| Q1 |
What is
the Smart Array 6400A backplane RAID controller? |
| A1 |
The Smart Array 6400A
controller is a high performance PCI-X/SCSI RAID controller
providing industry-leading features to Alpha system
customers. SA6400A controllers are cousins of the Proliant-based
Smart Array 6400 family of controller products with
hardware, firmware and software components specifically
qualified for use on Alpha systems. There are two variants:
Smart Array 6402A (2-channel) controller and Smart Array
6404A (4-channel) controller.
Part numbers
| SA6402A/128 2-channel controller, 128 MB cache |
3X-KZPEC-BF |
| SA6404A/256 4-channel controller, 256 MB cache |
3X-KZPEC-DG |
|
| |
| Q2: |
What are the following
specs for the Smart Array 6400A backplane RAID controller?
- maximum logical volume size
- maximum number of configured logical volumes
- maximum disk connectivity
- supported RAID levels
- supported disk types
|
| A2: |
- 2 Terabytes per logical volume. Note that operating
system file system limits govern the maximum usable
size of a logical volume.
- 32 logical volumes per controller
- The Smart Array 6404A supports attachment of up
to 56 physical disks (14 per SCSI channel).
The Smart Array 6402A supports attachment of up to
28 physical disks (14 per SCSI channel).
- RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5, Advanced Data Guarding (ADG)
- Compaq Universal Hot-Plug Ultra320, Ultra3 and Ultra2 hard
drives. These drives are presently available in capacities
up to 300 GB and in two performance bands:
10K and 15K RPM.
|
| |
| Q3: |
What other RAID features are
provided by the Smart Array 6400A controller? |
| A3: |
The controller’s
firmware supports the following advanced features:
| RAID level migration |
Change the RAID level of an existing volume to
another RAID type on the fly. |
| Stripe size migration |
Change the stripe size of an existing volume to
another stripe size on the fly. |
| Array expansion |
Add a new physical drive to an existing set of
array members. This provides additional raw storage
capacity that may be used to create new logical
drives or to support migration of existing logical
units. |
| Hot Spare |
Designate a physical disk as a standby replacement
for an array member failure. |
|
| |
| Q4: |
What is Advanced Data Guarding
(ADG)? |
| A4: |
Compaq RAID ADG is an extension
of RAID 5 for implementation on arrays of four or more
drives. Data and two sets of parity information are striped
across all drives in the array. The additional set of
parity improves the fault tolerance of the array but results
in lower write performance. The two parity sets occupy
the equivalent capacity of two drives in the array. RAID
ADG protects against the simultaneous failure of two drives
in the array.
Organizations implementing a large array should consider
RAID ADG because it can tolerate up to two simultaneous
drive failures without downtime or data loss. It can
safely protect an array of up to 56 hard disk drives
with greater fault tolerance than RAID 5 and with a
lower implementation cost than RAID 1.
This innovative Compaq solution for the Smart Array
6400A is patent pending and is not a feature of competitors’
PCI RAID products.
See the white paper
New Advanced RAID Level for Today's Larger Storage Capacities:
Advanced Data Guarding (Doc # 13JE-1000A-WWEN) and
the
Technology Brief Compaq RAID Advanced Data Guarding:
A Cost-effective, Fault-tolerant Solution (Doc #
TC020604TB) for more information. These files are also
provided on the Smart Array 6400A QuickStart CD-ROM
included in the KZPEC option kit.
|
| |
| Q5: |
Does the Smart Array 6400A
controller support migration of arrays from other array
controller products shipped on Alpha systems? |
| A5: |
Yes. The SA6400A features complete data compatibility with
previous generation's Smart Array controllers for easy data migration
from server to server and for controller upgradeability. When migrating from a SA5304A to a SA6404A
there are a number of procedures that must be followed and certain restrictions, such as any array
can only span 2 channels on a SA6404 controller, that must be followed. Refer to the White paper
Migrating
from an HP Smart Array 5304 controller to an HP Smart Array 6404 controller for addition details.
