HP VMA Series, Installation And Service Manual

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Connecting the PCIe Cable to a Host Computer or Memory Gateway
HP-AM456-9002A Rev 01 VMA-series Memory Array Installation and Service Guide
53
Connecting the PCIe Cable to a Host Computer or Memory
Gateway
The Memory Array is connected via external PCIe cables (PCIe x8 cables) to one
or two host computer(s) or memory gateway(s). Hosts support applications,
such as databases, and run operating systems such as Linux or Windows.
Memory gateways provide network connectivity to SANs or LANs.
The Memory Array can be connected as a direct-attached storage system which
is either dedicated to a single host or shared between two hosts. Where the
Memory Array is shared across two hosts, the PCIe connections are logically
PCIe x4, but use PCIe x8 cables and interfaces.
A single host may connect to multiple memory arrays, enabling capacity and
performance to scale as needed. The host requires a PCIe Host Interface Board
(HIB) for each memory array that is to be connected.
Host Computer
The steps for connecting the Memory Array to a host computer are:
1.
Install the necessary PCIe HIB card into an available PCIe slot in the host
computer, ensuring that it is securely seated.
2.
Orient the unconnected end of the PCIe cable(s) to align with the PCIe
connector on the back of the host computer. The PCIe cable is keyed and
only goes in one way.
3.
Securely plug the cable(s) into the PCIe connector, as illustrated in the
figure below.
Figure 3.10 Connecting the PCIe Cable to the Host Computer
4.
Power-up the Memory Array (see Powering up the Memory Array on page
56). Ensure the RAID/ADMIN Status LED is solid green indicating the PCIe
ports have stabilized before continuing (approximately 1 minute).
5.
Power-up the host computer.
6.
If necessary, install the device drivers (see Chapter 7, Linux Drivers or
Chapter 8, Windows Drivers ) and reboot the host.
7.
Verify the PCIe connection(s).
PCIe
Port