IBM FlashSystem A9000R, 9835-415, 9837-415 Deployment Manual
IBM FlashSystem A9000R
Models 9835-415 and 9837-415
Deployment Guide
IBM
GC27-8565-03
Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, read the information in “Safety and environmental notices” on
page xi and “Notices” on page 91.
Edition Notice
Publication number: GC27-8565-03.
This publication applies to IBM FlashSystem A9000R, replacing GC27-8565-02, and shall remain applicable to all
product releases and modifications until replaced by a newer publication.
© Copyright IBM Corporation 2016, 2017.
US Government Users Restricted Rights – Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract
with IBM Corp.
Contents
Figures ................................... vii
Tables .................................... ix
Safety and environmental notices ........................ xi
Safety notices and labels ............................... xi
Special caution and safety notices ............................ xii
Laser safety .................................. xii
Ladder usage ................................. xiii
Fire suppression systems ............................. xiii
Power cables ................................. xiii
Sound pressure ................................. xiv
Leakage current ................................ xiv
Site preparation................................. xiv
Environmental notices ............................... xvi
About this guide ............................... xvii
Who should use this guide.............................. xvii
Roles and responsibilities .............................. xvii
Conventions used in this guide ............................ xviii
Related information and publications .......................... xix
Getting information, help, and service .......................... xx
IBM Publications Center ............................... xx
Sending or posting your comments ........................... xx
Chapter 1. Overview .............................. 1
Chapter 2. System specifications ......................... 5
Chapter 3. Physical configuration options ..................... 9
FlashSystem A9000R grid elements ............................ 9
Components and interconnect ............................. 10
Rack configurations................................. 11
Flash enclosure components and feature codes ....................... 13
Grid controller components and feature codes ........................ 14
Rear-door heat exchanger............................... 15
Weight-reduced shipping option ............................ 17
Height reduced shipping option ............................ 17
Radio frequency identification device option ........................ 18
Chapter 4. Physical installation site requirements ................. 19
Floor and space requirements ............................. 19
Raised or non-raised floor considerations ........................ 20
Floor-load requirements .............................. 21
Rack dimensions and service clearance requirements .................... 22
Preparing for raised-floor installation and cabling ..................... 24
Preparing for non-raised-floor installation and cabling .................... 25
Preparing for the rear-door heat exchanger ........................ 26
Power requirements ................................ 26
Power sources ................................. 27
Power consumption ............................... 27
Input voltages and frequencies ............................ 28
Main power cables specifications ........................... 29
Environmental requirements.............................. 32
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2016, 2017 iii
Operating and shipping environment requirements ..................... 32
Air circulation and cooling ............................. 33
Contamination information ............................. 35
Acoustic declaration ............................... 37
Operating vibration requirements ........................... 37
Planning for the rear-door heat exchanger ......................... 38
Rear-door heat exchanger operating specifications ..................... 38
Rear-door heat exchanger performance ......................... 39
Preparing your site to provide water to the rear-door heat exchanger ............... 41
Secondary cooling loop parts and services information .................... 57
Maintenance schedule ............................... 60
Site security considerations .............................. 60
Chapter 5. Network and host connectivity requirements .............. 63
Network connections for management .......................... 63
Management port requirements............................. 64
Network configurations ............................... 66
Host ports configuration .............................. 66
Fibre Channel (FC) network configurations ........................ 67
iSCSI network configurations ............................ 69
Network cable requirements .............................. 71
Network and host connectivity security information ...................... 71
IPv6 addresses ................................. 71
Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) ........................... 71
Authorization rules for managing multiple systems ..................... 72
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) ...................... 72
Chapter 6. Planning for physical shipment .................... 75
Planning to receive delivery .............................. 75
Planning for relocation ............................... 76
Shipment weights and dimensions............................ 76
Chapter 7. Planning for remote support, on-site service, and maintenance ...... 79
Planning for remote support connection .......................... 79
Remote support for severe system conditions ....................... 81
Planning for Call Home ............................... 81
Planning for Call Home Web ............................ 82
Required support information ............................. 84
Support and software maintenance security information .................... 86
Chapter 8. PCI DSS compliance ......................... 89
Notices ................................... 91
Trademarks ................................... 92
Homologation statement ............................... 92
Electronic emission notices .............................. 92
Federal Communications Commission Statement ...................... 92
Industry Canada Compliance Statement ......................... 93
