Storage Infrastructure
What is storage infrastructure?
A storage infrastructure is all the connections and interconnection needed to attach storage and apply RAID (redundant array of independent disks).
Host Bus Adapter (HBA)
The connection between the host system (computer) to other devices is made through an HBA (host bus adapter). And the main protocols used are SCSI, Fibre Channel and SAS/SATA.
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SCSI
A SCSI host adapter connects a SCSI bus to a computer. The host adapter usually assumes the role of "initiator," in that it issues commands to other SCSI devices. It bridges the physical and logical chasm that separates the SCSI bus from the host computer's internal bus. The host adapter contains all the electronics and firmware required to execute SCSI transactions, and often it includes a BIOS that allows the host system to boot from a SCSI device and facilitates configuration of the host adapter. Typically a device driver, linked to the operating system, controls the host adapter itself.
In a typical parallel SCSI subsystem, each device has assigned to it a unique numerical identification. As a rule, the host adapter appears as SCSI ID 7, which gives it the highest priority on the SCSI bus (Priority descends as the SCSI ID descends. On a 16-bit or "wide" bus, ID 8 has the lowest priority, a feature that maintains compatibility with the priority scheme of the 8-bit or "narrow" bus).
A computer can contain more than one host adapter, which can greatly increase the number of SCSI devices available.
Fibre
Fibre Channel HBAs are available for all major open systems, computer architectures and buses. Each HBA has a unique World Wide Name (WWN), which is similar to an Ethernet MAC address in that it uses an OUI (organizationally unique identifier) assigned by the IEEE. However, WWNs are longer (8 bytes). There are two types of WWNs on an HBA: (1) a node WWN, which is shared by all ports on a host bus adapter (2) a port WWN, which is unique to each port.
SAS/SATA
SAS or Serial Attached SCSI is the current connectivity to replace the previous generation of PAS or Parallel Attached SCSI devices, known mainly as SCSI. Ultra320 was the highest level of PAS available; SAS has extended and increased the performance of this technology.
SATA is a similar technology from the aspect of connection options. HBAs can be created using a single connector to connect both SAS and SATA devices.
SATA drives are comparable to ATA drives, with low MTBF (mean time between failures) and lower reliability. Although, more manufacturers are developing enterprise-class SATA drives.
SAS drives are comparable to SCSI drives, with high MTBF and high reliability.
Many manufacturers of host adapters create an SAS-only or an SATA-only host adapter. Some companies can combine the functionality since the connector for SAS and SATA are interchangeable. Going one step further, some companies include RAID functionality with the SAS/SATA host adapter adding value on top of just connectivity.
iSCSI
iSCSI HBAs combine the iSCSI protocols in hardware making them suitable for highly intensive transaction processing servers that are connected to an iSCSI SAN.
Switches
Switches are the foundation for connecting servers and storage devices in Fibre Channel SANs. The resulting high-speed, robust storage networks enable organizations to access and share data in a high-performance, manageable and scalable manner. A Fibre Channel device allows the creation of a Fibre Channel fabric. This fabric is a network of Fibre Channel devices which allows many-to-many communication, device name lookup, security and redundancy.
RAID
In computing, the acronym RAID (redundant array of independent disks) refers to a data storage scheme using multiple hard drives to share or replicate data among the drives. Depending on the configuration of the RAID (typically referred to as the RAID level), the benefit of RAID is to increase data integrity, fault-tolerance, throughput or capacity, compared with single drives. In its original implementations, the key advantage of RAID was the ability to combine multiple low-cost devices using older technology into an array that offered greater capacity, reliability, speed, or a combination of these things, than was affordably available in a single device using the newest technology.
Click here for RAID definitions.
RAID controllers are available for SCSI, SAS, SATA, IDE/PATA
Power
Whether your storage is direct attached, network attached or anywhere between, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) solutions can help you improve storage application's availability. Few people realize the battery system available with most of today's storage devices is not meant to increase your storage device's availability, but rather to ensure the cache is maintained during a momentary power outage. If the power does not return, the information on the cache is lost. This is insignificant with only one user, however if you have hundreds of users, the losses can escalate.
When designing solutions for storage applications three key concepts need to be brought to the forefront.
- UPS products have to improve the overall availability of the storage application, be able to scale to the fluctuating needs of storage devices.
- Ensure the data integrity is never compromised even during extended outages.
- The UPS solution should not only ensure the storage device is receiving the proper power, but also the proper cooling.
By using the correct products to protect your storage devices you can be assured that your information will always be available to those who need it. Considering the scalability needs of storage devices, it is important to design and develop the adequate product suite. By developing a UPS system based on the storage array concept, you can build a true power solution with power modules that are scalable and hot swappable, thus increasing power as system capacity increases.
By building scalability into your plans this allows you to decrease the up-front capital investment by only purchasing what you need today. Finally, by purchasing a Switched Rack-Power Distribution Unit (PDU) this ensures data integrity is maintained during an extended outage two ways, by sequencing the boot process and by disconnecting users from the storage device before the system shuts down. By sequencing the boot process using the Switched Rack-PDU product, you can make certain that the controller is always the first one to come online. By disconnecting the users when runtime becomes minimal, you can ensure no additional information is being saved to the device and also allows enough time for the cache to be written to the drives.
Cables
- UTP Patch Cables/Line Cords
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) patch cables and line cords are used to connect two nearby components, such as a PC to a wall outlet, or a patch panel to a hub. Cables and cords are offered in a wide variety of colors and styles.
- UTP Patch Cables
UTP patch cables (sometimes called line cords for this application) connect a PC to a wall outlet, or patch panels to hubs or switches. Category 5e, FastCAT5e, and Category 6 patch cables help assure the superior performance of your network.
- UTP Bulk Cables
UTP bulk cables are made from 24-gauge stranded wires. They allow you to make custom patch cables in the field.
- Fiber Optic Patch Cables
Used to connect two nearby components with fiber connectors, fiber optic patch cables transmit data with light, so you don't have to worry about electrical interference.
- Multimode Patch Cable
Multimode fiber optic patch cables use 62.5/125 Micron or 50/125 Micron bulk fiber cable and terminated with various fiber optic connectors at both ends. Multimode patch cables with the following connectors: ST, SC, MT-RJ, LC, etc.
- Single Mode Patch Cables
Single mode fiber optic patch cables use 9/125 Micron bulk fiber cable and various fiber optic connectors at both ends. Single mode patch cables with various connectors, such as ST and SC.
- UTP Horizontal Cables
UTP horizontal cables are made from solid-conductor wires and typically used for in-wall premise installation.
- Plenum Horizontal Cables
If you're planning on doing behind-the-wall cabling, plenum horizontal cables are the answer. They feature a special cable jacket, which emits low smoke in the event they catch on fire.
If you need help building the right solution, contact our Network Storage Specialists or call your Zones Account Executive.
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