Chapter 3: Subsystem Connection and Operation
SCSI Connection
Overview
3-1
Chapter 3
Subsystem Connection
This chapter outlines some general configuration rules you should use when
configuring a storage system and introduces basic information about SCSI
cables and SCSI topologies for the Galaxy RAID subsystem. You can setup
the subsystem using these topologies or use them as a guide for developing
your own unique topologies.
3.1 SCSI Connection Overview
The GALAXY RAID subsystem supports two (2) SCSI channels and two
(2) dual-stacked SCSI connectors using
SCSI-320
(also known as Ultra-320
SCSI), the latest iteration of the SCSI bus standard. SCSI-320 enables
maximum data transfer rates of up to 320MB/second per channel between
the host computers and the subsystem. This is twice as fast as the Ultra-160
standard, allowing users to store data at the fastest SCSI speeds available.
3.1.1 SCSI Cables
One (1) external SCSI round cable (GAL-9270UJBODCab) is provided with
each GALAXY RAID for host connection. If you wish to use a second SCSI
cable to connect the second host channel, the second cable must be
purchased separately. Purchase only high quality SCSI-320 cables from a
reputable manufacturer. To ensure optimum GALAXY RAID performance,
it is necessary to use proper, high quality, durable SCSI-320 cables. Failure
to do so will result in downgraded performance.
3.1.2 SCSI Ports on the Controller Rear Panel
The GALAXY RAID is equipped with two (2) dual-stacked VHDCI SCSI
connectors on the back of the enclosure for connecting the subsystem to a
host computer and/or to daisy-chain other GALAXY RAIDs. (See
Figure 3-
1
) The connectors on the bottom of the controller rear panel are for data
input and the connectors on the top are for data output. Each dual-stacked
VHDCI connector is specified as “Channel # In” or “Channel # Out” port.
The IN ports are designed to connect host computers while the OUT ports
are used to daisy chain additional GALAXY RAID subsystems.