Dell PowerVault MD1120 User Manual

Dell™ PowerVault™

MD1120 Storage Enclosure

Hardware Owner’s Manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of

your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data

and tells you how to avoid the problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury,

or death.

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2008 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly
forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, PowerEdge, PowerVault, and OpenManage are
trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are either trademarks or registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming
the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and
trade names other than its own.

Model AMT

February 2008 Rev. A00

Contents

1 About Your System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Other Information You May Need . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Indicators on the Enclosure Bezel

. . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Front-Panel Indicators and Features . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Physical Disk Carrier LED Indicators

Back-Panel Indicators and Features

Enclosure Management Module (EMM)

Enclosure Failover When Two EMMs Are Installed

EMM Thermal Shutdown

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Power Supply and Cooling Fan Features

Enclosure Alarms

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . . . . 11

. . . . . . . . . . 13

. . . . . . 14

18

. . . . . . . . 18

2 Operating Your Storage Enclosure . . . . . 21

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Cabling Your Enclosure for Unified or Split Mode

Connecting the Enclosure

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Changing Your Enclosure’s Operating Mode

. . . 21

. . . . . . 25

Managing Your Storage Enclosure

Downloading Firmware

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

. . . . . . . . . . . 26

Contents 3

3 Installing Enclosure Components . . . . . 27

Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Removing and Replacing the Front Bezel

Removing and Installing Physical Disks

. . . . . . . . 27

. . . . . . . . 28

Removing Physical Disks from the Enclosure

Installing Physical Disks in the Enclosure

Removing and Installing an EMM

Removing an EMM

Installing an EMM

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

. . . . . . . . . . . . 32

. . . . . 30

Installing an EMM Module Cover in an Empty Bay

Installing and Removing an EMM Module Cover

Removing and Installing the Power Supply/Cooling
Fan Module

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Removing a Power Supply/Cooling Fan Module

Installing a Power Supply/Cooling Fan Module

Removing and Installing the Control Panel

Removing the Control Panel

Installing the Control Panel

. . . . . . . . . . . . 37

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Removing and Installing the Midplane

. . . . . . . 37

. . . . . . . . . 39

. . . 29

. . . 34

. . 34

. . 36

. . 37

4 Troubleshooting Your Enclosure . . . . . . 43

4 Contents

Safety First—For You and Your Enclosure. . . . . . . . 43

Start-Up Routine

Troubleshooting a Loss of Communication Condition

Troubleshooting External Connections

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

. . 43

. . . . . . . . . 45

Troubleshooting a Wet Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Troubleshooting a Damaged Enclosure

Troubleshooting Power Supplies

Troubleshooting Enclosure Cooling Problems

Troubleshooting a Fan

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Troubleshooting Physical Disks

Troubleshooting Enclosure Connections

. . . . . . . . . 46

. . . . . . . . . . . . 47

. . . . . 48

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

. . . . . . . . 51

5 Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Contents 5

6 Contents

About Your System

The enclosure provides a 2-U rack-mounted external storage chassis capable
of accommodating up to 24 2.5-inch, 3.0-Gbps Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS)
physical disks. The enclosure can be daisy-chained with up to two additional
enclosures to provide up to 72 physical disks per host connection. Host-based
RAID configuration is supported via a Dell
Controller (PERC) 6/E adapter.

Other Information You May Need

NOTE: Importent safety and regulatory information is provided in separate

document(s). Warranty information may be included within this document or as a
separate document.

• The

• The

• The

• CDs or DVDs included with your

• Documentation for any components you purchased separately provides

• RAID controller documentation.

• Updates are sometimes included with the

Rack Installation Guide

with your rack solution describes how to install your

Getting Started Guide

setting up your

Dell OpenManage Server Administrator

information on managing your storage solution using the storage
management service within the server administrator.

NOTE: Online configuration, enclosure status, and active event notification

require Server Administrator version 5.4 or later.

tools for configuring and managing your

information to configure and install these options.

enclosure

the

enclosure

, software, and/or documentation.

or

provides an overview of

, and technical specifications.

™

PowerEdge™ Expandable RAID

Rack Installation Instructions

enclosure

enclosure

documentation provides

enclosure

provide documentation and

enclosure

enclosure

.

to describe changes to

included

into a rack.

features,

NOTE: Always check for updates on support.dell.com and read the updates

first because they often supersede information in other documents.

About Your System 7

• Release notes or readme files may be included to provide last-minute
updates to the system or documentation or advanced technical reference
material intended for experienced users or technicians.

Indicators on the Enclosure Bezel

An optional locking bezel can be installed on the front of the enclosure to
limit access.

Table 1-1 lists conditions indicated by the lights on the bezel.
on installing and removing the bezel, see "Removing and Replacing the Front
Bezel

" on page 27

Figure 1-1. LEDs on the Front Bezel

Figure 1-1 illustrates the indicators and components on the bezel.

For information

.

1

2

3

8 About Your System

Table 1-1. Front Bezel Indicators

Item LED Indicator LED Icon Condition

1 Split mode (green) When lit, indicates the enclosure is in split

mode; otherwise, the enclosure is in unified
mode. For more information on both modes,
see "Unified Mode and Split Mode" on
page 16.

2 Power (green) When lit, at least one power supply is

supplying power to the enclosure.

3 Enclosure status

(blue/amber)

Steady amber: Power is on and enclosure is in
reset state

Steady blue: Power is on and enclosure status
is OK.

Flashing blue: Host server is identifying the
enclosure.

Flashing amber: Enclosure is in fault state.

Front-Panel Indicators and Features

Figure 1-2 shows the LED indicators and components on the
panel (optional locking bezel not shown). Table 1-2 lists the conditions and
functions indicated by each.

enclosure

’s front

About Your System 9

Figure 1-2. Front-Panel Features

3

2

1

1 split-mode LED 2 power LED

3 enclosure status LED 4 physical disk activity LED

5 physical disk status LED 6 physical disks (24)

7 enclosure mode switch

Table 1-2. Front-Panel Components

Component Icon Condition

Enclosure status LED
(blue/amber)

Power LED (green) When lit, at least one power supply is

4

7

5

Steady amber: Power is on and enclosure is in
reset state.

Steady blue: Power is on and enclosure status
is OK.

Flashing blue: Host server is identifying the
enclosure.

Flashing amber: Enclosure is in fault state.

supplying power to the enclosure.

6

10 About Your System

Table 1-2. Front-Panel Components (continued)

Component Icon Condition

Split mode LED
(green)

Enclosure mode
switch

When lit, indicates the enclosure is in split­mode configuration; otherwise, the enclosure is
in unified mode. For more information, see
"Unified Mode and Split Mode" on page 16.

When set in its uppermost position at power
on, the enclosure is configured in unified
mode; when set in its lowermost position at
power on, the enclosure is configured in split
mode.

NOTE: This switch must be set prior to power on.

Changing the switch setting after power on will
have no effect on enclosure configuration until
the system is power cycled.

Physical Disk Carrier LED Indicators

Each physical disk carrier in your enclosure has two LEDs: an activity LED
(green) and a bi-color (green/amber) status LED (see Figure 1-3). The
activity LED flashes whenever the physical disk is accessed. Table 1-3 lists the
flash patterns for the status LED.

About Your System 11

Figure 1-3. Physical Disk Carrier LED Indicators

1

1 activity LED 2 status LED

Table 1-3. Physical Disk Carrier Status LEDs

LED Description

Off Slot empty, physical disk not yet discovered by

server, or an unsupported physical disk is present

Steady green Physical disk is online

Green flashing (250
milliseconds [ms])

Green flashing
On 400 ms
Off 100 ms

Amber flashing (125 ms) Physical disk failed

Physical disk is being identified or is being prepared
for removal

Physical disk rebuilding

2

12 About Your System

Table 1-3. Physical Disk Carrier Status LEDs (continued)

LED Description

Green/amber flashing
Green On 500 ms
Amber On 500 ms
Off 1000 ms

Green/amber flashing
Green On 3000 ms
Off 3000 ms
Amber On 3000 ms
Off 3000 ms

Predicted failure reported by physical disk

Physical disk is being spun down by user request or
other nonfailure condition

Back-Panel Indicators and Features

Figure 1-4 shows the back-panel features of a fully populated enclosure
containing two enclosure management modules (EMMs) and two power
supply/cooling fan modules. The enclosure requires at least one EMM to be
installed. If only one EMM is installed, it must reside in the primary (left, as
seen from rear of enclosure) EMM bay and the secondary EMM bay must
contain a blank module cover (see "Installing an EMM Module Cover in an
Empty Bay" on page 34). Both power supply/cooling fan modules must be
installed. However, the enclosure can run temporarily on one power
supply/cooling fan module. For more information, see "Power Supply and
Cooling Fan Features" on page 18.

