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Xiotech—Proprietary160337-000 Rev D, 30 September, 2013 Page v
ISE User GuideTable of Contents
Page vi 160337-000 Rev D, 30 September, 2013Xiotech—Proprietary
PrefaceISE User Guide
Preface
This user guide is intended to be a comprehensive summary of user-level operations on the ISE Storage
Blade, including the ISE-2, ISE-3, Hyper ISE, and ISE 7-Series, which are collectively refered to as ISE unless
model discrimination is required. A Hyper ISE platform is one that combines the capacity of both DataPacs into
a single pool of storage. This user guide is designed for use by administrators who are responsible for initial
system setup and storage managers who are responsible for configuring, monitoring, and maintaining the ISE
in a production environment. This document includes a number of appendices that help with setup and
troubleshooting.
Conventions
The following conventions are used in this document:
ElementConvention
Button
Command Line Interface input/output
Emphasize a word or phrase
Event notifications or other message
Key
Literals
Titles
Web-Mgt menu item or option
Window option
Variable, represents text that must be entered
Table 1: Document Conventions
Related Documents
Arial, 9 pt, Bold
Courier New, 10 pt, Bold
Underline
Times New Roman, 10 pt, Bold
C
OURIER NEW
, 11 PT, C
APS
Times New Roman, 10 pt, Bold
Italic
Arial, 9 pt, Italic, Bold
Arial, 9 pt, Bold
<Courier New, 10 pt, Bold, Italic>
The following documents, available for download from the
X-IO
Support Center Web site, http://www.
X-IO
.com/
supportmatrix, provide additional information about the ISE:
•ISE-2 Release Notes, provides most recent documentation updates
The ISE is a high-density, fully redundant, rack-mountable storage device that integrates enterprise-class
drives with advanced array controllers and environmental support components to provide an extremely reliable
self-contained storage unit that outperforms more traditional storage sub-systems.
As a fully redundant unit, the ISE consists of pairs of active components; each member of the pair can function
in the absence of the other member, maintaining operation in the event of failure of an active component. If a
component fails, the system supplies information designed to assist in completing corrective actions. The ISE
can continue to operate with multiple component failures while making intelligent decisions to provide the
highest level of data protection and integrity.
Advanced Features
The ISE provides the following advanced features:
a. Managed Reliability: The ISE contains processes that improve system reliability through intelligent error
management. These processes include:
•A hierarchy of table-driven recovery actions that repair drive errors ranging from simple errors to those
requiring more advanced error handling. This feature provides no-touch drive maintenance and
virtually eliminates removal of entire drives from service.
•In-place drive remanufacture that predicts, diagnoses, and repairs drive degeneration and failures
using algorithms and commands previously available only to the drive manufacturer.
•A closed-loop feedback system between the installation and the manufacturer that collects and
analyzes a variety of system operating metrics. This feature greatly reduces failures by remotely
predicting and diagnosing potential problems and providing proactive system servicing.
•Hybrid DataPacs, combining solid state drives and hard drives.
b. High-performance data I/O: The system architecture leverages the power of a single processor with mul-
tiple cores and SSDs (Hyper ISE) to deliver outstanding data I/O performance.
c. Dual controllers: Both controllers actively participate in data I/O, simultaneously accessing all drives in
the system. This configuration provides maximum performance as well as reliability.
d. Outstanding data integrity protection: The system implements the following data integrity features:
•ISE RAID 10 (similar to industry RAID 1) provides data integrity protection using algorithms that deliver
efficient function with minimal overhead.
•Data Integrity Field (DIF) implementation provides additional data integrity protection.
e. Automatic failover/failback: The system performs automatic transfer of volume access from an out-of-
service controller to the partner in conjunction with appropriate multi-path drivers at the host level.
f.Run-time controller and drive firmware upgrades: The system provides the ability to upgrade the inter-
nal controller firmware, drive firmware, and servo code with new versions without service interruption.
Should a controller experience an unrecoverable error during the firmware upgrade process, controller
firmware is returned to the previously installed version.
g. Background parity scan: Provides enhanced data integrity by employing an embedded function to auto-
matically check all data for RAID parity consistency and flag inconsistent data with a media error.
h. Embedded Web service: Built-in Web browser and management tool, Orchestrator, that facilitates control
of ISE systems, eliminating the need for a separate management server.
i.LUN Expansion: As volume space needs increase, individual LUNs can be expanded.
j.ActiveWatch: Provides full telemetry.
Components
The ISE consists of six major components as shown in the following figure (Figure 1) plus an active bezel.