Australia and New Zealand Class A Statement ...................... 93
European Union Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive ................... 93
Germany Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive ..................... 93
People's Republic of China Class A Statement ....................... 95
Taiwan Class A Statement ............................. 95
Taiwan Contact Information ............................. 95
Japan Voluntary Control Council for Interference Class A Statement ............... 95
Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association Statement ........... 96
Korean Communications Commission Class A Statement ................... 96
Russia Electromagnetic Interference Class A Statement .................... 97
iv IBM FlashSystem A9000R Models 9835-415 and 9837-415 Deployment Guide
Index .................................... 99
Contents v
vi IBM FlashSystem A9000R Models 9835-415 and 9837-415 Deployment Guide
Figures
1. IBM FlashSystem A9000R storage system ........................ 1
2. Grid element – 2 grid controllers and 1 flash enclosure ................... 10
3. Fully-populated IBM FlashSystem A9000R ....................... 12
4. Minimally-populated IBM FlashSystem A9000R ..................... 13
5. Front of a flash enclosure ............................. 14
6. Rear of a flash enclosure ............................. 14
7. Front of a grid controller ............................. 15
8. Rear of a grid controller with FC configuration ..................... 15
9. Rear of a grid controller with 10 Gb Ethernet configuration ................. 15
10. Rear-door heat exchanger option kit ......................... 16
11. Clearance requirements for servicing the FlashSystem A9000R rack ............... 23
12. Bottom rack dimensions and castor placements ..................... 24
13. Raised floor requirements ............................. 25
14. Typical performance of a rear-door heat exchanger, 32 kW heat load .............. 40
15. Typical performance of a rear-door heat exchanger, 20 kW heat load .............. 41
16. Cooling distribution unit that uses off-the-shelf supplier solutions ............... 45
17. Cooling distribution unit that uses a water chiller unit to provide conditioned water ......... 46
18. Cooling distribution unit that uses a fabricated facilities solution................ 47
19. Primary and secondary cooling loops ......................... 48
20. Typical central manifold (at a central location for multiple water circuits) ............. 50
21. Typical extended manifold (located along aisles between racks) ................ 50
22. Raised-floor hose management example 1: hose exit through floor tile at the door hinge ........ 52
23. Raised-floor hose management example 2: tile cutout size and position ............. 53
24. Raised-floor and non-raised-floor hose management example 2: loop under the rack with door closed 54
25. Raised floor and non-raised floor hose management example 2: loop under the rack with door open ... 55
26. Non-raised floor hose requirements ......................... 56
27. Eaton-Williams cooling distribution unit features ..................... 59
28. Utility patch panel ............................... 63
29. Crossing Fibre Channel grid controller ports ...................... 67
30. Fibre Channel port numbering on the grid controllers ................... 68
31. iSCSI port numbering on the grid controllers ...................... 69
32. Maximum tilt for a packaged rack is 10 degrees. ..................... 76
33. Remote support components ............................ 80
34. IBM Call Home and Call Home Web ......................... 83
35. Machine type and model, and serial number label on front of rack ............... 85
36. Machine type and model, and serial number on rear of rack ................. 86
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2016, 2017 vii
viii IBM FlashSystem A9000R Models 9835-415 and 9837-415 Deployment Guide
Tables
1. Components and interconnection options in IBM FlashSystem A9000R .............. 10
2. Feature codes for flash enclosures .......................... 14
3. Feature codes for grid controllers .......................... 15
4. Rear-door heat exchanger features .......................... 17
5. Floor weight-support requirements.......................... 21
6. Rack dimensions and clearance requirements ...................... 22
7. Power consumption ............................... 28
8. Input voltages and frequencies ........................... 28
9. Main power cables ............................... 30
10. Thermal dissipation for FlashSystem A9000R system .................... 34
11. Airflow requirements .............................. 35
12. FlashSystem A9000R system temperature thresholds and events ................ 35
13. Acoustic declaration .............................. 37
14. Vibration levels ................................ 38
15. Random vibration PSD profile breakpoints ....................... 38
16. Operational shock levels ............................. 38
17. Rear-door heat exchanger specifications ........................ 39
18. Miscellaneous secondary loop parts supplier information for customers in North America, Europe, Middle
East, Africa, Asia Pacific ............................. 57
19. Services supplier information for customers in North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific 58
20. Cooling distribution unit supplier information for customers in Europe ............. 58
21. Eaton-Williams cooling distribution unit specifications ................... 59
22. Utility patch panel connections ........................... 63
23. Management protocols through TCP/IP ........................ 65
24. Example of recommended fabric zoning ........................ 68
25. Example of recommended switch subnets ....................... 70
26. Required cable types .............................. 71
27. Typical delivery clearance requirements ........................ 76
28. Floor weight-support requirements.......................... 77
29. Call Home configuration information ......................... 82
30. PCI-DSS Support................................ 89
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2016, 2017 ix
x IBM FlashSystem A9000R Models 9835-415 and 9837-415 Deployment Guide
Safety and environmental notices
Review the safety notices, environmental notices, and electronic emission notices
for this product before you install and use the product.