Direct migration of data
from other array controller products (such as KZPAC and
KZPCC) is not supported. Users are required to back up
data on existing controllers and then restore the data
to the Smart Array 6400A controller. |
| |
| Q6: |
What caching options are available
with the Smart Array 6400A? |
| A6: |
All SA6400A controllers have
battery backed write cache as a standard feature. The
SA6402A comes with 128 MB cache, and the SA6404A
with 256 MB. The batteries
provide up to 4 days of protection for cached data in
the event of host system power failure (3 days with 256-MB Cache Module).
Caching behavior may be varied
by controlling the allocation of cache memory used for
read-ahead and write-back operations. Write-back cache
may be enabled/disabled on a per logical drive basis.
The ACU-XE utility provides access to these cache tuning
features.
The cache’s batteries are replaceable independent
of the cache module on which they are installed and
are orderable as a Compaq Spare part number 307132-001.
|
| |
| Q7: |
What are the functional differences
between the Smart Array 6402A and Smart Array 6404A controller? |
| A7: |
There are two functional
differences:
- The SA6402A has two SCSI channels; the SA6404A
has four.
- The SA6402A has 128 MB of installed cache; the
SA6404A has 256 MB.
|
| |
| Q8: |
What is the difference between
the Smart Array 6400 for ProLiant servers and the Smart
Array 6400A for AlphaServer systems? |
| A8: |
The Smart Array 6400A
for Alpha systems and Smart Array 6400 controller for
ProLiant servers share common hardware and firmware
compatibility. The Smart Array 6400A controller product
is comprised of selected hardware Smart Array 6400 controller
components qualified for use on Alpha systems.
While it is a goal to field common controller firmware
images for both the Smart Array 6400A and the Smart
Array 6400 controller products, it is not a certainty
that this will always be the case. Users should always
consult the Smart Array 6400A web site for information
on the latest firmware availability for SA6400A controllers
on Alpha systems.
Certain hardware options available for the Smart Array
6400 controller are not supported or qualified for use
on SA6400A controllers. These include
The ORCA offline configuration utility is identical
in all aspects between the SA6400 and SA6400A controllers.
The ORCA utility on the SA6400A controller is run in
BIOS emulation via the SRM console.
The Array Configuration Utility available
for OpenVMS is a port of the ACU-XE utility
utilized on ProLiant servers. Note that the Volume Extension
function provided by the ACU-XE utility for the Smart
Array 6400 on ProLiant servers is not enabled in the
OpenVMS version of the ACU-XE utility.
The ProLiant documentation kit is included for reference
in the Smart Array 6400A option kit.
|
| |
| Q9: |
Can the Smart Array 6400 be
interchanged with Smart Array 6400A controller? |
| A9: |
No. Though the two controllers
are similar if not identical in many respects, installation
of Smart Array 6400 controllers in Alpha systems will
result in an unsupported configuration. Users of Smart
Array products on Alpha systems must be directed to use
the Smart Array 6400A product to ensure full product support
and warranty commitment. |
| |
| Q10: |
What storage enclosures are
supported for attachment to the Smart Array 6400A? |
| A10: |
Modular Smart Array 30 Enclosure Family
(MSA30), StorageWorks 4200 and
4300 series enclosures holding fourteen 1-inch drive
carriers are supported for external storage attachment
to the SA6400A. The BA610-6D internal storage enclosure
for Alpha systems is supported for internal storage
attachment. No other enclosures are supported at this
time.
