HBA

Host Bus Adapter (HBA) is a storage device controller and its associated circuitry, contained on an expansion card (i.e., a PCI-Express card), to control a set of storage devices (HDDs, SSDs, DVDs, FMods, etc.).

Single path

A single host with a single HBA connection to a set of storage devices.

Dual path

A dual path interconnect for connecting a set of storage devices. Only supported on the SunStorage F5100 Flash Array when using the SG-SAS6-EXT-Z HBA.

Multi path

A method for two or more HBAs to connect to a single storage device or a single group of storage devices. Not supported on the SunStorage F5100 Flash Array.

Cascade

A method for linking several storage enclosures together to increase the total amount of storage drives available to an HBA, also called daisy chain. Not supported on the SunStorage F5100 Flash Array.

Access Configuration (Zoning)

A configuration method that partitions the total number of storage devices based on the number of hosts connected. This allows each host to manage dedicated FMods within the total device pool. Zoning is done on a per FMod level and FMods are not shared (i.e. each FMod can only be owned by one host).

SAS fabric

A SAS fabric is conceptually similar to a network segment. A SAS fabric is comprised of initiators, targets and set of linked expanders that work like network switches linking initiators and targets together.

Domain

A discrete storage system utilizing a SAS fabric. The SunStorage F5100 Flash Array has four independent domains, called SAS Expanders 0 - 3. Domains can not be connected together. See the Rear Panel Diagram for expander numbering information.