HP 226593-B21 Smart Array Controller Technology: Drive Array Expansion and Ext - Page 2
abstract, introduction, array configuration utility
UPC - 720591665913
View all HP 226593-B21 manuals
Add to My Manuals
Save this manual to your list of manuals |
Page 2 highlights
Smart Array Controller Technology: Drive Array Expansion and Extension abstract introduction array configuration utility This paper describes four specific functions of the Smart Array Controller family: capacity expansion; volume extension; RAID level migration; and stripe size migration. Capacity Expansion adds physical drives to an array. This is usually done in anticipation of additional changes to the storage configuration, such as volume extension. Volume extension takes this newly available space in the array and allows the OS to use it by increasing the size of an existing volume. If administrators plan to perform volume extension on a Windows 2000 server, they must be aware of specific requirements that must be met to perform the volume extension. Administrators can also optimize their storage by using the Array Configuration Utility to change either stripe sizes or RAID levels within an array. As data storage requirements increase and as computing needs change, customers require flexibility not only within server configurations but also in storage configurations. The Smart Array Controller family includes a standard toolset that can be used to configure array controllers, expand an existing array configuration by adding disk drives, or reconfigure an array by extending volume sizes. Customers find the abilities of online capacity expansion and volume extension extremely worthwhile. However, these functions are not needed on a daily basis; nor is it easy to remember the differences between the two terms. As a result, customers sometimes find it difficult to distinguish between the two. This paper presents a brief explanation of capacity expansion and volume extension. The paper also briefly discusses other changes that an administrator might want to make, such as RAID level migration and stripe size migration. This paper assumes that the reader is familiar with basic array controller technology and terms. For those unfamiliar with drive array terms, a glossary is included for reference. The array configuration utility (ACU)1 is a local, graphical-based application that helps configure Smart Array Controllers. As of this writing, the ACU is a Windows-only utility capable of online configuration changes, that is, changes while the operating system (OS) is running. The array configuration utility XE (ACU-XE)2 is a browser-based version of the same utility. It is available to run online in Linux or Windows. Because ACU-XE is a bootable CD, an administrator using other operating systems3 can run the utility offline by booting the system from the ACU-XE CD. Customers using NetWare can perform capacity expansion and other configuration changes through the NetWare Online Array Configuration Utility (CPQONLIN), the online tool for array configuration. 1 For more information about ACU, refer to http://www.compaq.com/products/storageworks/software-management/acu_matrix.html 2 For more information about ACU-XE, refer to http://www.compaq.com/products/servers/proliantstorage/software- management/acu_matrix.html 3 Customers should check the user documentation to verify that their specific array controller supports their chosen OS. 2