Fourteen (14) devices residing in one SCSI channel
are supported using the single port I/O module installed
in the MSA30 SB, StorageWorks Enclosure Model 4314 and the Model
4214 shelves. Enclosure Models MSA30 DB, Model 4254 and Model 4354 have
dual port I/O modules providing two SCSI channels with
seven (7) drives per channel. The BA610-6D internal
disk cage allows six (6) drives on one SCSI channel.
|
| |
| Q11: |
Does the Smart Array 6400A
controller support connection to internal storage enclosures
on Alpha systems? |
| A11: |
Yes. Both the SA6402A and
SA6404A controllers each provide two internal connectors
for connection to internal storage provided by BA-610-6D
storage enclosures. Simultaneous connection to both the
internal and external connectors corresponding to one
of the controller’s SCSI ports is not supported. |
| |
| Q12: |
Can tape drives or CD-ROM
drives be attached to the Smart Array 6400A? |
| A12: |
No. Hot Plug Tape (TALON)
support is not available when the controller is operated
under OpenVMS. CD-ROM devices are not supported
in BA610-6D, MSA30 or StorageWorks 4200 and 4300 series enclosures. |
| |
| Q13: |
What alternatives are available
for configuring the Smart Array 6400A controller? |
| A13: |
There are two utilities available
for configuring SA6400A logical volumes:
| ORCA |
Option ROM Configuration for Arrays is an embedded
utility that provides offline configuration capability
when invoked from the Alpha system SRM console.
ORCA provides basic array creation, deletion, and
inspection features. ORCA’s primary purpose
is to allow creation of a logical volume prior to
installation and availability of the OS runtime
environment. |
| ACU-XE |
Array Configuration Utility XE is an
OpenVMS online utility that provides local or
remote configuration of SA6400A logical volumes.
The ACU-XE utility consists of a daemon process
running on the controller’s host system that
is accessed via a web browser. The user browses
to the ACU-XE link found on system’s HP Management
Agent home page. The ACU-XE utility provides access
to the controller’s advanced configuration
and maintenance features using a point and click
paradigm. New logical drives created using the ACU-XE
utility are available immediately upon creation
in OpenVMS without requiring a system
shutdown or restart. |
|
| |
| Q14: |
Is there a command line interface
for configuring the SA6400A? Is there a utility available
like the RCU for the KZPAC controller? |
| A14: |
Yes. Starting with Version 6.40 of the ACU-XE
a scripting function is available to configure
the Smart Array 6400A controller. Refer to the SA6400A release notes
and the HP Array Configuration Users Guide for addition information.
The ORCA utility performs the array configuration functions
offline for the Smart Array 6400A in a manner comparable
to the RCU for the KZPAC controller.
|
| |
| Q15: |
What is the minimum SRM console
version supporting the Smart Array 6400A? |
| A15: |
Initial support for the Smart
Array 6400A controller is provided in the Alpha system
firmware V7.1 release. |
| |
| Q16: |
What are minimum revisions
of OpenVMS and Tru64 UNIX that provides support for the
Smart Array 6400A controller?
|
| A16: |
OpenVMS support for the Smart Array 6400A was introduced
in the OpenVMS Alpha V7.3-2 release. The following
TIMA kits are required:
DEC-AXPVMS-VMS732_FIBRE_SCSI-V0700
DEC-AXPVMS-VMS732_CPU27F-V0100
Full boot support from SA6400A logical volumes is provided
in the supported OpenVMS V7.3-2 operating
system environments.
The Smart Array 6400A is not supported by the Tru64 UNIX Operating system.
|
| |
| Q17: |
Is the SA6400A supported in
OpenVMS cluster environments? |
| A17: |
The SA6400A controller may be used without restriction
in OpenVMS clusters. Smart Array 6400A logical volumes may
be used as boot devices and may be served cluster-wide
using OpenVMS MSCP services.
