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Xserve RAID
User’s Guide
Includes hardware setup
and expansion, basics of
using RAID, and important
safety information for
Xserve RAID systems
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K Apple Computer, Inc. © 2003 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Apple. Your rights to the software are governed by the accompanying software license agreement. The Apple logo is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Use of the “keyboard” Apple logo (Option-Shift-K) for commercial purposes without the prior written consent of Appl
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Contents Preface About This Guide 7 1 Introducing Xserve RAID 9 Unpacking the System 10 Your System at a Glance—Front Panel 12 Your System at a Glance—Back Panel 14 Your System at a Glance—Mounting Hardware 16 2 Preparing to Install Xserve RAID in a Rack 19 Guidelines for Installation 19 Precautions for Handling the System 19 Choosing the System’s Location in the Rack 20 Rack Stability 21 Electrical Power 21 Operating Environment 22 S
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3 Mounting Xserve RAID in a Rack 23 Getting Ready to Install the System 24 Determine the Position for the System in the Rack 25 Prepare the System for Installation 26 Installing the System 26 Assemble the Brackets and Extenders 27 Mount the System in the Rack 34 Secure the System in the Rack or Cabinet 35 Moving the Xserve RAID System 36 4 Connecting Xserve RAID to a Host System and a Network 37 Installing the Host Bus Adapter Card in the Host S
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7 RAID Overview 57 Setting Up the Xserve RAID System 57 Installing Xserve RAID Hardware and Software 57 About RAID Storage 58 How RAID Works 58 Data Storage Methods 59 RAID Levels 60 Hardware and Software RAID 61 What’s Next? 62 8 Planning RAID Storage for the Xserve RAID System 63 Tools for Configuring the Xserve RAID System 63 RAID Controllers and Drive Modules 64 Xserve RAID Schemes 66 A System With Four Drive Modules 66 A System
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Glossary 81 Appendix A Specifications 83 RAID Controller Specifications 83 Fibre Channel PCI Card Specifications 83 Apple Drive Module Specifications 84 Dimensions and Operating Environment 84 Ethernet Specifications 84 UPS Interface Specifications 84 Power Supply Specifications 86 Cooling Module Specifications 86 Battery Module (Optional) Information 86 Appendix B Safety, Maintenance, and Ergonomics 87 Important Safety Information 87 Handlin
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PREFACE About This Guide Congratulations on purchasing Xserve RAID, a breakthrough storage solution that delivers superior capacity, performance, and data protection. This guide contains instructions for installing the Xserve RAID system in a rack and exchanging components, as well as an introduction to RAID (redundant array of independent disks) technology and a guide to planning storage with your Xserve RAID system. If you are new to RAID, this guide will help you bec
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CHAPTER 1 1 Introducing Xserve RAID Your new Xserve RAID storage system provides high availability and scalable capacity and performance. Key features of Xserve RAID include m 3U enclosure (5.25 inches high) m rack optimized m dual independent RAID controllers, each with a minimum of 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM cache m up to 14 hot-swappable ATA-100 Apple Drive Modules m dual hot-swappable power supplies m dual AC power connections m dual hot-swappable c
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Unpacking the System The Xserve RAID system is shipped in special packaging to facilitate simple and safe removal from the carton. As noted previously, always work with a second person to lift or move the system. Follow the steps below to open the carton and remove the system from its packaging. 1 Locate a sturdy table, cart, or other flat surface on which to place the system. The destination surface should be as close as possible to the system’s carton. 2 With one person on each s
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5 Remove the protective foam and the two boxes on top of the system. 6 Fold back the plastic covering on the unit and fold down the carton at the front and back of the system. 7 With one person at the front of the system and one at the back, carefully slide your hands between the system and its plastic cover where there are openings in the supporting foam, lift the system out of the carton, and put it on the table or other surface. The unit is heavy. You must have two people
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Your System at a Glance—Front Panel Drive module System identifier Mute button Host activity Drive module lock and button and light lights activity and status light status lights Power supply Cooling system Temperature Controller Fibre channel Drive status light status light status light status light link lights modules 12 Chapter 1
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Drive module lock and lock status light The lock secures the drive modules in the system. It can be locked and unlocked with the enclosure key supplied with the system (or a 3 mm. hex key). System identifier button and light The system identifier light turns on if a problem is detected. You can also turn it on manually by pressing the button. This indicator is useful for locating a particular unit in a rack with multiple systems. A duplicate is on the back panel. (
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Your System at a Glance—Back Panel System identifier Mute Controller RAID Cooling module Power button and light button status light controller status light button reset and light button Optional battery module bay (2) Ethernet port and status light (2) Power supply status lights Power supply (2) Fibre channel port and status light (2) Power socket (2) RAID controller module and status light (2) Cooling module (2) UPS interface port (2) 14 Chapter 1
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System identifier button and light The system identifier light turns on if a problem is detected. You can also turn it on manually by pressing the button. This indicator is useful for locating a particular unit in a rack with multiple systems. A duplicate system identifier button and light are on the front panel. (See “Using Status Lights and Other Indicators” on page 46 for more information.) Mute button — Press to turn off the audible alarm that signals an error
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Your System at a Glance—Mounting Hardware C A2 E A1 Front mounting screws (2) D Rear securing screws (2) Long screws (8 + extras) (10-32 x 3/4") B Long screws (8 + extras) (M6 x 20mm) Mounting template Short screws (6 + extras) (M5 x 6mm) Shoulder bolts (6 + extras) Washers (6 + extras) Nuts (6 + extras) (M5 x 14mm) (M5 x 1mm) (M5 x 4mm) Cage nuts + extras (if needed) Hex key wrench Enclosure key (M6) (5mm) (for security lock on front panel) 16 Chapter 1
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L-shaped brackets (A1 and A2) Two large L-shaped brackets attach to the front of the four-post rack and support the system. Bracket extenders for a 24- to 29-inch rack (B) These extenders attach to the brackets A1 and A2 and to the rear rail of the standard four- post rack. Bracket extenders for a 29- to 36-inch rack (C and D) Connect these two extenders and attach them to the brackets A1 and A2 and to the rear rail of the deep four-post rack. Solid bar for connecting bracket
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CHAPTER 2 2 Preparing to Install Xserve RAID in a Rack Before you install the system in a rack, carefully consider the placement of the unit in its rack and several other factors in the infrastructure that will keep the system operating efficiently. Guidelines for Installation To ensure safe and smooth operation of your Xserve RAID system, it’s essential that you choose an appropriate location for the system in its rack, and provide an appropriate operating environment and adeq
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m Lift with a smooth motion; don’t jerk the load up or down. m Keep the system close to your body and at waist level to lessen the load on your back. m Maintain body alignment while lifting, so that your back, ears, shoulders, and hips are in line and your eyes and feet are facing the system. m To turn while holding the system, use your feet; don’t twist your back or torso. Choosing the System’s Location in the Rack The Xserve RAID system is designed for use in a four-post rack or cabinet. The