Figure 1-4. Back-Panel Features

1

3

1 primary EMM 2 secondary EMM

3 power supply/cooling fan modules (2)

About Your System 13

2

Enclosure Management Module (EMM)

Each EMM provides data path and enclosure management functions for your
enclosure, including:

• Monitoring and controlling enclosure environment elements
(temperature, fans, power supplies, and enclosure LEDs)

• Controlling access to the

• Communicating

NOTE: At least one EMM must be installed in the enclosure. If only one EMM

is installed, it must be in the primary EMM bay (see Figure 1-4) and a blank
module cover must be installed in the secondary EMM bay (see "Installing an
EMM Module Cover in an Empty Bay" on page 34).

enclosure

Figure 1-5 shows a single EMM as it appears from the rear of the enclosure.
The EMM connects to the enclosure via the enclosure midplane (see
"Removing and Installing an EMM" on page 32). EMM connectors and
components are shown in Figure 1-5 and include:

• Debug port (Dell use only)

• SAS port connector (In)

• SAS port connector (Out)

• Three LEDs (In Port Link, Out Port Link, and EMM Status)

For a description of each component on the front panel of the EMM, see
Table 1-4. For an explanation of how to connect the enclosure using the
EMM ports, see "Operating Your Storage Enclosure" on page 21.

physical disk

s

attributes and states to the host server

Figure 1-5. EMM External Panel

1

2

14 About Your System

3

4

5 6

Table 1-4. EMM Component Functions

Item Component Icon Function

1 Debug Port Dell factory/technical support use only.

2 SAS Port (In) In Provide SAS connection for cabling to

host or next upchain expansion enclosure
(unified mode only).

3 In Port Link

Status LED
(green/amber)

4 SAS Port (Out) Out Provide SAS connection for cabling to the

Green: All links into the port are
connected.
Amber: One or more links into the port
are not connected.

Off: Interface is not active.

next downchain expansion enclosure in a
daisy chain (unified mode only).

NOTE: The SAS Out port is disabled if the

enclosure is running split mode. For more
information, see "Operating Your Storage
Enclosure" on page 21.

5 Out Port Link

Status LED
(green/amber)

Green: All links out of the port are
connected.
Amber: One or more links out of the port
are not connected.
Off: Interface is not active.

About Your System 15

Table 1-4. EMM Component Functions (continued)

Item Component Icon Function

6 EMM Status

LED
(green/amber)

Solid green: EMM is functioning
properly.
Solid amber: The enclosure did not boot
or was not properly configured.

Off: EMM did not boot, is not properly
configured, or communication between
the EMM and the server is lost.

Green flashing (250 ms): Firmware
download in progress.

Amber flashing (On 250 ms Off 250 ms
[once]; Off 1000 ms): Communication

between SAS expander and enclosure
processor could not be established.

Amber flashing (On 250 ms Off 250 ms
[twice]; Off 1000 ms): Enclosure

processor unable to communicate with
enclosure devices.

Amber flashing (On 250 ms Off 250 ms
[three times]; Off 1000 ms): SAS

expander is not properly configured.

Amber flashing (On 250 ms Off 250 ms
[five times]; Off 1000 ms): Firmware

revisions between EMMs are different.
Both EMM LEDs will blink.

Unified Mode and Split Mode

The enclosure can run in one of two modes:

• Unified

•Split

In unified mode, a SAS host can communicate with up to 24 physical disks in
the enclosure via a single EMM, or up to 72 physical disks in three enclosures
daisy chained together. In split mode, the enclosure is split into two virtual
groups, with up to 12 consecutive physical disks (slots 12-23) controlled by
the primary (left) EMM. The remaining physical disks (slots 0-11) are

16 About Your System

controlled by the secondary (right) EMM. You must select either mode using
the enclosure mode switch on the front panel of the enclosure before
powering on (see Figure 1-2).

NOTE: Clustering is not supported in the MD1120 host-based RAID solution.

Figure 1-6 illustrates the division of control, depending on whether you select
the enclosure to run in either unified or split mode.

Figure 1-6. Physical Disk Slot Distribution in Split Mode vs. Unified Mode

EMM Control in Split Mode

EMM Control in Unified Mode

NOTE: To change the enclosure mode, you must change the position of the

enclosure mode switch before you power on the enclosure. Changing the position
of the switch while the enclosure is on will not affect enclosure operation until the
enclosure is rebooted.

For a complete description of the roles of the primary and secondary EMMs,
see "Operating Your Storage Enclosure" on page 21.

About Your System 17

Enclosure Failover When Two EMMs Are Installed

If two EMMs are installed, a certain degree of failover is offered. Control and
monitoring of the enclosure elements can be transferred from one EMM to
another in the event of an EMM failure. A failover occurs whenever
communication is lost between an EMM and its peer.

In the event of a peer EMM failure, the surviving EMM activates the amber
status LED of the failed EMM and holds it in reset. The surviving EMM then
takes over the responsibility of enclosure management, which includes
monitoring and control of the audible alarm, enclosure LEDs, power supplies,
and fans.

Failover does not include providing connectivity to the physical disks
controlled by the failed EMM. When a failed EMM is replaced, enclosure
management functions do not automatically return to the replaced EMM
unless an additional failure occurs that triggers another failover event, or the
enclosure is power cycled.

EMM Thermal Shutdown

If critical internal temperatures are reached, the enclosure will be shut down
automatically via either a thermal shutdown command issued by the EMM
firmware or via a command from Server Administrator.

Power Supply and Cooling Fan Features

Your storage enclosure supports two integrated, hot-pluggable power
supply/cooling fan modules. Each module contains four separate cooling fans.
Both modules must be installed to ensure proper cooling. The enclosure
requires at least seven of the individual cooling fans to operate to avoid
overheating.

CAUTION: A power supply/cooling fan module can be removed from a powered-

on enclosure; however, the enclosure will shut down if overheating occurs.

A power supply/cooling fan module can be replaced without powering down
the enclosure. For information on removing and replacing the modules, see
"Removing and Installing the Power Supply/Cooling Fan Module" on page 35.

Figure 1-7 shows the power supply/cooling fan module features and LED
indicators. Table 1-5 lists the LED indicator descriptions.

18 About Your System

Figure 1-7. Power Supply and Cooling Fan Module Features and LED Indicators

146523 7

1 AC power connector 2 power cord retention clip

3 cooling fans (4) 4 AC power LED

5 power supply/cooling fan fault LED 6 DC power LED

7 on/off switch 8 release tab

Table 1-5. Power Supply/Cooling Fan Module LED Indicators

LED type LED color LED Icon Function

DC power Green On: DC output voltages are

within specifications.

Off: No power, or voltages not
within specifications.

Power
supply/cooling
fan fault

AC power Green On: AC input voltage is within

Amber On: DC output voltages are not

within specifications, or when a
fan fault is detected requiring
maintenance action.

Off: No fault condition is
present.

specifications.

Off: No power, or voltages not
within specifications.

8

About Your System 19

Enclosure Alarms

An audible alarm is activated if any of the fault conditions listed in Table 1-6
occur. If a critical event occurs, the alarm sounds continuously. If a noncritical
event occurs, the alarm sounds every 10 seconds.

NOTE: The audible alarm is disabled by default. To enable the alarm, you must

change the default setting in server administrator. For more information, see server
administrator storage management service documentation.

Table 1-6. Critical and Noncritical Events

Critical Events Noncritical Events

Two or more fan blowers have failed or
a power supply/cooling fan module is
not installed.

One or more temperature sensors are
in critical range.

NOTE: It is rare for both EMMs to fail simultaneously. However, if this occurs, the

enclosure cannot issue critical or noncritical event alarms for any enclosure
component.

One power supply has failed.

One cooling fan has failed.

One or more temperature sensors are in
warning range.

One EMM has failed.

20 About Your System

Operating Your Storage Enclosure

This section provides procedures for connecting your storage enclosure to a
host system for either unified or split mode.