Figure 1. ISE Major Components
These major components are:
1. Two DataPacs, containing multiple drives in sealed assemblies
2. One System status module
3. Two Managed Reliability Controllers (MRCs), providing control and value-added features
4. Two emergency power units, made up of supercapacitors, capable of providing power to write-back cache
for up to one year
5. One chassis, custom-designed to house the active components of the ISE
6. Two power supply units with blowers, providing a redundant power source
Of the above listed components, all but numbers 2 and 5 are Field Replaceable Units (FRU). Additionally, the
ISE contains one to eight more FRUs; they are the Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) Fibre Channel
connectors as described below.
The ISE has four Small Form-Factor Pluggable
maximum throughput with eight Gigabit host port connectivity. These Fibre Channel host ports connect hosts to
a Storage Area Network through Fibre Channel switches. Using multiple Fibre Channel switches for host
connections achieves fault tolerance at the storage-to-network interface. See “ISE Ports View” on page 21 and
“Direct Attach (DAS)” on page 21.
The ISE Fibre Channel ports operate in Old-Port mode and comply with the following specifications:
• Fibre Channel Framing and Signaling (FC-FS), Revision 1.90
• Fibre Channel Link Services (FC-LS), Revision 1.0 to SCSI Primary Commands (SPC-3), Revision 22a
• SCSI 3 Block Commands (SBC), Revision 8C
• SCSI Architecture Model 3 (SAM-3), Revision 13 of the SCSI specifications
Extremely high drive operability is provided by the ISE Managed Reliability feature, which corrects many drive
failures without operator intervention. A data migration utility is available through
entire DataPac requires replacing. Capacity for hot sparing is automatically provided within the DataPac and
managed by the MRCs.
The ISE has two Ethernet management ports, one on each MRC, and can operate in either Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol (DHCP) mode or static IP mode. DHCP mode is enabled by default at the factory.
Three easy-to-use management interfaces provide configuration and control of the ISE:
•Orchestrator—an advanced Web based interface facilitating the management of all ISE systems within an
Ethernet network as documented in the Orchestrator User Guide
•Classic Management Interface—a Web-based management interface, accessible from a browser
anywhere on the network
•Command Line Interface (CLI), accessible from a remote console anywhere on the network
See “Web Management Interface” on page 27 and “Characters—Web-Mgt and CLI” on page 29 for a detailed
description of these interfaces.
+
(SFP+) Fibre Channel connectors per MRC, providing
X-IO
Customer Support if an
TMRA
The TMRA (Temperature-Maximum Recommended Ambient) is 40° C.
La Temperatura-máxima recomendada ambiente (TMRA) es de 40 grados C.
T
Die
mra (empfohlene maximale Umgebungstemperatur für den Betrieb) liegt bei 40° C.
A TMRA (temperatura ambiente máxima de funcionamento recomendada) é de 40° C.
When installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the operating ambient temperature within the rack may
exceed the room ambient temperature. Consideration should be given to installing the equipment in an
environment compatible with the manufacturer’s maximum recommended ambient temperature (TMRA).
Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such that the amount of air flow required for safe operation of
the equipment is not compromised.
Mechanical Loading
Mounting of the equipment in a rack should be such that the rack and supporting floor structure weight
capacities are not compromised.
Circuit Overloading
Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the supply circuit and the effect that
overloading of circuits might have on over-current protection and supply wiring. Appropriate consideration of
equipment nameplate ratings should be used when addressing the concern.
Reliable Earthing
Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained. Particular attention should be given to
supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit (for example, use of power strips).
Power Supplies
All ISE Storage Blade models have redundant power supplies. Both AC power cords must be removed before
servicing any ISE Storage Blade. All ISE Storage Blade models must be serviced only by an Authorized
Service Technician.
Safety and Emissions
All ISE Storage Blade models have been verified to the following safety certifications:
• UL60950-1• CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1
• EC Directive 2006/95/EC• EN 60950-1
• IEC 60950-1
All ISE Storage Blade models have been verified to the following emissions/immunity certifications:
• FCC CFR 47 - Part 15
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
An ISE Storage Blade can weigh from 100 lbs. to 130 lbs.; care must be taken to mount the ISE Storage Blade
on a rack certified to support the models being installed as well as the attached hardware load.
The ISE Storage Blade is a 3U, rack-optimized unit for installation into a server rack using the supplied custom
rails and conforming to the specifications defined in this section. Before installation, it is a good practice to
review the support matrix at
The
ISE consists of five different Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) plus a bezel. The unit is shipped with the
MRC, power supply, and supercapacitor FRUs pre-installed. The DataPacs are packaged individually.
