Compaq StorageWorks 4000 - RAID Array Guide de référence rapide

White Paper

June 1999

ECG02030699A

Prepared by ECG Technology

Communications Group

Compaq Computer Corporation

Contents

Understanding Fibre

Channel Transmission .............. 3

Understanding Fiber Types....... 4

Connection Components .......... 5

Hubs........................................ 6

Gigabit Interface Converters..... 6

Fibre Channel Cables and

Connectors.............................. 7

Interconnecting System

Components.............................. 8

Overview of System

Components............................ 8

RAID Array 4000

Configurations.......................... 9

Using Infrastructure Cabling....11

Compaq StorageWorks

RAID Array 4000 Using

Infrastructure Cabling..............13

Testing......................................14

Test Specifications..................14

Handling Fiber and Fiber

Connectors...............................15

Acknowledgments and

References................................15

Understanding Compaq

StorageWorks RAID Array 4000

and Infrastructure Cabling

Abstract: Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 40001(RA4000)

storage solutions shatter distance, connectivity, capacity, and

bandwidth limitations of small computer systems interface (SCSI)

technology. RA4000 allows highly scalable, high-performance

storage solutions for the most demanding applications. While SCSI

technology continues to satisfy the needs of many applications,

inherent input/output (I/O) and physical limitations prevent SCSI

technology from satisfying all of the expanding needs of enterprise

storage. Compaq believes that the RA4000 is the best interconnect

technology choice for future storage solutions and is committed to

delivering enterprise storage solutions based on this technology.

This paper describes Fibre Channel transmission and the cabling and

components used to assemble the RA4000 system. It also describes

how and when infrastructure cabling might be used.

If plans for a Fibre Channel storage solution include using

infrastructure cabling, a company that provides installation and

testing services can be helpful, even necessary, to determine

appropriate cabling to meet data transmission rate and distance

requirements. See Acknowledgments and References later in this

document.

Note: Not all Fibre Channel configurations require connection to

infrastructure cabling. It is common to have all system components

located near each other, eliminating the need for infrastructure

cabling. This paper includes examples of RA4000 configurations

with and without infrastructure cabling.

For more information on Fibre Channel technology, refer to the

Compaq website:

www.compaq.com/products/servers/storage/fibre.html

1RA4000 was known as the Fibre Channel Storage System.

Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling 2

ECG02030699A

Notice

The information in this publication is subject to change without notice and is provided “AS IS” WITHOUT

WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. THE ENTIRE RISK ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS

INFORMATION REMAINS WITH RECIPIENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL COMPAQ BE LIABLE FOR

ANY DIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR OTHER DAMAGES

WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS

PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION OR LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION), EVEN IF

COMPAQ HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

The limited warranties for Compaq products are exclusively set forth in the documentation accompanying

such products. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting a further or additional warranty.

This publication does not constitute an endorsement of the product or products that were tested. The

configuration or configurations tested or described may or may not be the only available solution. This test

is not a determination or product quality or correctness, nor does it ensure compliance with any federal,

state, or local requirements.

Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective

companies.

Compaq, Contura, Deskpro, Fastart, Compaq Insight Manager, LTE, PageMarq, Systempro, Systempro/LT,

ProLiant, TwinTray, ROMPaq, LicensePaq, QVision, SLT, ProLinea, SmartStart, NetFlex, DirectPlus,

QuickFind, RemotePaq, BackPaq, TechPaq, SpeedPaq, QuickBack, PaqFax, Presario, SilentCool,

CompaqCare (design), Aero, SmartStation, MiniStation, and PaqRap are registered with the United States

Patent and Trademark Office.

Netelligent, Armada, Cruiser, Concerto, QuickChoice, ProSignia, Systempro/XL, Net1, LTE Elite,

Vocalyst, PageMate, SoftPaq, FirstPaq, SolutionPaq, EasyPoint, EZ Help, MaxLight, MultiLock,

QuickBlank, QuickLock, UltraView, Innovate logo, Wonder Tools logo in black/white and color, and

Compaq PC Card Solution logo are trademarks and/or service marks of Compaq Computer Corporation.

Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, Windows NT Server and Workstation, and Microsoft SQL Server for

Windows NT are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

NetWare and Novell are registered trademarks and intraNetWare, NDS, and Novell Directory Services are

trademarks of Novell, Inc.

Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling

White Paper prepared by ECG Technology Communications Group

First Edition (June 1999)

Document Number ECG02030699A

Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling 3

ECG02030699A

Understanding Fibre Channel Transmission

Note: This paper includes the terms fibre and fiber. Fibre is the international spelling that refers

to the Fibre Channel Standards that include both optical and copper media. Fiber refers to the

optical media used to implement Fibre Channel.

Fibre Channel uses lasers2to achieve gigabit data transmission rates. The ones and zeros used to

convey information are generated by turning a laser on and off. The receiver detects these bursts

of light and converts them to electrical signals.

Lasers used in Fibre Channel transmit light in two wavelength ranges:

•Shortwave, 770 to 860 nanometers

•Longwave, 1,270 to 1,355 nanometers

Optical fiber cable is the medium used in RA4000 solutions. Characteristics of optical fiber cable

are:

•High bandwidth.

•Transmits data over long distances.

•Increased data transmission reliability.

•Immunity to electrical noise.

•Does not radiate energy.

Optical fiber cable is categorized as either multi-mode3or single-mode. In Figure 1, the diameter

of a multi-mode fiber is large enough to allow multiple streams of light to travel on different

paths from the transmitter to the receiver. Shortwave lasers are used with multi-mode fiber to

transmit data up to 500 meters.

Figure 1.Multi-mode fiber cable

2Laser technology uses fiber optic media only.

3Mode means path.

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ECG02030699A

In Figure 2, the small diameter of a single-mode fiber allows one coherent stream of light to

travel along a single path. Longwave lasers are used with single-mode fiber to transmit data up to

10 kilometers.

Figure 2.Single-mode fiber cable

Understanding Fiber Types

Types of fibre channel media4include:

•62.5-micron multi-mode.

•50-micron multi-mode.

•9-micron single-mode.

4The fiber types are distinguishable by their data transmission rates and distance capabilities.

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ECG02030699A

Distance Limitations

Two factors that can limit the distance between the components are:

1. The data transmission rate—as shown in Table 1, the distance between the components of

each fiber type tends to decrease as the data transmission rate increases.

2. The degree of attenuation—attenuation is the reduction of the signal strength during

transmission from point to point. In this case, it is the light passing through the optic media.

The number of connectors and splices used to connect components affects the distance that

can exist between components.

Table 1. Data transmission rates and distance capabilities of fiber types

Transmission Rate Supported by

Compaq 62.5-micron 50-micron 9-micron

100 MB/s5Yes 300 m 500 m 10 km

200 MB/s Future6150 m 300 m 2 km

400 MB/s Future 90 m 150 m 2 km

Formulas used to calculate the distance limitations are based on the data transmission rates and

the degree of attenuation. A company that provides fiber products and installation and testing

services can help determine distance capabilities and limitations for a particular installation. See

Acknowledgements and References later in this document.

Connection Components

To build a storage system that uses fibre channel technology, it is necessary to understand the use

and function of, hubs, gigabit interface converters (GBICs), and fibre channel cables and

connectors.

•Hubs allow of different GBIC types to be mixed so there can be different cable types within a

fibre channel topology. Hubs use port bypass circuitry to keep a fibre channel loop topology

intact.

•GBICs convert electrical signals to optical signals and optical signals to electrical signals at

the point where fiber cables connect to copper-wired components (hubs, controller cards, and

host adapters).

•Fibre channel cables and connectors join system components and connect to infrastructure

cabling.

5Megabytes per second

6A 200 MB/s transmission rate may be passed over in favor of a 400 MB/s transmission rate.

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Hubs

Hubs provide the ability to use different fibre channel cables in the same loop to accommodate

different types of infrastructure cabling. Figure 3shows an example of a 62.5-micron multi-mode

cable, a 50-micron multi-mode cable, and a 9-micron single-mode cable used in the same loop.

