Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Infrastructure Cabling

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