freeStor Xpand 1500C User’s Manual
7
1 Introduction
1.1 Product
Introduction
The freeStor Xpand 1500C is an Ultra 320 to Serial ATA external disk array subsystem. It
supports RAID 0, 1, 3, 5, 6 and 10, which increase system performance and redundancy
dramatically. Its compact 3U design includes 15 drive trays for 3.5" disk drives, providing a vast
amount of capacity and flexibility while taking up very little space. Its unique heat dissipation
design keeps the hard drives cooler which prolongs their lifespan. Its easy and user friendly
graphical user interface (GUI) allows users to manage the subsystem through a standard
Ethernet network connection.
Throughout this manual, the freeStor Xpand 1500C may be referred to as freeStor Xpand
1500C, or disk array.
1.2 Safety
Information
In order to reduce the risk of damage to the product or loss of data, always operate the product
according to the manual’s instructions and follow all warnings and operating procedures
carefully.
1.3 Features
Quick List:
•
Supports 0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 10 and JBOD, providing enhanced performance and redundancy.
•
Supports up to 15 hard drives to fulfill your storage needs.
•
Hot-swappable design offers nonstop operation.
•
2 Ultra320 SCSI channels provide high-speed data transmission.
•
Supports up to 1GB cache memory (256 MB included).
•
Compact 3U rack mount design.
•
Cable-less design for better reliability
•
Swappable power supplies and fans for faster and easier maintenance.
•
User-friendly configuration via Ethernet or RS-232 port.
Instant Availability/Background Initialization
RAID 0 and RAID 1 volume sets can be used immediately after being created, but RAID 3, 5
and 6 volume sets must be initialized to generate the parity before use. In the Normal
Initialization mode, the initialization proceeds in the background, and the volume set is usable
immediately. The operating system can instantly access the newly created arrays without
requiring a reboot and waiting for the initialization to complete. Furthermore, the RAID volume
set is also protected against a single disk failure while initialing. This takes mode takes longer to
complete the initialization. In Fast Initialization mode, the initialization must be completed before
the volume set is ready to be used.