Before You Begin

Before connecting your storage
available:

• The components that came with your storage

–Power cord

– SAS interconnect cables

Documentation

–

– Rail kit

• Any relevant documentation, including:

– Getting Started Guide

–

Rack Installation Guide

– Safety, regulatory, and warranty information

Installation and Server Management

–

– Server Administrator documentation

– Readme files

CD

enclosure

or

, ensure that the following are

enclosure

Rack Installation Instructions

CD (version 5.4 or later)

, including:

Cabling Your Enclosure for Unified or Split Mode

How you cable your
configuration you choose: unified or split mode.

• A unified configuration is one in which your
host (for example, a server with a controller card). In unified mode, your

enclosure

port on the controller card in your host server. See Figure 2-1 and
Figure 2-4 for a cabling diagram of a unified mode configuration.

enclosure

can be one of up to three enclosures daisy-chained to a single

to your host controller depends on the

enclosure

is connected to one

Operating Your Storage Enclosure 21

• A split-mode configuration is one in which your storage
connected to either two host controllers, or two ports on a single host
controller. In this configuration, the
with 12

disk

for a cabling diagram of a split mode configuration.

NOTE: Daisy-chaining storage enclosures is not supported in split mode.

NOTE: Clustering is not supported in the MD1120 host-based RAID solution.

Selection of the configuration mode is done via the enclosure mode switch on
the front enclosure panel (see Figure 1-2).

NOTE: The enclosure mode switch must be set to the mode you want to use before

the enclosure is powered on. Changing the configuration selection after the
enclosure is powered on has no effect on enclosure operation until it is rebooted.

physical disk

s controlled by the other host controller. See Figure 2-2 and Figure 2-3

s controlled by one host controller and 12

physical disk

enclosure

s are split into two groups

is

physical

Connecting the Enclosure

1

Confirm that the latest version of Server Administrator is installed. For
installation instructions and supported operating systems, see your Server
Administrator documentation.

2

Turn off the host system and all attached devices.

3

Connect the external SAS cable(s) to the EMM SAS connector on the
storage
controller on the host system. (See your RAID controller documentation
to ensure that the controller is properly installed.)

• If you are configuring your enclosure in unified mode (Figure 2-1 and

• If you are configuring your enclosure in split mode (Figure 2-2 and

enclosure

Figure 2-4), connect the external SAS cable from the host controller to
the In port on the primary EMM module of the first
daisy chain. Attach subsequent storage
to the Out port on the first upchain storage
enclosure in the chain will not have a connecting cable in its Out
EMM port.

Figure 2-3), attach the external SAS cable from the first host
controller to the In port on the primary EMM module and the SAS
cable from the second host controller or port to the In port on the
secondary EMM. In this configuration, the server attached to the In

(see Figure 1-5 and Figure 2-1) and to the RAID

enclosure

enclosure

s in the daisy chain

enclosure

. The last

in the

22 Operating Your Storage Enclosure

port on the primary EMM will control

physical disk

s in slots 12
through 23; the server or controller port attached to the In port on the
secondary EMM will control

NOTE: In split mode, you can cable the enclosure to operate in either a two-

host or single-host configuration. In single-host configuration, you can cable
both EMMs to either the same host controller, or to a separate host controller.

Figure 2-1. Single Host Server, Unified Mode (No Expansion)

Figure 2-2. Single Host Server, Split Mode (Expansion Not Supported)

physical disk

s in slots 0 through 11.

Figure 2-3. Two Host Servers, Split Mode (Expansion Not Supported)

Operating Your Storage Enclosure 23

Figure 2-4. Single Host Server, Unified Mode (MD1120 and MD1000 Maximum
Expansion)

NOTE: MD1120 and MD1000 enclosures cannot be attached in the same expansion

chain, or connected to the same host server controller.

4

Using the enclosure mode switch, select either unified or split mode (see
Figure 1-2 for switch positions).

5

Connect power to the power supplies.

NOTICE: To safeguard your storage enclosure against power problems, connect

the AC power cable to a protected power supply, such as a UPS, line conditioner, or
surge protector. If possible, connect the two power supplies to different circuits.

6

Turn on the on/off switches on all power supply/cooling fan modules (see
Figure 1-7).

24 Operating Your Storage Enclosure

7

Turn on power to the host system.

8

Check the LED indicators on the front and back of the storage
If any amber fault indicators are illuminated, see "Troubleshooting Your
Enclosure" on page 43.

enclosure

Changing Your Enclosure’s Operating Mode

If you decide to change the operating mode of your enclosure after initial
configuration (for example, from split mode to unified mode or vice versa), it
is important to follow some basic steps to guard against preventable
problems.

To change to either mode from a previous configuration:

1

Back up all data contained in the enclosure and store the backed up data in
a secure location.

2

When changing from unified mode to split mode, remove any virtual disk
configurations that span slot ranges 0-11 and 12-23. For more information,
see your Server Administrator documentation.

NOTE: When changing from split mode to unified mode, some virtual disks may

appear as foreign if the configuration was not deleted before powering the
enclosure back on. These disks must be imported via Server Administrator or the
PERC 6/E Ctrl-R BIOS utility before they can be used.

3

Power down the server.

4

Power down the enclosure by turning off both power supply/cooling fan
modules.

5

Change the position of the enclosure mode switch (see Figure 1-2).

6

Rearrange the disks in the enclosure as necessary.

7

Power on the enclosure by turning on both power supply/cooling fan
modules.

8

Power on the server.

9

Re-create any virtual disks within the enclosure, if necessary.

.

Operating Your Storage Enclosure 25

Managing Your Storage Enclosure

Disk storage within the enclosure can be configured using either the PERC 6/E
Ctrl-R BIOS firmware or

plug-in to Dell OpenManage Server Administrator

NOTE: Online configuration, enclosure status, and active event notification is

supported with Server Administrator version 5.4 or later only.

Storage Management Service provides a comprehensive server/storage
management solution with an integrated graphical view and command line
interface. It enables online configuration and management for both server­internal storage and externally attached storage.

Storage Management Service obtains information about physical storage
devices, disk enclosures, virtual disks/RAID arrays, and logical devices and
displays the information in both physical and logical views. These views are
accessed via a storage controller icon or a textual link. From the Storage
Management Service console, you can create and manage RAID storage
configurations, display storage information, customize event reporting, and
view logged events. Logged events can also be used to create alerts containing
detailed enclosure (logical and physical) device status.

For more information, see the Server Administrator documentation for more
details.

Dell OpenManage™ Storage Management Service, a

.

Downloading Firmware

You can download firmware updates for your storage enclosure using a Dell
Update Package available at

NOTE: Firmware download may take several minutes per enclosure. During this

time, the host may lose communication with the enclosure.

If loss of communication problems occur, refer to "Troubleshooting a Loss of
Communication Condition" on page 43.

26 Operating Your Storage Enclosure

support.dell.com

.

Installing Enclosure Components

This section explains how to install the following components:

• Front bezel (optional)

Physical disk

•

• EMMs

• Power supplies

• Control panel

Enclosure

•

Recommended Tools

The procedures in this section require the use of one or more of the following
tools:

• #2 Phillips-head screwdriver

• #1 Phillips-head screwdriver

• Wrist grounding strap, as explained in the safety instructions that came
with your system

Removing and Replacing the Front Bezel

To access the physical disks in your enclosure, you must remove the optional
front enclosure bezel. If your enclosure does not have this bezel, skip this
section.

s and

midplane

physical disk

carriers

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system

cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this
procedure, review the safety instructions that came with your system.

To remove the bezel:

If the bezel is locked, insert the bezel locking key in the bezel lock. If the

1

bezel is unlocked, go to step 3.

2

Turn the key to the left to unlock the bezel.

Installing Enclosure Components 27

3

Push inward on the release tab on the bezel and lift it away from the

enclosure

Figure 3-1. Installing and Removing the Front Bezel

2

1

1 bezel lock 2 interlocking notch (2)

3 latch retainer (2)

front (see Figure 3-1).

3

4

To replace the bezel, insert the interlocking notch into the latch retainer
on the right side of the front

5

Snap the left side of the bezel into place by inserting the interlocking
notch

into the latch retainer on the left side of the

6

To lock the bezel, insert the key and turn it to the right.

enclosure

panel.

front

enclosure

panel.

Removing and Installing Physical Disks

Your enclosure supports up to 24 SAS physical disks, each one contained in its
individual physical disk carrier. Each physical disk is hot-pluggable, allowing
you to remove and insert physical disks without shutting down your
enclosure.

28 Installing Enclosure Components

This section describes how to remove and install physical disks in your storage
enclosure.

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system

cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this
procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system.

