HP StorageWorks 4000 Understanding Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 and Inf - Page 1

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 1 RA4000 was known as the Fibre Channel Storage System.