Safety notices and labels
Review the safety notices and safety information labels before using this product.
IBM Systems safety notices and information
This publication contains the safety notices for the IBM Systems products in
English and other languages. It also contains safety information labels found on
the hardware in English and other languages. Anyone who plans, installs, operates,
or services the system must be familiar with and understand the safety notices.
Read the related safety notices before beginning work.
IBM Systems Safety Notices (ibm.com/shop/publications/order/), G229-9054
The publication is organized into three sections:
Safety notices
Lists the danger and caution notices without labels, organized
alphabetically by language.
The following notices and statements are used in IBM documents. They are
listed in order of decreasing severity of potential hazards.
Danger notice definition
A special note that calls attention to a situation that is potentially
lethal or extremely hazardous to people.
Caution notice definition
A special note that calls attention to a situation that is potentially
hazardous to people because of some existing condition, or to a
potentially dangerous situation that might develop because of
some unsafe practice.
Labels Lists the danger and caution notices that are accompanied with a label,
organized by label reference number.
Text-based labels
Lists the safety information labels that might be attached to the hardware
to warn of potential hazards, organized by label reference number.
Note: This product has been designed, tested, and manufactured to comply with
IEC 60950-1, and where required, to relevant national standards that are based on
IEC 60950-1.
Finding translated notices
Each safety notice contains an identification number. You can use this identification
number to check the safety notice in each language. The list of notices that apply
to this product are listed in the “Special caution and safety notices” on page xii
and “Environmental notices” on page xvi topics of this guide.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2016, 2017 xi
To find the translated text for a caution or danger notice:
1. In the product documentation, look for the identification number at the end of
each caution notice or each danger notice. In the following examples, the
numbers (D002) and (C001) are the identification numbers.
DANGER
A danger notice indicates the presence of a hazard that has the potential
of causing death or serious personal injury. (D002)
CAUTION:
A caution notice indicates the presence of a hazard that has the potential of
causing moderate or minor personal injury. (C001)
2. Open the IBM Systems Safety Notices.
3. Under the language, find the matching identification number. Review the topics
concerning the safety notices to ensure that you are in compliance.
To view a PDF file, you need Adobe Reader. You can download it at no charge
from the Adobe website (get.adobe.com/reader/).
Special caution and safety notices
This information describes special safety notices that apply to the FlashSystem
A9000R. These notices are in addition to the standard safety notices supplied and
address specific issues relevant to the equipment provided.
Laser safety
When using an NVRAM5 or NVRAM6 cluster media converter, the storage system
must be installed in a restricted access location.
CAUTION:
This product contains a Class 1M laser. Do not view directly with optical
instruments. (C028)
This equipment contains Class 1 laser products, and complies with FDA radiation
regulations 21 CFR Subchapter J, international laser safety standard IEC 60825
parts -1 and -2, and relevant national standards based on these.
CAUTION:
Data processing environments can contain equipment transmitting on system
links with laser modules that operate at greater than Class 1 power levels. For
this reason, never look into the end of an optical fiber cable or open receptacle.
(C027)
Attention: In the United States, use only SFP or GBIC optical transceivers that
comply with the FDA laser registration, reporting and accessions per the Center for
Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) according to 21 CFR Subchapter J.
Internationally, use only SFP or GBIC optical transceivers that comply with IEC
standard 60825–1. Optical products that do not comply with these standards might
produce light that is hazardous to the eyes.
xii IBM FlashSystem A9000R Models 9835-415 and 9837-415 Deployment Guide
Usage restrictions: The optical ports of the modules must be terminated with an
optical connector or with a dust plug.