Overview
The ISE Storage Blade comprises five different major components, shown below, plus a bezel (not shown).
www.X-IO.com
for the latest information on supported configurations.
Figure 5. Assembly Overview
In addition to the five different major components (eleven in all), there is one minor component, the bezel. This
bezel is an integral component of the ISE. All ISE Storage Blade components must be installed during normal
operation and removed only during maintenance operations.
The ISE chassis should be installed using the supplied rail kit into a rack before inserting the DataPacs as
described here.
Install Rail Kit
Before an ISE Storage Blade can be installed in a rack, the custom rails must be installed. The custom rail kit
mounts easily into both round-holed and square-holed racks.
Round–Holed Rack Mounting
To install the adjustable rail kit into a round–holed rack, do the following:
1. Remove the rail kit with anchoring screws from its packaging.
2. Install both rails, as labeled, into the server rack by placing the front rail bracket over the three mounting
holes and inserting at least one rack screw, anchoring the rail front to the rack (Figure 7).
3. Extend the rear slider until the rear mount aligns on the rack’s back mounting face, securing it with two of
the supplied rack screws (Figure 7).
4. Secure the rail, at the front, with three of the rack screws supplied in the rail kit.
The ISE chassis can be installed into a rack as it is in the shipping box before inserting the DataPacs as
shown. The chassis as it is shipped weighs about seventy-three pounds and it is recommended that two people co-lift the chassis from the collapsed shipping carton and slide it into the rack.
1. Remove the static shield bag from the chassis
and slide the chassis (as shipped) into the
server rack on the custom rails from the front,
oriented with the system display
2. Secure the chassis to the rack with the four
mounting screws included in the hardware
packet.
Note.The ISE can weigh up to 120 pounds
with all components installed.
on the top.
Figure 8. Inserting ISE Chassis
Front View
The ISE is shown from the front with the latches and captive screws pointed out.
Figure 9. ISE Front View
Rear View
The ISE is shown from the rear with the latches and captive screws pointed out.
The ISE Storage Blade ships with two DataPacs or one DataPac and one DataPac Filler. The bay to left of the
supercapacitor bays must always be populated with a DataPac.
CAUTION—Handling DataPacs
DataPac units are delicate and should always be handled with care. This is extremely important during the
unpacking of DataPacs and subsequent handling leading to DataPac insertion into the chassis. The latch han-dle located on each DataPac unit is not intended for use as a carrying handle. Careless handling can damage
the unit.
Proper and improper handling of a DataPac is demonstrated below.
Figure 11. DataPac Handling Proper and Improper
Unpack a DataPac and insert it gently into the front of the chassis with the black latch fully extended and oriented as shown in Figure 12 below. When the DataPac is firmly in place, secure the DataPac by closing the
black latch handle and tightening the two captive screws (Figure 9 on page 14) until snug—do not overtighten—to secure the DataPac (Figure 12). Repeat this step for the other DataPac.
Notes:
[1]All DataPac latch handle captive screws must be firmly tightened prior to initial ISE Storage Blade power
on to prevent the inadvertent pulling of a DataPac and resultant data loss.
[2]DataPacs should never be removed from an initialized ISE Storage Blade unless it is powered off or a
DataPac remove command has been issued.
[3]If the DataPac captive screws are not tightened, the DataPac status indicates
For single DataPac installations, the DataPac must be installed to the left of the supercapacitor bays and the
DataPac Filler must be installed to the right of the supercapacitor bays.
Figure 12. ISE Chassis Front View—DataPac and Supercapacitor Insertion
Install Supercapacitors
The supercapacitors come pre-installed in the ISE chassis. In the event there is a need to install a supercapacitor unit, insert the supercapacitor into the chassis gently from the front, oriented as shown in Figure 12 and
with the black latch fully extended. When the supercapacitor is firmly in place, return the black latch to its
closed position and tighten the two captive screws (Figure 9 on page 14) until snug—do not overtighten.
Install Power Supplies
The ISE comes with the power supplies pre-installed. In the event there is a need to install a power supply unit,
insert the power supply into the chassis gently from the rear, oriented as shown in Figure 13 and with the black
latch fully extended. When the power supply is firmly in place, return the black latch to its closed position and
tighten the two captive screws (Figure 10 on page 14) until snug—do not overtighten.