The hub’s ability to detect and bypass non-operational ports keeps the loop intact.

Figure 3.Using a hub to intermix fiber types

Gigabit Interface Converters

These industry-standard connection devices hot plug into all Fibre Channel System components

(host controllers, cables, hubs, and arrays). A shortwave GBIC (GBIC-SW) must be used with a

multi-mode fibre channel cable and a long wave GBIC (GBIC-LW) must be used with a

single-mode fibre channel cable.

A GBIC:

•Converts electrical signals into optical signals.

•Converts optical signals into electrical signals.

•Provides a transmission rate of 100 MB/s in each direction.

A GBIC-SW provides a transmission distance between components of up to 500 meters using

50-micron, multi-mode fiber optic cable. A GBIC-LW provides a transmission distance between

components of up to 10 kilometers using 9-micron, single-mode fiber optic cable.

Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling 7

ECG02030699A

A label describes the GBIC and distinguishes it as shortwave or long wave. The description may

spell out a GBIC’s characteristics or it may use the Fibre Channel Standard convention for

labeling. The labeling convention is SPEED-MEDIA-TRANSMITTER-DISTANCE.

An example of a GBIC label is 100-M5-SN-I. Use Table 2to decode the example label as

follows:

•100 means a bandwidth of 100 MB/s.

•M5 means 50-micron multi-mode cable.

•SN means shortwave laser without OFC.

•I means intermediate distance.

Table 2. Fibre Channel Standard convention for GBIC labeling

Speed 100 = 100 MB/s* 200 = 200 MB/s 400 = 400 MB/s

Media SM = 9-micron single-mode M5 = 50-micron multi-mode M6** = 62.5-micron multi-mode

Transmitter LL = long wave laser

(1300 nanometers) SL = shortwave laser with OFC

(850 nanometers) SN = shortwave laser without

OFC (850 nanometers)

Distance L = long distance (2 m to 10 km) I = Intermediate distance (2 m to

500 m) S = short distance (2 m to

300 m)

*1063 MBd is the data rate measured in megabaud and is equivalent to 106.3 MB/s, or 100 MB/s nominally.

** A cable labeled M6 can be used with an M5 GBIC.

*** Compaq only supports shortwave lasers without open fiber control (OFC), the SN version. OFC limits the amount

of light transmitted when the fiber connection is broken to prevent eye injury. Improvements in laser control

technology have eliminated the need for OFC.

Fibre Channel Cables and Connectors

Typically, fibre channel cables are a pair of fibers with connectors on each end. The fibers in a

fibre channel cable cross so that the input at one end of the fibre channel cable becomes the

output at the other end. The connectors are keyed to ensure that the connections are properly

oriented.

Compaq supplies 50-micron, multi-mode fibre channel cables in fixed lengths of 2 meters,

5meters, 15 meters, 30 meters, and 50 meters. Compaq RA4000 storage system components ship

standard with 50-micron, multi-mode fibre channel cables. Support for 62.5-micron, multi-mode

and 9-micron, single-mode fibre channel cables is also available.

Fibre channel cables that connect to infrastructure cabling must match the fiber type of the

infrastructure cabling. For example, if 62.5-micron, multi-mode infrastructure cabling connects to

a wall outlet, the cabling that runs from the server to that wall outlet must be 62.5-micron,

multi-mode cable.

Connecting 50-micron fibre channel cable to 62.5-micron fibre channel cable can cause severe

degradation of the optical signal. This can result in marginal operation or an unreliable

connection.

Cable assembly suppliers can provide custom combinations of cable length, connector type, and

fiber type to mate with infrastructure cabling. See Acknowledgments and References later in this

document for suppliers.

Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling 8

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Fibre channel cable types are labeled at one-meter intervals on the cable. A fibre channel cable

labeled “50/125” indicates a 50 micron inner core with 125 micron outer cladding. Table 3

identifies the color coding for fibre channel cables.