Ladder usage
A step or platform ladder might be necessary to service higher modules.
Use an OSHA/CSA approved non-conductive step or platform ladder specified for
at least a 136.4 kg (300 lb.) load capacity.
Fire suppression systems
A fire suppression system is the responsibility of the customer. The insurance
underwriter, local fire marshal, or a local building inspector, or all three, must be
consulted in selecting a fire suppression system that provides the correct level of
coverage and protection.
IBM®designs and manufactures equipment to internal and external standards that
require certain environments for reliable operation. Because IBM does not test any
equipment for compatibility with fire suppression systems, IBM does not make
compatibility claims of any kind nor does IBM provide recommendations on fire
suppression systems.
Power cables
Use only IBM approved UL power cables.
For your safety, IBM provides a power cable with a grounded attachment plug to
use with this IBM product. To avoid electrical shock, always use the power cable
and plug with a correctly grounded outlet. IBM power cables used in the United
States and Canada are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and certified by
the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). For units intended to be operated at
115 volts: Use a UL-listed and CSA-certified cable set consisting of a minimum 18
AWG, Type SVT or SJT, three-conductor cable, a maximum of 15 feet in length and
a parallel blade, grounding-type attachment plug rated 15 amperes, 125 volts. For
units intended to be operated at 230 volts (U.S. use), use a UL-listed and
CSA-certified cable set consisting of a minimum 18 AWG, Type SVT or SJT,
three-conductor cable, a maximum of 15 feet in length and a tandem blade,
grounding-type attachment plug rated 15 amperes, 250 volts. For units intended to
be operated at 230 volts (outside the U.S.), use a cable set with a grounding type
attachment plug. The cable set must have the appropriate safety approvals for the
country in which the equipment is to be installed. IBM power cables for a specific
country or region are usually available only in that country or region.
Connect all power cables to a correctly wired and grounded electrical outlet.
Ensure that the outlets supplies correct voltage and phase rotation according to the
system rating plate. Ensure that all customer facility outlets are protected with
circuit breakers rated at maximum for 30 Amps. The power cable plugs operate as
the system main-disconnection method.
Note: For power cables outside of the U.S., IBM provides power cables with no
connector. It is the client's responsibility to install the correct power plug with the
aide of a certified electrician. For power requirements, see “Power requirements”
on page 26.
Safety and environmental notices xiii
Sound pressure
Hearing protection must be worn while you service the FlashSystem A9000R
system.
Attention: Depending upon local conditions, the sound pressure might exceed 85
dB(A) during service operations. When working on the FlashSystem A9000R
system while either the front or rear door is in the open position, hearing
protection must be worn.
CAUTION:
Depending upon local conditions, the sound pressure might exceed 85
dB(A) during service operations. Hearing protection must be worn when you are
in a room that has an FlashSystem A9000R system while either the front or rear
door is open or when the front and rear doors are not installed.
Leakage current
The FlashSystem A9000R system incorporates electromagnetic-interference filter
capacitors that are required to prevent electrical noise from penetrating the power
grid. A characteristic of filter capacitors, during normal operation, is a high amount
of leakage current.
Depending on the storage configuration, this leakage current can reach 100 mA.
For the most reliable operation, do not use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI), Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB), and Residual Current Circuit
Breaker (RCCB) type circuit breakers with a FlashSystem A9000R system. The
FlashSystem A9000R system is certified for safe operation and is compliant with
IEC, EN, UL, CSA 60950-1 standards. However, if leakage detection circuit breakers
are required by local electrical practice, the breakers must be sized for a
leakage-current rating of 300 mA or greater to reduce the risk of server outage
caused by erroneous and spurious tripping.
Site preparation
The IBM service representative can only minimally reposition the rack at the
installation site, as needed to service the FlashSystem A9000R system. The
customer is responsible for using professional movers or riggers in the case of
equipment relocation or disposal.
xiv IBM FlashSystem A9000R Models 9835-415 and 9837-415 Deployment Guide
Attention: Do not tilt the FlashSystem A9000R system rack more than 10 degrees.
10
fsa9k071
If more clearance is needed for FlashSystem A9000R or racks the height-reduced
shipping (feature code AFR2) should be ordered to reduce the height of the rack.
When the height-reduced feature is ordered, the top cover is removed before the
IBM FlashSystem®A9000R is moved to its final location by professional movers.
The top cover must be installed during the IBM FlashSystem A9000R installation.
