C H A P T E R  1

Array Overview

This chapter provides an overview of your Sun StorEdge 3120 SCSI array, which is an LVD/SE device. Topics covered in this chapter are:


1.1 Introducing the Array Model

The Sun StorEdge 3120 SCSI array model is a JBOD (an array with disks and no controller). Providing up to 584-Gbyte RAID based on 146-Gbyte drives in a 1.75-inch tall by 19-inch wide storage unit, the Sun StorEdge 3120 SCSI array is a high-performance, storage device that contains up to four disk drives with SCSI connectivity to the data host.

 FIGURE 1-1 Front View of a Sun StorEdge 3120 SCSI Array

Figure showing the Sun StorEdge 3120 SCSI array front bezel

The JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks) array connects directly to a host server.

FIGURE 1-2 Rear View of a JBOD

Figure showing the rear view of a JBOD which includes redundant power supplies but does not have a controller.

Extensive reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS) features include redundant components, notification of failed components, and the ability to replace components while the array is online.

The JBOD can be rackmounted in a server cabinet or expansion cabinet.

For information about specifications and agency approvals, see SCSI Array Specifications.

This document highlights SCSI best practices, which apply to the Sun StorEdge 3120 SCSI array.


1.2 Best Practices for the Sun StorEdge 3120 SCSI Array

The following sections outline small and large storage solutions for common entry-level server environments:

These solutions can optimally use the Sun StorEdge 3120 SCSI array, a next-generation Ultra3 SCSI storage system designed to provide direct attached storage (DAS) to entry-level servers.

These solutions feature many performance features using familiar SCSI technology.

Entry-level servers are used for wide range of applications with distinct storage requirements, so the Sun StorEdge 3120 SCSI array features a modular architecture with flexible configurations. Modularity and flexibility enable the storage solution to quickly and easily adapt to a particular environment.

1.2.1 Entry-level Server Storage Requirements

Print, file, and application services are essential network requirements and are among the most popular uses of entry-level servers. The servers used to provide these functions are generally very inexpensive, highly compact units that are often installed in racks for convenience.

One example of such a server is the Sun Fire V120, an expandable single-processor server that occupies just 1 unit (1U) of rack space. Network servers are often distributed throughout an enterprise, making the Sun StorEdge 3120 SCSI array ideally suited for these applications due to its cost-effective direct attached storage design.

TABLE 1-1 Storage Requirements for Single Processor Servers

Print Server

File Server

Application Server

Availability

Medium

Medium to high

Medium to high

Storage capacity

Low

Low to high

Low to medium

Special needs

High data rates
and low cost

High data and transaction rates

Low cost and high transaction rates

Access pattern

Sequential

Sequential

Random


1.2.2 Print Server Architecture and Configuration

The following section outlines small and large storage solutions for print server environments. FIGURE 1-3 shows the scalability between the print server and the Sun StorEdge 3120 SCSI array.

 FIGURE 1-3 Optimized Architecture for Print Servers

Figure showing optimized architecture for print servers.

TABLE 1-2 describes the possible print server configurations.

TABLE 1-2 Configuration Details for Print Servers

Small Configuration

Large Configuration

JBOD Enclosures

1

1

Number of Disks

2

4

Bus Configuration

Dual-bus

Dual-bus

RAID Levels Used

Host-based RAID 1

Host-based RAID 1

Drive Configuration

1 LUN

2 LUNs


1.2.2.1 Tips and Techniques

Consider the following tips and techniques when configuring print servers.

1.2.3 File Server Architecture and Configuration

The following section outlines small and large storage solutions for file server environments. FIGURE 1-4 shows the scalability between the file server and the Sun StorEdge 3120 SCSI array.

 FIGURE 1-4 Optimized Architecture for File Servers

Figure showing optimized architecture for file servers.

TABLE 1-3 describes the possible file server configurations.

TABLE 1-3 Configuration Details for File Servers

Small Configuration

Large Configuration

JBOD Enclosures

1

1

Number of Disks

2

4

Bus Configuration

Single-bus

Dual-bus

RAID Levels Used

Host-based RAID 1

Host-based RAID 1

Drive Configuration

1 LUN

2 LUNs


Consider the following tips and techniques when configuring file servers.

1.2.4 Application Server Architecture and Configuration

The following section outlines small and large storage solutions for application server environments. FIGURE 1-5 shows the scalability between the application server and the Sun StorEdge 3120 SCSI array.

 FIGURE 1-5 Optimized Architecture for Application Servers

Figure showing optimized architecture for application servers.

TABLE 1-4 describes the possible application server configurations.

TABLE 1-4 Configuration Details for Application Servers

Small Configuration

Large Configuration

JBOD Enclosures

1

1

Number of Disks

2

4

Bus Configuration

Dual-bus

Dual-bus

RAID Levels Used

Host-based RAID 1

Host-based RAID 1

Drive Configuration

1 LUN

2 LUNs


Consider the following tips and techniques when configuring application servers.


1.3 Additional Software Tools

Additional software tools are available on the Sun Download Center located at:

http://wwws.sun.com/software/download/

The following software tools are available:

For details on using the software management tools with the SCSI array, see Software Management Tools.

For other supported software tools, refer to the release notes for your array, located at:

http://www.sun.com/products-n-solutions/hardware/docs/Network_Storage_Solutions/Workgroup/3120