NOTICE: Extra care must be taken when handling and storing physical disks. The

carriers provide some protection, but the physical disks and carrier connectors can
be damaged by rough handling. When removing the physical disks from the
enclosure, place them on a padded surface. Never drop the physical disks.

Removing Physical Disks from the Enclosure

CAUTION: Always wear a wrist grounding strap when handling equipment with

static-sensitive components.

NOTICE: To avoid damage, never leave a physical disk carrier partially removed

from the enclosure. Rotating a carrier handle next to an unseated physical disk
carrier will result in serious damage to the unseated physical disk carrier.

NOTICE: To avoid data loss when removing a physical disk, Dell recommends that

you use Server Administrator to prepare the physical disk for removal. See your
Server Administrator documentation for more information.

1

Use Server Administrator to prepare the

2

Wait until the LED indicators on the

3

Press the release mechanism on the front of the
Figure 3-2).

physical disk

physical disk

physical disk

for removal.

carrier stop flashing.

carrier (see

Installing Enclosure Components 29

Figure 3-2. Installing and Removing Physical Disks

1 2

1 carrier release mechanism 2 physical disk carrier handle

4

Open the

5

Gently but firmly pull the
supporting the weight of the

physical disk

carrier handle by rotating it downward.

physical disk

physical disk

carrier from its slot while

from the bottom.

Installing Physical Disks in the Enclosure

NOTICE: To ensure proper airflow for enclosure cooling, each slot should contain

either an active physical disk or a physical disk blank.

NOTICE: Always wear a wrist grounding strap when handling equipment with

static-sensitive components.

Perform the following steps to install the new physical disk into the carrier:

1

Remove the four screws that secure the
remove the

2

Position the replacement

physical disk

(see Figure 3-3).

physical disk

physical disk

into the

physical disk

to its carrier and

carrier with

the disk's controller board facing down as shown in Figure 3-3.

3

Align the physical disk mounting holes with the SAS carrier mounting
holes as shown in Figure 3-3.

30 Installing Enclosure Components

4

Secure the

physical disk

to the carrier using the four screws removed

earlier. To avoid damaging the carrier, do not overtighten.

Figure 3-3. Installing the Physical Disk in the Carrier

3

2

1

1 screws (4) 2 physical disk carrier

3 physical disk (top)

5

With the

disk

insert the

physical disk

carrier handle open, carefully align the

carrier guide rail with the appropriate disk slot on the chassis and

physical disk

(see Figure 3-2).

Installing Enclosure Components 31

physical

6

Push the

physical disk

carrier into the slot until the bottom of the open

carrier handle makes contact with the chassis face plate.

7

Rotate the carrier handle to the closed position while continuing to push
the carrier into the slot.

The status LED indicator (see Table 1-3 for description) will display a
steady green if the

physical disk

is inserted properly. If the indicator is not

illuminated, see "Troubleshooting Physical Disks" on page 49.

As the

physical disk

rebuilds, the

physical disk

carrier LED flashes green

twice per second at unequal intervals.

NOTE: At least two physical disks must be installed in the enclosure.

Removing and Installing an EMM

An enclosure with redundant enclosure management contains two EMMs
and can be configured in either a unified mode or split mode. An enclosure
with nonredundant enclosure management consists of one EMM configured
in unified mode.

If only one EMM is installed in your enclosure, the empty slot must contain a
blank cover. The blank cover ensures that the enclosure has the proper cooling
airflow to prevent overheating. For information on installing the blank cover,
see "Installing an EMM Module Cover in an Empty Bay" on page 34.

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system

cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this
procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system.

NOTICE: EMMs can be removed and installed without shutting down the

enclosure. However, removing an EMM while data traffic is occurring that involves
that EMM could cause data loss and is not recommended. Replacing or reinserting
an EMM that is connected to a host will cause the host to lose communication with
the enclosure and will require a reboot of the host server. For more information, see
"Troubleshooting a Loss of Communication Condition" on page 43.

NOTICE: To prevent damage to your enclosure, you should wear a wrist grounding

strap while performing the following procedures. See the safety information that is
provided with your system.

32 Installing Enclosure Components

Removing an EMM

NOTICE: If you remove an EMM from an enclosure operating in split mode while

connected to a host server, you will lose connection to the physical disks attached
to the removed EMM.

1

Push up on the release tab on the left side of the module (see Figure 3-4).

2

At the same time, pull out on the release lever. When the lever is pulled
out, the EMM partially ejects from the

3

Remove the module from the

enclosure

surface.

NOTE: To avoid damage to the sensitive EMI contacts on the bottom of the

EMM, do not stack EMMs or place them on a hard surface.

Figure 3-4. Removing and Installing an EMM

enclosure

.

and place it on a flat, secure

1 release tab 2 release lever

Installing Enclosure Components 33

21

Installing an EMM

1

Carefully insert the EMM into the empty module slot.

2

Push the module to the back of the slot until it is firmly seated in the
backplane connector (see Figure 3-4).

3

Push the release lever in (toward the
retracted into the slot and secure.

4

If necessary, update the firmware for your EMM(s). See the Dell Support
website at
updates.

For information on EMM connections and cabling, see "Operating Your
Storage Enclosure" on page 21.

support.dell.com

NOTE: If you have two EMMs installed, both must be running the same

firmware version. For information on updating firmware, see "Downloading
Firmware" on page 26.

for the latest information on firmware

enclosure

) until the module is

Installing an EMM Module Cover in an Empty Bay

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system

cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this
procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system.

If your enclosure configuration calls for a single EMM, the empty EMM bay
must contain a module cover to ensure proper airflow.

Installing and Removing an EMM Module Cover

1

Align the edges of the module cover with the edges of the EMM bay (see
Figure 3-5).

2

Push the module cover into the bay until it snaps into place.

3

To remove the module cover, pull out on the thin tabs on each end of the
cover and slide the cover out of the EMM bay.

34 Installing Enclosure Components

Figure 3-5. Removing and Installing an EMM Module Cover

1 tabs (2) 2 module cover

Removing and Installing the Power
Supply/Cooling Fan Module

2

1

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system

cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this
procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system.

Your enclosure supports two separate modules containing an integrated power
supply and four cooling fans. While the enclosure can operate temporarily
with only one functional power supply, both cooling modules (with four fans
each) must be present for proper cooling. Seven of the eight individual fans
must be operational to avoid overheating of the enclosure.

NOTICE: A single power supply/cooling module can be removed from a powered-

on enclosure for a maximum period of 5 minutes. Beyond that time, the enclosure
may automatically shut down to prevent damage.

Installing Enclosure Components 35

Removing a Power Supply/Cooling Fan Module

NOTICE: Power supply/cooling fan modules are hot-pluggable. Provided one

power supply/cooling fan module is functioning normally, you can remove or
replace the other while the enclosure is powered on.

NOTE: If you remove a fully functioning power supply/cooling fan module, the fan

speed in the remaining module will increase significantly to provide adequate
cooling. The fan speed will decrease gradually when a new power supply/cooling
fan module is installed.

1

Turn off the power supply you intend to remove using the on/off switch.

2

Unplug the AC power cable.

Figure 3-6. Replacing the Power Supply

1

1 power supply 2 handle

3 release tab 4 on/off switch

36 Installing Enclosure Components

4

3

2

CAUTION: The power supply/cooling fan modules are heavy. Use both hands

when removing.

3

Press the release tab inward and grasp the handle on the power supply,
carefully pulling the module out of the bay (see Figure 3-6).

NOTICE: The power-supply handle is provided to ease the task of pulling the

module from the bay. Do not use this handle to carry the module, or use it to carry
the enclosure itself.

Installing a Power Supply/Cooling Fan Module

1

Carefully slide the new power supply/cooling fan module approximately
two-thirds of the way into the empty bay.

2

Gently push the module all the way to the back of the bay until it is firmly
seated in the backplane connector.

NOTE: If the enclosure is powered on, all power supply LEDs (see Figure 1-7)

remain off until you connect the AC power cable to the power supply and turn
on the on/off switch.

3

Connect the AC power cable to the new power supply and to an electrical
outlet.

4

Turn on the on/off switch on the new power supply.

Removing and Installing the Control Panel

The control panel powers the LED indicators on the front panel of the
system, as well as the Enclosure Mode Selection switch. It is connected to the
backplane and cannot be removed or replaced unless the system is powered
down.

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system

cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this
procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system.

Removing the Control Panel

1

Power down your host server.

2

Power down your enclosure.