If tilting or weight-reduction is needed for IBM FlashSystem A9000R or rack
shipment, the weight-reduced shipping (feature code AFR3) should be ordered to
reduce the weight of the rack.
When the weight-reduced feature is ordered grid controllers and flash enclosures
are shipped separately: this allows the rack to be tilted as much as necessary in
order to fit under low doorways. As a result, these components must be installed
during IBM FlashSystem A9000R installation.
IBM FlashSystem A9000R arrives fully assembled with all components in place,
unless the weight or height reduced shipping options is ordered.
If the site does not meet the delivery clearances and the height-reduced shipping is
ordered, the doors, side panels, and rack top cover of the rack must be removed
before moving to the final location.
Safety and environmental notices xv
DANGER
xiv10012
Heavy equipment - personal injury or equipment damage might result if
mishandled. Use only professional movers.
Environmental notices
This publication contains all the required environmental notices for IBM Systems
products in 26 languages. The environmental notices that are included are
limitations, product recycling and disposal, product information, battery return
program, flat panel display, monitors and workstations, refrigeration, and
water-cooling system.
IBM Systems Environmental Notices and User Guide (ftp://
public.dhe.ibm.com/systems/support/warranty/envnotices/
environmental_notices_and_user_guide.pdf), Z125-5823
To view a PDF file, you need Adobe Reader. You can download it at no charge
from the Adobe website (get.adobe.com/reader/).
xvi IBM FlashSystem A9000R Models 9835-415 and 9837-415 Deployment Guide
About this guide
This manual defines information regarding the deployment, configuration,
preinstallation requirements for IBM FlashSystem A9000R models 9835-415 and
9837-415. It is important to ensure that you meet all requirements to ensure a fast
and reliable deployment and installation.
If you cannot meet the deployment and installation requirements explained in this
document, notify your IBM representative to devise an alternative solution.
Who should use this guide
This publication is for personnel that are involved in planning. Such personnel
include IT facilities managers, individuals responsible for power, cooling, wiring,
network, and general site environmental planning and setup.
Roles and responsibilities
Both IBM and the customer have roles and responsibilities that they must adhere
to, in order to ensure proper workflow, timely successful installation, properly
configured Call Home and remote support, leading to a superior client experience.
Roles and responsibilities of the customer
v Review the product Deployment Guide
v Enable and work with the Remote Support Center (RSC) remote support in
performing remote data collection and support
v Work with the IBM Planning Representative (IPR), Service Representative (SSR),
Quality Practitioner (QPer), or other IBM personnel to fill out the Technical and
Delivery Assessment (TDA) for accurate and quicker initial installation
v Provide and prepare a rack, adhering to the rack requirements, as specified in
this guide.
v Provide adequate staffing/resources to support this solution.
v Provide sufficient bandwidth and host attachments to support this solution.
v Provide necessary Ethernet cabling
v Provide all initial host Fibre Channel (FC) and iSCSI cabling
v Provide proper power receptacles to match the requirements for the IBM
FlashSystem A9000R ordered
v Provide proper thermal dissipation, airflow and cooling, and environmental
requirements
v Provide proper floor space and clearance
v Provide access for the IBM service representative (SSR), including laptop or
computer access
v Provide access for movers and vehicles
v Allow firewall access to Call Home servers
v Setup IP host network
v Setup SAN host networking
v Download and install appropriate Host Attachment Kit (HAK)
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2016, 2017 xvii
v Install the Management Server from Fix Central for IBM Hyper-Scale Manager
UI use
v Perform logical configuration
v Complete the host attachment plan
v Prepare Fibre Channel (FC) connections
v Prepare raised floor, if required
Roles and responsibilities of IBM Service Support
Representatives (SSRs)
v Complete Distant Learning (DL) education and hands-on education course
v Enroll in a hearing conservation program
v Perform product installation
v Configure Call Home and remote support
v Installation of software upgrades
v Installation of hardware Engineering Change Notices (ECA) also known as Field
Bill of Materials (FBM)
v Conduct product relocation, at customer request
v Perform break/fix repairs
v Return of failed parts that are under warranty or have a Certified Spare Parts
Value
v Keep customers informed of service activities
v Arrange time with customer/TA to facilitate upgrades
v Assist with break/fix support as requested by Remote Support Center, Top Gun,
or PFE team member
v Complete accurate Quality Service Activity Reporting (QSAR) reporting
Note: Additional information can be found in your the customer Enterprise Class
Support for Storage document, provided by the IBM Planning Representative (IPR).
