1.1 Introduction
What is the 3514?
The 3514 is a high availability disk array subsystem that is designed to
minimize the effect of hardware failures on the operation of the host
system. Redundant parts are used to provide improved availability.
The power system consists of three power modules, only two of which are
needed to operate the 3514. A failing power module can be exchanged
without affecting the overall operation of the 3514. Also, the power
system permits specific disk drives to be powered off. Many failures can
be corrected without switching off power to the 3514.
The 3514 also features the IBM* implementation of RAID-5 (Redundant Array
of Independent Disks). This is a form of data redundancy across multiple
disk drives. A single disk drive failure does not cause a loss of data,
because the data on that disk drive can be created again from parity data
contained on the other disk drives.
Because of its design for high availability and concurrent maintenance,
the 3514 must be serviced differently than other disk units. The
procedures in this manual must be followed or your customer can lose data.
Note the following differences:
The 3514 maintains a set disk drive configuration. Disk drives must
be in the correct slots as defined by the 3514 internal configuration
record. Swapping disk drives between 3514s or inside a 3514 can cause
loss of data.
Disk drives must be added or removed from the 3514 in a set determined
sequence. The procedures in this manual show you the correct
sequence. A disk drive inserted in a wrong slot will not be
recognized, and disk drives removed from a wrong slot may cause a loss
of data.
Many repair procedures can be done without turning off power to the
3514. For many failures, only a single disk drive inside the 3514
needs to be powered off. This can be done without losing access to
any data.
This section instructs you to perform procedures to analyze the problem
with your 3514. The procedure you use will rely on the model number of
your 3514 and the error condition.
You should not switch off the power to your 3514 unless instructed to do
so by the procedures in this manual.
Follow all procedures in this manual carefully and completely.
Subtopics
1.1.1 Model Chart
3514 Service Information
Introduction
¦ Copyright IBM Corp. 1992, 1993
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