3

Disconnect all power cables to the enclosure.

Installing Enclosure Components 37

4

Remove the

physical disk

s in slots 0 through 7 from the enclosure (see

"Removing and Installing Physical Disks" on page 28).

NOTE: To avoid confusion when re-installing the physical disks, mark each

disk with its slot position as you remove it.

Figure 3-7. Removing and Replacing the Control Panel

2

1

1 control panel 2 release plunger

5

Pull the release plunger toward the inside of the empty enclosure and slide
the control panel straight out from its connector on the backplane (see
Figure 3-7).

38 Installing Enclosure Components

Installing the Control Panel

1

Align the top and bottom channels on the control panel with the insert
slots on the edge of the chassis (see Figure 3-7).

2

Slide the control panel into the slot, pulling the release plunger toward the
inside of the enclosure. Once the control panel is halfway into the slot,
release the release plunger and push the panel fully into the enclosure. The
release plunger will snap into place when it seats securely into the
backplane connector.

3

Re-install any
Physical Disks" on page 28).

4

Reconnect power cables to the enclosure and power it back on.

5

Power on the host server.

physical disk

s you removed (see "Removing and Installing

Removing and Installing the Midplane

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system

cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this
procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system.

The enclosure midplane contains the connectors for the physical disks,
EMMs, control panel, and power supply/cooling modules.

1

Complete the "Removing the Control Panel" on page 37 steps as shown in
"Removing and Installing the Control Panel" on page 37.

2

Remove the EMMs from the
EMM" on page 33).

3

Remove both power supply/cooling modules from the
"Removing and Installing the Power Supply/Cooling Fan Module" on
page 35.)

4

Remove the seven Phillips screws holding the EMM/power supply cage in
the

enclosure

(see Figure 3-8).

enclosure

. (See "Removing and Installing an

enclosure

. (See

Installing Enclosure Components 39

Figure 3-8. Removing and Replacing the EMM/Power Supply Cage

1

2

1 screws (7) 3 alignment pin (6)

2 removal ring 4 EMM/power supply cage

4

3

5

Grasp the cage removal ring in the bottom center of the rear enclosure.
Pull out and lift up and over the alignment pins to remove the cage from
the enclosure.

6

Remove the six Phillips screws holding the midplane in place and pull it
out of the enclosure. (See Figure 3-9.)

7

To re-install the midplane, reverse the previous steps.

40 Installing Enclosure Components

Figure 3-9. Removing and Installing the Midplane

1 screws (6) 2 midplane

NOTE: If you replace a midplane on an existing enclosure, you must reset

your Service Tag information. Consult with your Dell service representative if
you are not familiar with this process.

2

1

Also, if you modified the temperature warning thresholds to be different from
the default enclosure values, use your management software to restore your
desired temperature threshold values. For more information, see your
management software documentation.

Installing Enclosure Components 41

42 Installing Enclosure Components

Troubleshooting Your Enclosure

Safety First—For You and Your Enclosure

To perform certain procedures in this document, you must work inside the
enclosure. While working inside the enclosure, do not attempt to perform
service except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in your
documentation.

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system

cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this
procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system.

Start-Up Routine

Look and listen during the enclosure's start-up routine for the indications
described in Table 4-1. For a description of the front- and back-panel
indicators, see "About Your System" on page 7.

Table 4-1. Start-Up Routine Indications

Look/listen for: Action

A series of beeps emitted by the
enclosure.

Alert messages. See the Server Administrator documentation.

An unfamiliar constant scraping or
grinding sound when you access a
physical disks.

See "Enclosure Alarms" on page 20.

See "Getting Help" on page 53.

Troubleshooting a Loss of Communication
Condition

The following activities may cause loss of communication to occur:

• Installing or replacing an EMM while the server is online

• Downloading enclosure firmware

Troubleshooting Your Enclosure 43

• Disconnecting the cables to the enclosure or EMM while the server is
online

• Powering down the enclosure while the server is online

NOTE: In a split-mode configuration, these conditions apply to the server that is

directly attached to the affected EMM. In a unified-mode configuration, these
conditions apply when communication is lost to any enclosure in the daisy chain.

Problem

• The PERC 6/E Adapter Ctrl-R utility reports:

– Physical disks and virtual disks as Offline, Degraded, Failed, or Foreign

• Server Administrator Storage Management reports:

– Lost Communication alert(s) to the Server Administrator Alert Log

– The enclosure, physical disks, and virtual disks as Offline, Degraded,

Failed, or Foreign

NOTE: These messages are logged as a result of a loss of communication and do

not indicate actual hardware component failures.

Action

1

Power down the server.

2

Verify that all storage subsystem cabling between the PERC 6/E Adapter
and all attached enclosures, including daisy-chained enclosures, is properly
connected and secured.

3

Ensure that all the enclosures are powered up.

4

Power up the server.

The PERC 6/E Adapter should recover without any additional user
intervention or warning/error messages.

Problem

• Warning Messages During POST:

– Foreign Configuration

– Failed Virtual Disks

44 Troubleshooting Your Enclosure

Action

• Foreign Configuration

1

Enter the Ctrl-R utility

2

Import the foreign configuration (right click "controller" for a drop-down
menu with this selection).

• Failed Virtual Disks

NOTE: This warning message appears if one or more virtual disk(s) are

spanned across two or more enclosures or if an enclosure in split mode is
shared by one server.

3

During POST, press <Ctrl><R> to enter the Ctrl-R utility.

4

Find the virtual disk(s) marked as Failed and record all settings from the
Properties screen, including RAID level, physical disk members, physical
disk order (sequence), virtual disk size, and stripe (element) size.

5

Delete the failed virtual disk.

6

Clear the remaining foreign configuration.

7

Re-create the original virtual disk using the original set of
and the identical parameters recorded in step 4. This re-establishes the
configuration information.

NOTE: Do not initialize the new virtual disks.

8

Exit the Ctrl-R utility and boot to the operating system.

For more information on the Ctrl-R utility, see the Dell PERC 6/E Adapter
User’s Guide.

physical disks

,

Troubleshooting External Connections

Loose or improperly connected cables and bent pins are the most likely source
of problems. Ensure that all external cables are securely attached to the external
connectors on your system and that none of the connectors are damaged. See
"Back-Panel Indicators and Features" on page 13 for the back-panel connectors
on your

enclosure

.

Troubleshooting Your Enclosure 45

Troubleshooting a Wet Enclosure

Problem

• Liquid spilled on the

• Excessive humidity.

Action

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system

cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this
procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system.

1

Turn off the enclosure and disconnect all power.

2

Remove all the
Installing Physical Disks" on page 28.

3

Remove the EMMs from the
an EMM" on page 32.

4

Remove the power supply/cooling fan modules from the
"Removing and Installing the Power Supply/Cooling Fan Module" on
page 35.

5

Remove the
Midplane."

6

Let the

7

Reinstall all the components you removed in the previous steps.

8

Reconnect the

If the

enclosure

enclosure

enclosure

enclosure

physical disk

midplane. See "Removing and Installing the

dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours.

enclosure

does not start properly, see "Getting Help" on page 53.

.

s from the

enclosure

to the electrical outlet and turn on the

enclosure

. See "Removing and Installing

. See "Removing and

enclosure

. See

enclosure

.

Troubleshooting a Damaged Enclosure

Problem

•

Enclosure

46 Troubleshooting Your Enclosure

was dropped or damaged.

Action

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system

cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this
procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system.

1

Ensure that the following components are properly installed:

•All

physical disk

enclosure

s (both in their carriers and connected to the

midplane)

• Power supply/cooling fan modules

•EMMs

Enclosure

•

2

Ensure that all cables are properly connected and that there are no bent

midplane

pins in the connector.

3

Run any diagnostics available in Server Administrator.

If the tests fail, see "Getting Help" on page 53.

Troubleshooting Power Supplies

Problem

•

Enclosure

• Power-supply fault indicators are lit.

-status indicators show a problem.

Action

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system

cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this
procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system.

NOTICE: It is recommended to power down the server before powering down the

enclosure to prevent loss of communication.

1

Locate the faulty power supply and determine the status of the LEDs.

If the AC Power LED is not lit, troubleshoot the power cord and power
source into which the power supply is plugged.

• Use a known good power source (outlet).

• Use a known good power cord.

Troubleshooting Your Enclosure 47

If the DC power LED is not lit, verify that the power switch is turned on. If
the power switch is turned on, continue to step 3.

