HP Surestore Disk Array FC60 HP SureStore E Disk Array FC60 Service Manual (A5 - Page 67

Topology and Array Planning Array Design Considerations The Disk Array FC60 is a versatile storage system that can be configured to meet varying application storage needs. To meet a specific application need, the array should be configured to optimize the features most important for the application. Array features include: • High availability • Performance (high I/O transfer rates) • Storage capacity (optimize for lowest cost/Mbyte) • Scalability Optimizing array operation for a specific feature is managed by configuring various array installation and operation options. These options include: hardware configuration, RAID level and volume group creation, the number of SC10 disk enclosures used, and system support software. It should be noted that optimizing the disk array for one feature may compromise another. For example, optimizing for maximum performance may increase the cost per megabyte of storeage. Array Hardware Configuration Array configuration options that affect high availability, performance, and storage capacity include Fibre Channel connections, disk enclosure bus configuration, and the array's internal Ultra2 SCSI channels. This information is presented first, because it is the basis for some of the array configuration planning. Fibre Channel Connection If the controller enclosure has both controller modules installed, dual Fibre Channels can be connected to the controller enclosure (if only one controller module is installed, only one Fibre Channel cable can be connected). Using dual Fibre Channel-AL connections increases the data throughput and provides for higher data availability. Array Design Considerations 67