Note that the Smart Array 6400A controller does not support shared
bus connectivity with other controllers or adapters.
|
| |
| Q18: |
What facilities are provided
for monitoring the status of the Smart Array 6400A storage
subsystem? |
| A18: |
The are two mechanisms
provided for monitoring and logging the status of Smart
Array 6400A controllers and their attached storage subsystems.
| Smart Array Storage Agent |
This component is installed as part of the HP
System Management kit for your OpenVMS
operating system. The agent enables a Smart Array
6400 link off the system management page that provides
information via a graphical view of the controller,
configured logical drives, attached physical disks
and storage enclosure. This information is updated
on a polled basis. |
| Controller Event Logging |
Each Smart Array 6400A controller will log important
events seen by the controller into the
OpenVMS system logs. These events may be examined
by using the WEBES System Event Analyzer Utility. |
|
| |
| Q19: |
What is the minimum revision
of the HP Management Agent kits supporting the Smart Array
6400A controller? |
| A19: |
V3.3 HP System Management Kit for OpenVMS
|
| |
| Q20: |
When will support for the
Smart Array 6400A controller be available in WEBES System Event Analyzer (SEA)? |
| A20: |
Support is available now
for OpenVMS, in WEBES System Event Analyzer kit
V4.4.2.
|
| |
| Q21: |
There is an Array Diagnostic
Utility (ADU) for ProLiant based Smart Array 6400 controllers.
Is there a similar utility for the Smart Array 6400A? |
| A21: |
Yes. The sainfo utility
is being developed for OpenVMS to provide
information reports similar to those produced by the
Array Diagnostic Utility. The utility
will be provided post FRS. Check the Smart Array 6400A
web site for availability.
|
| |
| Q22: |
What is the maximum number
of Smart Array 6400A controllers that can be supported
on any given system? |
| A22: |
Check the Alpha system's
QuickSpec for official supported SA6400A controller
configuration information. At product introduction,
the following number of controllers are expected to
be supported:
| AlphaServer DS15 |
Four controllers |
| AlphaServer DS25 |
Four controllers |
| AlphaServer ES45 |
Six controllers |
| AlphaServer ES47, ES80 and GS1280 |
Eight controllers |
|
| |
| Q23: |
Is SmartArray 6400A to SmartArray
6400A Fail-over supported? |
| A23: |
No. The Smart Array 6400A
controller product does not provide redundant controller
capability.
|
| |
| Q24: |
How will Smart Array controller
firmware updates be performed? |
| A24: |
SA6400A controller firmware
updates will be performed using the SRM console’s
Loadable Firmware Utility (LFU). Controller firmware
update images will be available on the Alpha Firmware
Update CD and from the Smart Array 6400A web site.
|
| |
| Q25: |
The OptionROMPaq utility used
to provide disk drive firmware updates on ProLiant based
Smart Array 6400 controllers does not run on Alpha systems.
How will disk drive firmware updates be performed on SA6400A
controllers in Alpha systems? |
| A25: |
Included in the Smart Array
6400A option kit is a copy of the Alpha Drive Firmware
Update Utility (ADFU) that provides disk drive firmware
update capability on Alpha systems. At initial product
release, updates are limited to a small number of drives
types installed on SA6400A controllers requiring critical
firmware updates.
|
| |
| Q26: |
What is the mechanical form
factor of the Smart Array 6400A? |
| A26: |
The Smart Array 6400A controller
is a full-length board as specified in the PCI
specification. The controller requires installation
of an ISA extender bracket when the controller is installed
in AlphaServer DS or GS series system option bays and I/O
drawers. This bracket is included in every KZPEC option
kit. Installation of the bracket is not required in
AlphaServer ES series systems.
|
| |
| Q27: |
What are the PCI characteristics
of the Smart Array 6400A controller? |
| A27: |
The Smart Array 6400A controller
is a 64-bit, 133 MHz capable PCI-X controller. The controller
is interoperable in PCI slots when PCI-X
slots are not available. The controller supports
3.3v signaling only.
NOTE: The SA6400A is not supported in 5 volt PCI slots.
|
| |
| Q28: |
What is the FCC rating of
the Smart Array 6400A controller? |
| A28: |
The SA6400A is certified
FCC class B.
|
| |
| Q29: |
Where do I find Smart Array
6400A and related information on the web? |
| A29: |
|
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