This manual describes the general function, configuration, and use of the Silicon Graphics fibre channel (also known as FC) options for Origin and Onyx2 systems. Fibre channel options for the OCTANE workstation are limited to FibreVaults only at the time this document was published.
This product consists of an XIO or PCI fibre channel controller board, copper cables or optional optical cables with media interface adapter (MIA) conversion modules, and FibreVault or fibre channel RAID storage enclosures. The fibre channel product also includes driver support software, a command-line interface (CLI), and a graphical user interface (GUI), for configuring and administering the fibre channel options. These options are documented in the Origin FibreVault and Fibre Channel RAID Administrator's Guide .
This guide introduces fibre channel architecture concepts as well as describing the available hardware. The spelling of fibre (as opposed to fiber) designates a communications and mass storage technology. Fibre channel components do not always connect with fiber (optical) cabling. Silicon Graphics fibre channel products come standard with copper cable connections. Optional optical cables are also available. The connection technology of fiber optic communication cables is a separate topic.
A fibre channel RAID expansion enclosure is a FibreVault that connects to the fibre channel RAID loop by way of an LCC cable(s). It uses fibre channel RAID disks only.
This guide is written primarily for users of a fibre channel system. Some fibre channel option components can be installed, removed, or replaced by the end user; this guide provides instructions for these procedures. This guide presumes the user has some familiarity with Origin or Onyx2 systems, but no special training is presumed. This guide also provides general information that may be of interest to system administrators.
This guide contains the following chapters and appendixes:
Chapter 1, “Fibre Channel Features and Capabilities,” introduces the main hardware and software features of the fibre channel options; it compares FC with other solutions for interfacing to storage.
Chapter 2, “Fibre Channel Architecture,” describes fibre channel architecture and topology in general, and Silicon Graphics fibre implementation more specifically.
Chapter 3, “Fibre Channel Storage,” describes the fibre channel storage system, giving details on the Origin FibreVault and the Origin fibre channel rack. It explains the Origin FibreVault LEDs and describes how to shut down and power on the Origin FibreVault and the Origin fibre channel rack.
Chapter 4, “Fibre Channel Component Replacement,” explains how to replace or add Origin fibre channel RAID or FibreVault owner-replaceable components.
Chapter 5, “Configuring a Fibre Channel System,” explains how to configure an existing fibre channel system. It presents various system setups and shows ways to customize them.
Appendix A, “Technical Specifications,” gives specifications for the fibre channel enclosures, deskside systems, and rack.
A glossary and an index complete this guide.
Other manuals that may provide additional useful information include:
Origin FibreVault and Fibre Channel RAID Administrator's Guide (p/n 007-3715-nnn)
Fibre Channel XIO and PCI Option Board Owner's Guide (p/n 007-3633-nnn)
OCTANE Workstation Owner's Guide (p/n 007-3435-nnn)
These type conventions and symbols are used in this guide:
| Helvetica Bold | Hardware labels | |
| Italics | Executable names, filenames, IRIX commands, manual or book titles, new terms, program variables, tools, utilities, variable command-line arguments, variable coordinates, and variables to be supplied by the user in examples, code, and syntax statements | |
| Bold | Function names | |
| Fixed-width type |
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| “” | (Double quotation marks) Onscreen menu items and references in text to document section titles or chapter titles | |
| [] | (Brackets) Optional syntax statement arguments |