the chassis ear. The LED panel contains Service LED (1),
a power supply status LED (2), cooling module status LED (3), temperature sensor status
LED (4), System fault LED (5), Mute Service button (6), rotary ID switch (only expansion
enclosure) (7). For details, please refer to LED Panel.
WARNING
If critical faults are indicated on the LED panel, verify the cause of the problem
as soon as possible and contact your system vendor and arrange for a
replacement module.

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Drive Tray Bezel
3.5” 2.5”
The drive tray is designed to accommodate separately purchased SAS or SATA
interface hard disk drives. There is a release button (1) that hasto be used to retrieve disk
drives from the chassis. To the right of the bezel plate, there is a drive busy LED (2) and a
power status LED (3).
NOTE
Please note: The status LEDs of a 2.5” HDD tray are on the front panel of an SFF
(Small Form Factor) enclosure itself, below each tray or top right (3U / 36-bay).
WARNING
Be careful not to warp, twist, or contort the drive tray in any way (e.g., by dropping it or
resting heavy objects on it). If the drive bay structure is deformed or altered, the drive
trays may not fit into the drive bay.
Rear Panel Components
Controller Module of Unified Storage Systems
Designation Description Designation Description
1
Host po rts
6
Controller status LED
2
Super capacitor
7
Management port
3
SAS expansion port
8
Mini USB port (console port)
4
Restore default button
9
USB Service port
5
Restore default LED

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The controller also features a Cache Backup Module (CBM), consisting of a super
capacitor and a Flash Backup Module (FBM).
NOTE
The management port supports only 100Mb and 1000Mb (1Gb) speeds.
Host boards are optional add-on components! There are two host board slots, if you
are installing a host board for the first time, please install it to the slot on the left (next
to SAS exp. Ports).
WARNING
The controller module contains no user-serviceable components. The only time you
should remove the controller is to install/ replace the CBM or a failed controller. The
controller is built of sensitive components and unnecessary tampering may damage
the controller.
Controller Module of Expansion Enclosures
The expansion controller contains a circuit board within a metal canister, interfaced through
hot-swap docking connectors at the back-end. Three SAS wide ports on the interface
faceplate connect to a managing Unified Storage System or other expansion enclosures.

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Designation Description
1
SAS expansion ports
2
SAS expansion port Status LED
3
Controller Status LED
WARNING
The only time you should remove the controller is to replace a failed controller. The
controller is built of sensitive components and unnecessary tampering can
damage the controller.
Super Capacitor & Flash Backup Module
The super capacitor (1) and flash backup module (2) can be located inside the controller and serves
as a Cache Backup Module (CBM) described in the previous section. With the super capacitor, the
cached data can be stored permanentlyin the flash backup module, in case of a power outage.
NOTE
The super capacitor is only charged partially when shipped. Therefore, after
powering on the system, the super capacitor will start charging to its full capacity.
The super capacitor will be charged within a few minutes. If the super capacitor is not
charged, there may be a problem with the supercapacitor and you should contact
your system vendor immediately. You can also check the status of the super
capacitor module via the PAC Management Software or the firmware (please refer to
respective manuals).

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PSU & Cooling Module
The two redundant, hot-swappable PSUs have a power socket (1), power switch (2), PSU
status LED (3), cooling module (4), retention screw (5) and an extraction handle (6).
When cooling modules run under normal operating condition, the cooling fans run at a low
speed. Under the following conditions,cooling fans raise their rotation speed to increase the
airflow:
Component failure: if a cooling module, PSU, or a temperature sensor fails.
Elevated temperature: if the temperature breaches the upper threshold set for any of the
interior temperature sensors.
During the system initialization stage, the cooling fans operate at high speed and return to
low speed once the initialization process has completed and no erroneous condition detected.
NOTE
There are two upper temperature thresholds: one for event notification and the other
for triggeringhigher fan rotation speed. The preset-valuefor event notificationcan be
changed using the firmware-embedded configuration utility, while the fan speed
trigger cannot be changed. Refer to the Firmware Operation Manual for details.
System Monitoring Features
There are a number of monitoring approaches that provide the operating status of individual
components.
Expansion Enclosure Support
Monitoring:
A managing Unified Storage System is aware of the status of expansion enclosures
components including those of:
Expander controller (presence, voltage and thermal readings)
PSU

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Cooling module
Enclosure thermal sensor
Service (the Service signal to specify a specific enclosure)
Disk drives
Expansion Enclosure Identifier:
The managing Unified Storage System will sound the alarm and deliver warning messages if
there is a conflict between expansion enclosure IDs.
If more than one expansion enclosure is connected to the managing Unified Storage System,
each expansion enclosure needs a unique enclosure ID set using the rotary switch on the
LED panel. For example, the firmware automatically disconnects the second expansion
enclosure if it is connected online and comes with an ID identical to that of the first
expansion enclosure.
NOTE
The IDs for expansion enclosures are #1 to #15. For details, please refer to
Expansion enclosure connections.
Cooling Module Speed Adjustment:
If any of the detected temperature readings breaches the temperature threshold, the
firmware running on the managing Unified Storage System automatically raises the rotation
speed of all cooling fans.
Expansion Enclosure Status Monitoring:
A Unified Storage System, when connected with expansion enclosures, acquires the
component status within other enclosures via a proprietary enclosure monitoring service
using the in-band connectivity. No additional management connection is required.
I2C bus
The detection circuitry and temperature sensors are interfaced through a non-user-
serviceable I2C bus. When expansion enclosures are attached to controllers, expansion
enclosure component status is reported through in-band protocols over expansion links that
is managed by a proprietary enclosure service.
Firmware (FW) and PAC Management Software
The firmware (FW) is preloaded and is used to configure the system. TheFW can be
accessed through the PAC Management Software, a browser-based graphical user interface
(GUI) software that can be installed on a local/remote computer and accessed via the
network. The manager communicates with the array via the connection of the existing host
links or the Ethernet link to the array’s Ethernet port.
Audible Alarms
The system comes with audible alarms that are triggered when certain active components
fail or when certain controller or system thresholds are exceeded. Whenever you hear an
audible alarm, it is imperative that you determine the cause and rectify the problem
immediately.