1-2 Disk Array Unit Overview
Overview
The NEC S1300 Disk Array Unit (DAU) provides highly available, fault-tolerant
storage in a rack-mount subsystem. The DAU uses high-speed Fibre Channel
technology. See Figure 1-1.
The Fibre Channel is a scalable, high-performance interconnect standard that enables
fast transfer of data between workstations, shared storage, peripherals and host systems.
At up to speeds of 2 Gigabits per second this data transfer technology combines the
attributes of a data channel with the attributes of a network. Fibre Channel is capable of
supporting multiple protocols and a variety of topologies, making it the most versatile
data transfer technology available.
The DAU supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, and 10. Even if one disk module fails, the disk
array unit continues to function normally without interruption (Except for RAID
level 0).
A faulty disk module can be replaced without system shutdown. The DAU includes an
automatic rebuild feature by which data is automatically restored when a faulty disk
module is replaced. When one disk module is defined as a spare drive, the data in the
faulty disk module is immediately restored to the spare drive (hot spare feature). Using
the auto recovery and hot spare feature increases overall system availability and
reliability.
The DAU also includes a battery-backed cache memory data storage feature to increase
reliability and high-speed data processing. In addition to the disk modules, the cooling
fan system, the power supply system, and dual array controllers all have system
redundancy capabilities. Therefore, even if one of the redundant system components
fails, the disk array unit continues normal operation.
The DAU cabinet holds up to a maximum of fifteen hard disk drives. A disk enclosure
unit (option) is available to enable expansion of the storage capacity of the DAU by
adding up to fifteen additional hard disk drives.
The DAU has a relatively small form factor of 3U and is available as a rack-mount
system that fits into a standard EIA 19-inch rack assembly.
Figure 1-1. Rack-Mount DAU Front View (Front Bezel not Shown)
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