Table 3. Standard fibre channel cable color codes

Size Color

62.5 micron Slate gray or orange

50 micron Orange

9 micron Yellow

Compaq RA4000 system components interconnect using 50-micron and 62.5-micron multi-mode

cables and 9-micron single-mode cables. However, Compaq only provides 50-micron multi-mode

cables with the product. Customers can acquire the other cable types from Compaq and other

sources. Refer to Acknowledgements and References later in this document.

Interconnecting System Components

This section discusses interconnecting primary storage system components using the RA4000.

Overview of System Components

The RA4000 uses the components described in Table 4.

Table 4. Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 components

Component Description

RA4000 An external storage cabinet that houses the RA4000 Controller and up to

twelve 1-inch or eight 1.6-inch SCSI disk drives (Wide-Ultra SCSI-3,

Fast-Wide SCSI-2, or Fast SCSI-2).

RA4000 Controller An intelligent fibre channel-to-SCSI array controller with 64 MB cache.

Optional RA4000 Redundant

Controller A standby controller that takes over in the event a component or connection fails in a

redundant configuration that provides no single point of failure. The redundant

controller is an RA4000 Controller with redundancy support firmware.

Compaq StorageWorks Fibre

Channel Storage Hub 7 Supports up to 7 devices on a fibre channel arbitrated loop.

Compaq StorageWorks Fibre

Channel Storage Hub 12 Supports up to 12 devices on a fibre channel arbitrated loop.

Compaq StorageWorks Fibre

Channel Host Adapter/E An EISA-to-Fibre Channel Host Adapter.

Compaq StorageWorks Fibre

Channel Host Adapter/P A PCI-to-Fibre Channel Host Adapter.

GBIC-SW Converts optical signals (770 to 860 nanometers) into electrical signals and electrical

signals into optical signals. Allows point-to point connections for distances up to

500 m.

GBIC-LW Converts optical signals (1,270 to 1,355 nanometers) into electrical signals and

electrical signals into optical signals. Allows point-to-point connections for distances

up to 10 km.

Multi-mode Cable 2-m, 5-m, 15-m, 30-m, or 50-m 50-micron fiber optic cable. All cables are available as

separate options. For 62.5-micron fiber optic cable, refer to Acknowledgements and

References later in this document.

Single-mode Cable Refer to Acknowledgements and References later in this document.

Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling 9

ECG02030699A

RAID Array 4000 Configurations

This section discusses possible RA4000 configurations without infrastructure cabling. For

simplicity, only a few possible configurations will be discussed. For more information on fibre

channel technology, refer to the Compaq website:

www.compaq.com/products/storageworks/

Single-Server Environments

In single-server environments, it is possible to connect the server directly to the RA4000.

In many cases, the server, the hub, and the storage arrays are located close to each other, making

interconnections easy to configure without using infrastructure cabling.

In Figure 4, the Fibre Channel Host Adapter connects to a Storage Hub 7. The Storage Hub 7

connects to three RA4000s. GBICs are installed at all fiber interconnections. There is no

redundancy to protect the data in this configuration should a component fail.

Using custom-length, 50-micron fiber, interconnect distances between components can be up to

500 meters. Therefore, RA4000s can be located up to 1 kilometer from the Fibre Channel Host

Adapter.

Using custom-length, 9-micron fiber, interconnect distances between components can be up to

10 kilometers. Therefore, RA4000s can be located up to 20 kilometers from the Fibre Channel

Host Adapter.

Figure 4.Single server and single controller RA4000s

Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling 10

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The RA4000 brings no single point of failure (NSPOF) functionality to workgroup and

departmental servers with optional redundant array controllers and failover software. In a

redundant configuration, if the active controller or other component fails or becomes inoperative,

the standby controller will take over, notify the system administrator of the problem, and maintain

operation of the storage subsystem.

Figure 5shows the minimum hardware requirements for a single server and single RA4000 with

NSPOF.

Figure 5.Single server and redundant controller configuration

Clustered Server Environments

Figure 6shows a clustered configuration without NSPOF.

Figure 6.Single controllers in a clustered configuration

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