Conventions used in this guide
These notices are used to highlight key information.
Tip: These notices provide important tips.
Note: These notices provide important guidance, or advice.
Important: These notices provide information or advice that might help you avoid
inconvenient or difficult situations.
Attention: These notices indicate possible damage to programs, devices, or data.
An attention notice is placed before the instruction or situation in which damage
can occur.
xviii IBM FlashSystem A9000R Models 9835-415 and 9837-415 Deployment Guide
CAUTION:
These notices indicate a situation that is potentially hazardous to people
because of some existing condition or where a potentially dangerous situation
might develop because of some unsafe practice.
DANGER
These notices indicate a situation that is potentially lethal or hazardous to
people. For example, after a computer side panel is removed, exposed
high-voltage wires might be lethal.
Related information and publications
You can find additional information and publications related to IBM FlashSystem
A9000R on the following information sources.
v IBM FlashSystem A9000R on IBM Knowledge Center (ibm.com/support/
knowledgecenter/STJKN5) – on which you can find the following related
publications:
– IBM FlashSystem A9000R – Release Notes
– IBM FlashSystem A9000R – Product Overview
– IBM FlashSystem A9000R – Command-Line Interface (CLI) Reference Guide
– IBM FlashSystem A9000 and IBM FlashSystem A9000R – Application
Programming Interface (API) Reference Guide
– IBM Hyper-Scale Manager – Release Notes
– IBM Hyper-Scale Manager – User Guide
– IBM Hyper-Scale Manager – Representational State Transfer (REST) API
Specifications
– IBM XIV Remote Support Proxy – Release Notes
– IBM XIV Remote Support Proxy – Installation and User Guide
v IBM FlashSystem A9000 on IBM Knowledge Center (ibm.com/support/
knowledgecenter/STJKMM) – on which you can find the following related
publications:
– IBM FlashSystem A9000 – Release Notes
– IBM FlashSystem A9000 – Product Overview
– IBM FlashSystem A9000 – Deployment Guide
– IBM FlashSystem A9000 – Command-Line Interface (CLI) Reference Guide
– IBM FlashSystem A9000 and IBM FlashSystem A9000R – Application
Programming Interface (API) Reference Guide
– IBM XIV Remote Support Proxy – Release Notes
– IBM XIV Remote Support Proxy – Installation and User Guide
v IBM Flash Storage and Solutions marketing website (ibm.com/systems/storage/
flash)
v IBM Storage Redbooks®website (redbooks.ibm.com/portals/storage)
About this guide xix
Getting information, help, and service
If you need help, service, technical assistance, or want more information about IBM
products, you can find various sources to assist you. You can view the following
websites to get information about IBM products and services and to find the latest
technical information and support.
v IBM website (ibm.com®)
v IBM Support Portal website (www.ibm.com/storage/support)
v IBM Directory of Worldwide Contacts website (www.ibm.com/planetwide)
IBM Publications Center
The IBM Publications Center is a worldwide central repository for IBM product
publications and marketing material.
The IBM Publications Center website (www.ibm.com/shop/publications/order/)
offers customized search functions to help you find the publications that you need.
You can view or download publications at no charge.
Sending or posting your comments
Your feedback is important in helping to provide the most accurate and highest
quality information.
Procedure
To submit any comments about this guide:
v Go to IBM FlashSystem A9000R on IBM Knowledge Center
(ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/STJKN5), drill down to the relevant page,
and then click the Feedback link that is located at the bottom of the page.
The feedback form is displayed and you can use it to enter and submit your
comments privately.
v You can post a public comment on the Knowledge Center page that you are
viewing, by clicking Add Comment. For this option, you must first log in to
IBM Knowledge Center with your IBM ID.
v You can send your comments by email to starpubs@us.ibm.com. Be sure to
include the following information:
– Exact publication title and product version
– Publication form number (for example: GC01-0001-01)
– Page, table, or illustration numbers that you are commenting on
– A detailed description of any information that should be changed
xx IBM FlashSystem A9000R Models 9835-415 and 9837-415 Deployment Guide
Note: When you send information to IBM, you grant IBM a nonexclusive right to
use or distribute the information in any way it believes appropriate without
incurring any obligation to you.