If the power supply's fault indicator is lit, continue to step 3.

NOTICE: Power supply/cooling fan modules are hot-pluggable. The enclosure can

operate on a single functioning power supply; however, both modules must be
installed to ensure proper cooling. A single power supply/cooling fan module can
be removed from the enclosure for up to 5 minutes, provided the other module is
functioning properly. After 5 minutes, the enclosure will overheat and may cause an
automatic thermal shutdown.

2

Ensure that the power supply is properly installed by removing and re­installing it. See "Removing and Installing the Power Supply/Cooling Fan
Module" on page 35.

NOTE: After installing a power supply, allow several seconds for the enclosure

to recognize the power supply and to determine if it is working properly.

3

If the problem persists, see "Getting Help" on page 53.

Troubleshooting Enclosure Cooling Problems

Problem

• Systems management software issues a fan-related error message.

Action

Ensure that none of the following conditions exist:

• Ambient temperature is too high.

• External airflow is obstructed.

• A power supply/cooling fan module has failed. See "Troubleshooting a Fan"
on page 48.

Troubleshooting a Fan

Problem

• Enclosure-status indicator is amber.

• Systems management software issues a fan-related error message.

• Fan status indicator indicates a problem with the fan.

48 Troubleshooting Your Enclosure

Action

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system

cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this
procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system.

1

If available, run the appropriate diagnostic test from Server Administrator.

2

Locate the malfunctioning fan.

3

Ensure that the faulty power supply/cooling fan module is properly
connected to the

4

If the problem persists, see "Getting Help" on page 53.

enclosure

midplane.

Troubleshooting Physical Disks

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system

cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this
procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system.

NOTICE: This procedure can destroy data stored on the physical disk. Before you

continue, back up all files on the disk.

Problem

• A single
Server Administrator Storage Management Service.

Action

1

Remove the
Installing Physical Disks" on page 28.

2

Inspect the

3

Re-install the
Installing Physical Disks" on page 28.

4

Reboot the host server.

If the problem persists, see "Getting Help" on page 53.

physical disk

physical disk

physical disk

physical disk

is not seen in the PERC 6/E Ctrl-R BIOS utility or

from the enclosure. See "Removing and

and midplane connectors for obvious damage.

in its original bay. See "Removing and

Troubleshooting Your Enclosure 49

Problem

•

Physical disk

Action

1

Review the Server Administrator alert logs for possible recovery actions.

NOTE: If a physical disk rebuild is under way, allow the rebuild to complete before

viewing the alert logs.

2

Remove the

status LED is flashing amber.

physical disk

from the enclosure. See "Removing and

Installing Physical Disks" on page 28.

3

Inspect the

4

Re-install the

physical disk

physical disk

and midplane connectors for obvious damage.

in its original bay. See "Removing and

Installing Physical Disks" on page 28.

If the problem persists, see "Getting Help" on page 53.

Problem

• Multiple

physical disk

s are not seen in the PERC 6/E Ctrl-R BIOS utility

or Server Administrator Storage Management Service.

Action

1

Verify that the EMM port link status LED and the EMM status LED are
solid green for each port that is connected to a cable. If they are not, see
"Enclosure Management Module (EMM)" on page 14.

2

Make sure that all cables are attached correctly according to the enclosure
mode you selected. For more information on enclosure modes, see
"Operating Your Storage Enclosure" on page 21.

3

If you reseated cables, reboot the host server.

If the problem persists, refer to "Troubleshooting a Loss of
Communication Condition" on page 43, or see "Getting Help" on page 53.

50 Troubleshooting Your Enclosure

Troubleshooting Enclosure Connections

Problem

• Enclosure is not seen by attached host controller.

Action

1

Verify that the EMM port link status LED and the EMM status LED are
solid green for each port that is connected to a cable. If they are not, see
"Enclosure Management Module (EMM)" on page 14.

2

Make sure that all cables are attached correctly according to the enclosure
mode you selected. For more information on enclosure modes, see
"Operating Your Storage Enclosure" on page 21.

3

If you reseated cables, reboot the host server.

If the problem persists, see "Getting Help" on page 53.

Troubleshooting Your Enclosure 51

52 Troubleshooting Your Enclosure

Getting Help

Contacting Dell

For customers in the United States, call 800-WWW-DELL (800-999-3355).

NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact

information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.

Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options.
Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be
available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or
customer service issues:

1

Visit

support.dell.com

2

Verify your country or region in the
menu at the bottom of the page.

3

Click

Contact Us

4

Select the appropriate service or support link based on your need.

5

Choose the method of contacting Dell that is convenient for you.

.

Choose A Country/Region

on the left side of the page.

drop-down

Getting Help 53

54 Getting Help

Glossary

This section defines or identifies technical terms, abbreviations, and
acronyms used in your system documents.

A — Ampere(s).

AC — Alternating current.

ACPI — Advanced Configuration and Power Interface. A standard interface for

enabling the operating system to direct configuration and power management.

ambient temperature — The temperature of the area or room where the system is
located.

ANSI — American National Standards Institute. The primary organization for
developing technology standards in the U.S.

application — Software designed to help you perform a specific task or series of tasks.
Applications run from the operating system.

ASCII — American Standard Code for Information Interchange.

asset tag — An individual code assigned to a system, usually by an administrator, for

security or tracking purposes.

backup — A copy of a program or data file. As a precaution, back up your system’s
physical disk on a regular basis. Before making a change to the configuration of your
system, back up important start-up files from your operating system.

backup battery — A battery that maintains system configuration, date, and time
information in a special section of memory when the system is turned off.

beep code — A diagnostic message in the form of a pattern of beeps from your
system’s speaker. For example, one beep, followed by a second beep, and then a burst
of three beeps is beep code 1-1-3.

Glossary 55

BIOS — Basic input/output system. Your system’s BIOS contains programs stored on
a flash memory chip. The BIOS controls the following:

• Communications between the processor and peripheral devices

• Miscellaneous functions, such as system messages

bit — The smallest unit of information interpreted by your system.

blade — A module that contains a processor, memory, and a physical disks. The

modules are mounted into a chassis that includes power supplies and fans.

BMC — Baseboard management controller.

boot routine — A program that clears all memory, initializes devices, and loads the

operating system when you start your system. Unless the operating system fails to
respond, you can reboot (also called warm boot) your system by pressing
<Ctrl><Alt><Del>. Otherwise, you must restart the system by pressing the reset
button or by turning the system off and then back on.

bootable diskette — A diskette that is used to start your system if the system will not
boot from the physical disk.

BTU — British thermal unit.

bus — An information pathway between the components of a system. Your system

contains an expansion bus that allows the processor to communicate with controllers
for the peripheral devices connected to the system. Your system also contains an
address bus and a data bus for communications between the processor and RAM.

C — Celsius.

cache — A fast storage area that keeps a copy of data or instructions for quick data

retrieval. When a program makes a request to a physical disk for data that is in the
cache, the disk-cache utility can retrieve the data from RAM faster than from the disk
physical disk.

CD — Compact disc. CD drives use optical technology to read data from CDs.

cm — Centimeter(s).

CMOS — Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor.

56 Glossary

component — As they relate to DMI, components include operating systems,
computer systems, expansion cards, and peripherals that are compatible with DMI.
Each component is made up of groups and attributes that are defined as relevant to
that component.

COMn — The device names for the serial ports on your system.

control panel — The part of the system that contains indicators and controls, such as

the power button and power indicator.

controller — A chip that controls the transfer of data between the processor and
memory or between the processor and a peripheral.

conventional memory — The first 640 KB of RAM. Conventional memory is found in
all systems. Unless they are specially designed, MS-DOS

®

programs are limited to

running in conventional memory.

coprocessor — A chip that relieves the system’s processor of specific processing tasks.
A math coprocessor, for example, handles numeric processing.

CPU — Central processing unit. See processor.

DC — Direct current.

DDR — Double-data rate. A technology in memory modules that potentially doubles

the output.

device driver — A program that allows the operating system or some other program to
interface correctly with a peripheral. Some device drivers—such as network drivers—
must be loaded from the config.sys file or as memory-resident programs (usually, from
the autoexec.bat file). Others must load when you start the program for which they
were designed.

DHCP — Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A method of automatically
assigning an IP address to a client system.

diagnostics — A comprehensive set of tests for your system.

DIMM — Dual in-line memory module. See also memory module.

DIN — Deutsche Industrie Norm.

