1
Chapter 1. Introduction
The FXT Series Installation Guide is written for system administrators who need to install and administer
FXT series edge filers in an Avere cluster. It assumes that you have a basic knowledge of networked storage,
including network access protocols such as the Network File System (NFS) and the Common Internet File
System (CIFS).
1.1. Cautions and Warnings
The following highlights are used in this document:
A warning indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
A caution indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate
injury.
A notice indicates information considered important, but not related to personal harm or injury.
A note presents commentary, sidelights, or interesting points of information.
1.2. The FXT Series Platform
The FXT Series platform is a server, a node, that runs the Avere OS software. Each node in the series contains
and uses multiple types of storage media:
DRAM memory
Hard drive data drives
(HDDs)
Solid-state data drives (SSDs) Hybrid (HDD and SSD) data
drives
All FXT-series
platforms
FXT 2300, FXT 2500,
FXT 2550, FXT 3100,
FXT 3200, and FXT 3500
FXT 2700, FXT 2750,
FXT 4200, FXT 4500,
FXT 4800, and FXT 4850
FXT 3800 and FXT 3850
Typically, several nodes work together to provide a cluster called an edge filer.
The FXT Series also includes Gigabit Ethernet or 10-Gigabit Ethernet connections for high-bandwidth network
connections; NVRAM to protect written data in the event of a power outage or other failure; and redundant
power supplies.