About this guide xxi
xxii IBM FlashSystem A9000R Models 9835-415 and 9837-415 Deployment Guide
Chapter 1. Overview
IBM FlashSystem A9000R is a grid-scale, all-flash storage platform designed to
drive your business into the cognitive era.
This guide defines deployment, planning, and preinstallation requirements for IBM
FlashSystem A9000R storage systems. It is important to ensure that you meet all
requirements to help achieve a fast and reliable installation.
FlashSystem A9000R provides consistent, extreme performance for dynamic data at
scale. The FlashSystem A9000R storage system integrates the microsecond latency
and high availability of IBM FlashCore®technology with grid architecture,
comprehensive data reduction, and industry leading IBM software.
Figure 1. IBM FlashSystem A9000R storage system
IBM FlashSystem A9000R is an excellent platform for industry leaders with rapidly
growing cloud storage and mixed workload environments. IBM software-defined
storage capabilities and IBM FlashCore technology combine to produce the extreme
performance and scalability required in enterprise-class storage solutions.
The storage system utilizes IBM MicroLatency®modules that leverage
IBM-enhanced MLC flash to provide density, low latency, high I/O, and high
availability. IBM FlashSystem A9000R aggregates grid elements (each containing
two grid controllers and one flash enclosure) within a 42U integrated rack solution.
(For more information about grid elements, see “FlashSystem A9000R grid
elements” on page 9).
Due the combination of grid-scale architecture and flash storage media, the system
delivers predictable high performance and ultra-low latency, even under heavy
workloads with full data reduction enabled. As a result, the grid-scale architecture
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2016, 2017 1
maintains this performance by automatically self-optimizing workloads across all
storage resources without manual intervention. Secure multi-tenancy and quality of
service (QoS) features help ensure that tenant service levels are not compromised
within your complex environment.
Advanced management capabilities allow it to integrate easily into your existing
data center infrastructure and with a wide variety of hypervisor and virtualization
software, including VMware, OpenStack, and Microsoft.
For more information regarding the IBM FlashSystem A9000R grid scale
architecture, see Introduction > Architecture in the IBM FlashSystem A9000R Product
Overview (SC27-8559).
Planning best practices and requirements
Good planning is essential for the successful setup and use of your FlashSystem
A9000R. It ensures that you have everything you need and that you meet all the
prerequisites for the storage system. It minimizes errors and helps for a faster
installation process.
Use this planning information to place the FlashSystem A9000R system, plan
power and environmental needs, plan for software and storage needs, and prepare
for unique configurations that are based on how you plan to use the storage
system.
It is imperative that you work with the sales team, IBM Installation Planning
Representative (IPR), and IBM Service Representative (SSR) to capture information
needed to install and configure the storage system. This information is collected
during a Technical and Delivery Assessment (TDA) or Installation planning
meeting. This information must be collected prior to the commencement of the
installation, or delays may occur.
CAUTION:
You must prepare your environment to handle the FlashSystem A9000R
system based on this planning information with assistance from an IBM
installation planning representative (IPR) or an IBM service representative. The
final installation site within the computer room must be prepared before the
equipment is delivered. If the site cannot be prepared before the delivery time,
you must make arrangements to have the professional movers return to finish
the transportation later. Only professional movers can transport the equipment.
The IBM service representative can minimally reposition the rack at the
installation site, as needed to complete required service actions. You are also
responsible for using professional movers in the case of equipment relocation or
disposal.
If you cannot meet any of the installation requirements, notify your IBM service
representative to devise alternative solutions.
2 IBM FlashSystem A9000R Models 9835-415 and 9837-415 Deployment Guide
Notes:
v This guide covers planning information for the IBM FlashSystem A9000R
integrated rack storage system.
For planning information for the IBM FlashSystem A9000 pod system, see IBM
FlashSystem A9000 Deployment Guide, GC27-8564 on the IBM FlashSystem A9000
Knowledge Center website (ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/STJKMM).
v For information regarding management, automation, and access security, see the
following documentation, which can be found on the IBM FlashSystem A9000R
Knowledge Center website (ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/STJKN5):
– IBM Hyper-Scale Manager User Guide, SC27-8560
– IBM Hyper-Scale Manager Release Notes
– IBM FlashSystem A9000R Command-Line Interface (CLI) Reference Guide,
SC27-8711
– IBM Hyper-Scale Manager REST API Specifications, SC27-6440
Chapter 1. Overview 3
4 IBM FlashSystem A9000R Models 9835-415 and 9837-415 Deployment Guide
Chapter 2. System specifications
This information compares general properties, performance, physical features, and
host connectivity for the IBM®FlashSystem™A9000R storage system.