Glossary 57

directory — Directories help keep related files organized on a disk in a hierarchical,
“inverted tree” structure. Each disk has a “root” directory. Additional directories that
branch off the root directory are called subdirectories. Subdirectories may contain
additional directories branching off them.

DMA — Direct memory access. A DMA channel allows certain types of data transfer
between RAM and a device to bypass the processor.

DMI — Desktop Management Interface. DMI enables the management of your
system’s software and hardware by collecting information about the system’s
components, such as the operating system, memory, peripherals, expansion cards, and
asset tag.

DNS — Domain Name System. A method of translating Internet domain names,
such as www.dell.com, into IP addresses, such as 143.166.83.200.

DRAM — Dynamic random-access memory. A system’s RAM is usually made up
entirely of DRAM chips.

DVD — Digital versatile disc.

ECC — Error checking and correction.

EEPROM — Electronically erasable programmable read-only memory.

EMC — Electromagnetic compatibility.

EMI — Electromagnetic interference.

EMM — Enclosure Management Module.

ERA — Embedded remote access. ERA allows you to perform remote, or "out-of-

band," server management on your network server using a remote access controller.

ESD — Electrostatic discharge.

ESM — Embedded server management.

expansion bus — Your system contains an expansion bus that allows the processor to

communicate with controllers for peripherals, such as NICs.

58 Glossary

expansion card — An add-in card, such as a NIC or SCSI adapter, that plugs into an
expansion-card connector on the system board. An expansion card adds some
specialized function to the system by providing an interface between the expansion
bus and a peripheral.

expansion-card connector — A connector on the system board or riser board for
plugging in an expansion card.

expansion enclosure — An add-on storage enclosure attached to an existing storage
enclosure or array designed to increase the overall capacity of the attached storage
solution.

F — Fahrenheit.

FAT — File allocation table. The file system structure used by MS-DOS to organize

and keep track of file storage. The Microsoft

®

Windows® operating systems can

optionally use a FAT file system structure.

flash memory — A type of EEPROM chip that can be reprogrammed from a utility
on diskette while still installed in a system; most EEPROM chips can only be
rewritten with special programming equipment.

format — To prepare a physical disk for storing files. An unconditional format deletes
all data stored on the disk.

FSB — Front-side bus. The FSB is the data path and physical interface between the
processor and the main memory (RAM).

ft — Feet.

FTP — File transfer protocol.

g — Gram(s).

G — Gravities.

Gb — Gigabit(s); 1024 megabits or 1,073,741,824 bits.

GB — Gigabyte(s); 1024 megabytes or 1,073,741,824 bytes. However, when referring

to physical disk capacity, the term is usually rounded to 1,000,000,000 bytes.

Glossary 59

graphics mode — A video mode that can be defined as x horizontal by y vertical pixels
by z colors.

group — As it relates to DMI, a group is a data structure that defines common
information, or attributes, about a manageable component.

guarding — A type of data redundancy in which a set of physical disks stores data and
an additional physical disk stores parity data. See also mirroring, striping, and RAID.

h — Hexadecimal. A base-16 numbering system, often used in programming to
identify addresses in the system’s RAM and I/O memory addresses for devices. In text,
hexadecimal numbers are often followed by h.

headless system — A system or device that functions without having a keyboard,
mouse, or monitor attached. Normally, headless systems are managed over a network
using an Internet browser.

host adapter — A host adapter implements communication between the system’s bus
and the controller for a peripheral device. (Physical disk controller subsystems include
integrated host adapter circuitry.) To add a SCSI expansion bus to your system, you
must install or connect the appropriate host adapter.

hot-pluggable — The ability to remove a system component or attached device
without powering down the system. While a component may be "hot-pluggable," you
should never remove a component or device while data traffic is occurring that
involves the component. For more information, see the documentation for your
specific component or device.

Hz — Hertz.

I/O — Input/output. A keyboard is an input device, and a monitor is an output

device. In general, I/O activity can be differentiated from computational activity.

ID — Identification.

IDE — Integrated drive electronics. A standard interface between the system board

and storage devices.

integrated mirroring — Provides simultaneous physical mirroring of two physical
disks. Integrated mirroring functionality is provided by the system’s hardware. See
also mirroring.

60 Glossary

internal processor cache — An instruction and data cache built into the processor.

IP — Internet Protocol.

IPX — Internet package exchange.

IRQ — Interrupt request. A signal that data is about to be sent to or received by a

peripheral device travels by an IRQ line to the processor. Each peripheral connection
must be assigned an IRQ number. Two devices can share the same IRQ assignment,
but you cannot operate both devices simultaneously.

jumper — Small blocks on a circuit board with two or more pins emerging from them.
Plastic plugs containing a wire fit down over the pins. The wire connects the pins and
creates a circuit, providing a simple and reversible method of changing the circuitry in
a board.

K — Kilo-; 1000.

Kb — Kilobit(s); 1024 bits.

KB — Kilobyte(s); 1024 bytes.

Kbps — Kilobit(s) per second.

KBps — Kilobyte(s) per second.

key combination — A command requiring you to press multiple keys at the same

time (for example, <Ctrl><Alt><Del>).

kg — Kilogram(s); 1000 grams.

kHz — Kilohertz.

KMM — Keyboard/monitor/mouse.

KVM — Keyboard/video/mouse. KVM refers to a switch that allows selection of the

system from which the video is displayed and for which the keyboard and mouse are
used.

Glossary 61

LAN — Local area network. A LAN is usually confined to the same building or a few
nearby buildings, with all equipment linked by wiring dedicated specifically to the
LAN.

lb — Pound(s).

LCD — Liquid crystal display.

LED — Light-emitting diode. An electronic device that lights up when a current is

passed through it.

Linux — A UNIX-like operating system that runs on a variety of hardware systems.
Linux is open source software, which is freely available; however, the full distribution
of Linux along with technical support and training are available for a fee from vendors
such as Red Hat Software.

local bus — On a system with local-bus expansion capability, certain peripheral
devices (such as the video adapter circuitry) can be designed to run much faster than
they would with a traditional expansion bus. See also bus.

LVD — Low voltage differential.

m — Meter(s).

mA — Milliampere(s).

MAC address — Media Access Control address. Your system’s unique hardware

number on a network.

mAh — Milliampere-hour(s).

Mb — Megabit(s); 1,048,576 bits.

MB — Megabyte(s); 1,048,576 bytes. However, when referring to physical disk

capacity, the term is often rounded to mean 1,000,000 bytes.

Mbps — Megabits per second.

MBps — Megabytes per second.

MBR — Master boot record.

62 Glossary

memory address — A specific location, usually expressed as a hexadecimal number, in
the system’s RAM.

memory module — A small circuit board containing DRAM chips that connects to
the system board.

memory — An area in your system that stores basic system data. A system can contain
several different forms of memory, such as integrated memory (ROM and RAM) and
add-in memory modules (DIMMs).

MHz — Megahertz.

mirroring — A type of data redundancy in which a set of physical disks stores data

and one or more sets of additional disks stores duplicate copies of the data. Mirroring
functionality is provided by software. See also guarding, integrated mirroring, striping,
and RAID.

mm — Millimeter(s).

ms — Millisecond(s).

NAS — Network Attached Storage. NAS is one of the concepts used for

implementing shared storage on a network. NAS systems have their own operating
systems, integrated hardware, and software that are optimized to serve specific storage
needs.

NIC — Network interface controller. A device that is installed or integrated in a
system to allow connection to a network.

NMI — Nonmaskable interrupt. A device sends an NMI to signal the processor about
hardware errors.

ns — Nanosecond(s).

NTFS — The NT File System option in the Windows 2000 operating system.

NVRAM — Nonvolatile random-access memory. Memory that does not lose its

contents when you turn off your system. NVRAM is used for maintaining the date,
time, and system configuration information.

parity — Redundant information that is associated with a block of data.

Glossary 63

partition — You can divide a physical disk into multiple physical sections called

partitions with the fdisk command. Each partition can contain multiple logical
physical disks. You must format each logical disk with the format command.

PCI — Peripheral Component Interconnect. A standard for local-bus
implementation.

PDU — Power distribution unit. A power source with multiple power outlets that
provides electrical power to servers and storage systems in a rack.

peripheral — An internal or external device, such as a physical disk or keyboard,
connected to a system.

PGA — Pin grid array. A type of processor socket that allows you to remove the
processor chip.

pixel — A single point on a video display. Pixels are arranged in rows and columns to
create an image. A video resolution, such as 640 x 480, is expressed as the number of
pixels across by the number of pixels up and down.

physical disk — A hard drive installed in the RAID enclosure.