The MRCs come pre-installed in the ISE chassis. In the event there is a need to install an MRC, insert the unit
gently into the chassis from the rear, oriented as shown in Figure 13 and with the latch handle fully open, pushing firmly until the MRC seats. With the MRC firmly in place, secure the unit by closing the black latch handle
and tightening the two captive screws (Figure 10 on page 14) until snug—do not overtighten. Repeat this step
for the other MRC.
Install Bezel
The ISE bezel, shown below, is an integral component that snaps onto the chassis at each end with snap pins
(see Figure 15 on page 18).
Figure 14. Bezel
To install the bezel, align the bezel as shown in figure 15 such that the snap pins seat into the anchors on the
chassis. With the snap pins seated, firmly press the bezel onto the chassis. The floating blind mate connectors
(See Figure 15 on page 18) automatically align and mate, connecting the bezel circuitry to the ISE circuitry.
Cabling an ISE involves attaching the power cords, Ethernet cables, service console cable (one), and Fibre
Channel cables to the associated connectors on the ISE in a manner similar to that shown, figures 18 and 19.
The important issue with cabling is to run the cables with enough slack to permit the hot-replacement of any
component without interruption in ISE data services.
FRU Locations
The following figure identifies the ISE components (FRUs) by their location number. That is, when referring to
DataPac one (1), the specified DataPac is located to the left when viewing the ISE from the front. In Figure 17
(following page), this DataPac is identified with the number
When viewing the ISE from the back, the location numbering is in reverse order. That is, when referring to
power supply one (1), the specified power supply is located to the right. In Figure 17 (following page), this
power supply is identified with the number
An ISE can attach directly to a host through the Fibre Channel ports (see the online compatibility matrix at
http://support.XIOstorage.com
Notice that the cables are routed to avoid blocking hot-replacement of components. The orange Fibre Channel
cables connect directly from the host HBAs to each MRC Fibre Channel Port. The two blue Ethernet cables
connect the ISE Ethernet ports to a network switch for management interface access.
Figure 19. ISE Sample DAS Cabling
). Below is an example of direct attach (or direct connect) of an ISE to a host.
Connectivity
ISE connectivity includes the following different ports (Figure 20).
Figure 20. ISE Ports View
ISE Connectors
• MiniDIN–for connecting a service console (PCCABLES.COM, P/N 70810)
• Ethernet–for Web management interface and Wake-On-LAN (10/100/1000 Mbps)
• Fibre Channel–for volume data accessed by the host (4/8 Gbps)
• I/O Expander–SAS, wide port reserved for future use
• USB–reserved for service
Note.All management commands are communicated through the Ethernet interface.
When additional SFP (Small-Form-Factor Pluggable) Fibre Channel connector modules are purchased, installation is required. Install SFP modules using the following procedure:
1. Remove the protective plug from a port on an ISE MRC—three ports are available on each MRC.
2. Gently insert the replacement SFP fully into the chassis. If a solid resistance is encountered, remove the
SFP, turn it over, and re-insert it.
3. When the SFP is fully inserted, engage the bail if needed to secure it in the MRC. When properly seated,
the SFP is flush with the MRC latch handle.
4. Insert a Fibre Channel cable gently into the SFP while gently pinching the cable connector.
Service Console
The very first time an ISE is powered on, a service console is required to determine or change the IP
addresses. The service console can be a laptop or other computer that provides serial port connectivity. Connect the computer to one of the serial ports on the ISE with the supplied serial cable.
Note.A single cable can be plugged into either service console port.
With a service console connected, follow the procedure below to establish a service console connection:
1. Open a terminal emulation application on the service console.
2. Set the terminal emulation application properties for the appropriate COM port as shown in Table 3.
SettingValue
Bits per second (Baud rate)115200
Data bits8
Parity bitnone
Stop bit1
Flow controlnone
Any other settingsdefault
Table 3: COM Port Settings
3. Press
E
NTER
on the service console (or use whatever method is provided by the application in use) to
initiate a terminal console session and receive a login prompt from the ISE (Figure 21 on page 25).
Management Console
The ISE management console is accessed through the Ethernet network using either or both ISE IP addresses
(see “Reserved Characters” on page 29 and “Command Line Interface” on page 35).
Orchestrator
Orchestrator provides storage management and provisioning services for ISE Storage Blade systems. This
replaces the ISE Web Management interface (Classic View) on ISE-2 and ISE-3 systems and approaches ISE
management from a global perspective. All managed ISEs are listed in the left navigation pane and are
accessed by clicking on an ISE name. Orchestrator also presents statistics for the entire field of networked
ISEs. See the Orchestrator User Guide for details.