General properties
Specification Details
Controllers Up to 12 active grid controllers, each containing:
v Two Intel Xeon E5 v3 10-core 2.3 GHz processors
v 384 GB DDR4 memory
v Redundant battery backup units and power supply units
Software IBM FlashSystem A9000 and A9000R software v12.0
Models and warranties
Data reduction and
efficiency
Encryption Hardware-based AES-XTS 256-bit with centralized key
Backplane interconnect InfiniBand
Client operating system
support
v 9835-415: 1-year warranty
v 9837-415: 3-year enterprise-class warranty
Warranties include onsite service, same day 24×7
v Pattern removal
v Global, inline deduplication
v Inline compression
v Space-efficient snapshots
v Thin provisioning
management
For a current list of platforms supported, please visit the IBM
System Storage®Interoperation Center (SSIC)
(ibm.com/systems/support/storage/ssic/
interoperability.wss)
Storage capacity features
Specification Details
Flash type IBM-enhanced MLC
900 TB configuration 1.8 PB configuration
Flash enclosures 2 3 4 5 6 2 3 4 5 6
Effective capacity* (TB) 300 450 600 750 900 600 900 1200 1500 1800
Maximum capacity**
(TB)
Raw capacity (TB) 105.6 158.4 211.2 264.0 316.8 211.2 316.8 422.4 528 633.6
Flash enclosure type Flash enclosure-150 Flash enclosure-300
Flash enclosures 2 3 4 5 6 2 3 4 5 6
Grid controllers 4 6 8 10 12 4 6 8 10 12
IBM MicroLatency
modules per flash
enclosure
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2016, 2017 5
1400 2000 2600 3000 3000 1400 2000 2600 3000 3000
12 × 2.9 TB 12 × 5.7 TB
Specification Details
*Typical effective capacity is the available capacity after system overhead (including
over-provisioning and RAID protection) and after the data reduction benefits of pattern
removal, deduplication and compression. this assumes data reduction of up to a multiple
of 5.26 to 1.
**Maximum capacity refers to the effective capacity provisioning limit.
Physical features
Specification Details
Rack dimensions (H × W ×D)201.5 cm (42U) × 66.44 cm × 129.7 cm
(79.3 in. × 25.4 in. × 51.1 in.)
Front clearance 120 cm (47.2 in.)
Rear clearance 100 cm (39.4 in.)
Weight Entry configuration: 666 kg (1468 lb)
986 kg (2174 lbs)
Input voltage 200–240 V AC, 50/60Hz (+/-10% tolerance) via 30A–63A
Note: Dependent on input phase configuration type (single,
delta, or wye)
Power usage Entry configuration: 3.07 KW (typical); 4.82 KW (max)
Maximum configuration: 8.81 KW (typical); 13.91 KW (max)
See “Power consumption” on page 27.
Temperature
Specification Details
Temperature 10 - 35° C (50 - 95° F)
Maximum altitude 2134 m (7000 ft.)
Humidity 25 - 80% non-condensing
Host connectivity
Specification Details
Host system interfaces
(per grid controller)
Storage systems with
Fibre Channel (FC)
capabilities)
Storage systems with
iSCSI (Ethernet)
capabilities only
4 × 16 Gb Fibre Channel + 2 × 10 Gb
iSCSI
4×10 Gb iSCSI
6 IBM FlashSystem A9000R Models 9835-415 and 9837-415 Deployment Guide
Specification Details
Host connectivity for
mirroring (per system)
Recommended minimum
link bandwidth value
Recommended maximum
50 Mbps
250 ms
round trip latency value
Attaching IBM
FlashSystem A9000 and
A9000R systems for
mirroring
The connection between two
FlashSystem A9000R systems, or
between a FlashSystem A9000R and a
FlashSystem A9000 system, has to
pass through:
v Ethernet LAN for iSCSI connections
v SAN for FC connections
Note: Synchronous remote mirroring is supported by version 12.0.1 and later.
Chapter 2. System specifications 7
8 IBM FlashSystem A9000R Models 9835-415 and 9837-415 Deployment Guide
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