POST — Power-on self-test. Before the operating system loads when you turn on your

system, the POST tests various system components such as RAM and physical disks.

processor — The primary computational chip inside the system that controls the
interpretation and execution of arithmetic and logic functions. Software written for
one processor must usually be revised to run on another processor. CPU is a synonym
for processor.

protected mode — An operating mode that allows operating systems to implement:

• A memory address space of 16 MB to 4 GB

• Multitasking

• Virtual memory, a method for increasing addressable memory by using the physical
disk

®

The Windows 2000 and UNIX

32-bit operating systems run in protected mode. MS-

DOS cannot run in protected mode.

PS/2 — Personal System/2.

64 Glossary

PXE — Preboot eXecution Environment. A way of booting a system via a LAN
(without a physical disk or bootable diskette).

RAC — Remote access controller.

RAID — Redundant array of independent disks. A method of providing data

redundancy. Some common implementations of RAID include RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, RAID 50, and RAID 60. See also guarding, mirroring, and
striping.

RAM — Random-access memory. The system’s primary temporary storage area for
program instructions and data. Any information stored in RAM is lost when you turn
off your system.

RAS — Remote Access Service. This service allows users running the Windows
operating system to remotely access a network from their system using a modem.

readme file — A text file, usually shipped with software or hardware, that contains
information supplementing or updating the product’s documentation.

read-only file — A read-only file is one that you are prohibited from editing or
deleting.

ROM — Read-only memory. Your system contains some programs essential to its
operation in ROM code. A ROM chip retains its contents even after you turn off your
system. Examples of code in ROM include the program that initiates your system’s
boot routine and the POST.

ROMB — RAID on motherboard.

rpm — Revolutions per minute.

RTC — Real-time clock.

SAS — Serial Attached SCSI. An interface that provides a direct, two-port

connection between a physical disk and a data controller.

SATA — Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. A standard interface between the
system board and storage devices.

Glossary 65

SCSI — Small computer system interface. An I/O bus interface with faster data
transmission rates than standard ports.

SDRAM — Synchronous dynamic random-access memory.

sec — Second(s).

serial port — An I/O port used most often to connect a modem to your system. You

can usually identify a serial port on your system by its 9-pin connector.

service tag — A bar code label on the system used to identify it when you call Dell for
technical support.

simple disk volume — The volume of free space on a single dynamic, physical disk.

SMART — Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology. Allows physical disks

to report errors and failures to the system BIOS and then display an error message on
the screen.

SMP — Symmetric multiprocessing. Used to describe a system that has two or more
processors connected via a high-bandwidth link and managed by an operating system,
where each processor has equal access to I/O devices.

SNMP — Simple Network Management Protocol. A standard interface that allows a
network manager to remotely monitor and manage workstations.

spanning — Spanning, or concatenating, disk volumes combines unallocated space
from multiple disks into one logical volume, allowing more efficient use of all the
space and all physical disk letters on a multiple-disk system.

storage array — An enclosure containing a group of physical disks controlled by
software installed on the enclosure, or on a separate management system.

striping — Disk striping writes data across three or more disks in an array, but only
uses a portion of the space on each disk. The amount of space used by a "stripe" is the
same on each disk used. A virtual disk may use several stripes on the same set of disks
in an array. See also guarding, mirroring, and RAID.

SVGA — Super video graphics array. VGA and SVGA are video standards for video
adapters with greater resolution and color display capabilities than previous standards.

66 Glossary

system board — As the main circuit board, the system board usually contains most of
your system’s integral components, such as the processor, RAM, controllers for
peripherals, and various ROM chips.

system configuration information — Data stored in memory that tells a system what
hardware is installed and how the system should be configured for operation.

system diskette — See bootable diskette.

system memory — See RAM.

System Setup program — A BIOS-based program that allows you to configure your

system’s hardware and customize the system’s operation by setting features such as
password protection. Because the System Setup program is stored in NVRAM, any
settings remain in effect until you change them again.

system.ini file — A start-up file for the Windows operating system. When you start
Windows, it consults the system.ini file to determine a variety of options for the
Windows operating environment. Among other things, the system.ini file records
which video, mouse, and keyboard drivers are installed for Windows.

TCP/IP — Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.

termination — Some devices (such as the last device at each end of a SCSI cable)

must be terminated to prevent reflections and spurious signals in the cable. When
such devices are connected in a series, you may need to enable or disable the
termination on these devices by changing jumper or switch settings on the devices or
by changing settings in the configuration software for the devices.

UNIX — Universal Internet Exchange. UNIX, the precursor to Linux, is an operating
system written in the C programming language.

uplink port — A port on a network hub or switch used to connect to other hubs or
switches without requiring a crossover cable.

UPS — Uninterruptible power supply. A battery-powered unit that automatically
supplies power to your system in the event of an electrical failure.

USB — Universal Serial Bus. A USB connector provides a single connection point for
multiple USB-compliant devices, such as mice and keyboards. USB devices can be
connected and disconnected while the system is running.

Glossary 67

utility — A program used to manage system resources—memory, physical disks, or
printers, for example.

UTP — Unshielded twisted pair. A type of wiring used to connect systems in a
business or home to a telephone line.

V — Volt(s).

VAC — Volt(s) alternating current.

VDC — Volt(s) direct current.

VGA — Video graphics array. VGA and SVGA are video standards for video adapters

with greater resolution and color display capabilities than previous standards.

video adapter — The logical circuitry that provides (in combination with the
monitor) your system’s video capabilities. A video adapter may be integrated into the
system board or may be an expansion card that plugs into an expansion slot.

video driver — A program that allows graphics-mode application programs and
operating systems to display at a chosen resolution with the desired number of colors.
Video drivers may need to match the video adapter installed in the system.

video memory — Most VGA and SVGA video adapters include memory chips in
addition to your system’s RAM. The amount of video memory installed primarily
influences the number of colors that a program can display (with the appropriate
video drivers and monitor capabilities).

video resolution — Video resolution (800 x 600, for example) is expressed as the
number of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down. To display a program at
a specific graphics resolution, you must install the appropriate video drivers and your
monitor must support the resolution.

68 Glossary

W — Watt(s).

WH — Watt-hour(s).

win.ini file — A start-up file for the Windows operating system. When you start

Windows, it consults the win.ini file to determine a variety of options for the
Windows operating environment. The win.ini file also usually includes sections that
contain optional settings for Windows application programs that are installed on the
physical disk.

Windows 2000 — An integrated and complete Microsoft Windows operating system
that does not require MS-DOS and that provides advanced operating system
performance, improved ease of use, enhanced workgroup functionality, and simplified
file management and browsing.

Windows Powered — A Windows operating system designed for use on NAS systems.
For NAS systems, the Windows Powered operating system is dedicated to file service
for network clients.

Windows Server 2003 — A set of Microsoft software technologies that enable
software integration through the use of XML Web services. XML Web services are
small reusable applications written in XML that allow data to be communicated
between otherwise unconnected sources.

XML — Extensible Markup Language. XML is a way to create common information
formats and to share both the format and the data on the World Wide Web,
intranets, and elsewhere.

ZIF — Zero insertion force.

Glossary 69

70 Glossary

Index

A

alarms, 19

C

cabling

enclosure options, 21
split mode, 22
unified mode, 22

contacting Dell, 53

cooling fan

features, 18
troubleshooting, 48

D

damaged systems

troubleshooting, 46

Dell

contacting, 53

E

bay cover, 34
installing, 34
removing, 33

enclosure mode

cabling, 21
changing, 25
split, 21
unified, 21

F

firmware

downloading, 26

front bezel

removing and replacing, 27

front-panel indicators

LED indicators, 10

H

hard drives

installing and removing, 30
removing and replacing, 29

enclosure

installing, 27
managing, 26

enclosure management

module, 14

M

managing

storage enclosure, 26

midplane

Index 81

cage, 39
installing and replacing, 39

P

phone numbers, 53

power supplies

troubleshooting, 47

damaged system, 46
external connections, 45
hard drive, 49
power supplies, 47
start-up routine, 43
system cooling, 48
wet system, 46

power supply

features, 18

R

rack-mounted systems

installing, 21

S

safety, 43

support

contacting Dell, 53

system cooling

troubleshooting, 48

T

telephone numbers, 53

thermal thresholds, 18

W

warranty, 7

tools needed, 27

troubleshooting, 43

cooling fan, 48

82 Index