| General |
| Q1. |
What is the Modular Smart Array 500 G2? |
| A1. |
The Modular Smart Array 500 G2 is a storage enclosure specifically designed and tested for use as a two or four-node SCSI cluster or shared storage with qualified ProLiant servers. It has advanced high availability features such as redundant controllers, multipath IO, battery backed cache, redundant fans, power supplies and selective storage presentation (LUN Masking) allowing for storage sharing. |
|
| Q2. |
What new with the Modular Smart Array 500 G2? |
| A2. |
The MSA500 G2 is built upon an end-to-end Ultra320 SCSI architecture increasing bandwidth and workload processing as much as twice the MSA500. It has also been optimized to rebuild failed drives at fives times the rate of the previous generation product.
Additional changes include:
- The standard controller cache has doubled to 256MB to assist in increasing performance
- Two SA-642 adapters included in the MSA500 G2 package, no additional HBA to purchase
- Added support for 4-node clustering
|
|
| Q3. |
What are the options for the Modular Smart Array 500 G2 products? |
| A3. |
The MSA500 G2 is packaged to minimize the complexity of deploying storage and includes many necessary connectivity components in the package including two SA-642 adapters, two 6-foot SCSI cables and Ethernet cross over cable for clustering.
Options include:
- MSA500 G2 High Availability Kit which includes an MSA500 G2 Controller, MSA500 G2 4-port I/O module, Smart Array Multipath Software, and two SA-642 adapters. The MSA500 High Availability Kit provides everything needed to deploy a fully redundant 2-node cluster or shared storage solution for up to 4 ProLiant servers
- MSA500 G2 redundant controller
- MSA500 G2 4-port I/O module with Smart Array Multipath Software
- 256MB Battery Backed Cache modules
- HP Universal Disk Drives
|
|
| Q4. |
Is the Modular Smart Array 500 G2 used only for clustering? |
| A4. |
No, it is not only used for clustering. The Modular Smart Array 500 G2 may be configured as a shared storage solution offering up to 2TB of data to be shared with up to 4 ProLiant servers. Up to 32 RAID protected storage volumes can be assigned to the attached servers with the Selective Storage Presentation (SSP) functionality. This is the same functionality that is offered on network storage systems to allow storage sharing and LUN masking. |
|
| Q5. |
When is SCSI clustering appropriate for customers? |
| A5. |
The MSA500 G2 architecture is optimized for 2, 3, and 4 node clustering and is ideal for distribute applications where no access to the SAN is available. For a 2-node cluster application the MSA500 G2 is an ideal solution with robust functionality and performance. |
|
| Q6. |
What are the advantages of SCSI based storage solution? |
| A6. |
The SCSI protocol is the most widely used storage protocol in the industry; it is familiar to the IT managers and requires less specialized knowledge to deploy and manage. It has cost advantages over FC and leverages existing server infrastructure. The Modular Smart Array 500 G2 includes connectivity where no additional investment in storage networking (HBA, switches, hubs, etc,) is required in order to connect to the servers. |
|
| Q7. |
How is HP addressing low cost clustering? |
| A7. |
HP is clearly positioned to lead in the segment of clustering with the MSA500 G2 that offers high availability at low cost. While clustering with JBODs one must disable the write cache on the PCI controllers located on each host or risk fatal loss of data in case of controller failure. The Modular Smart Array 500 G2 is superior to host based JBOD clustering in that the Modular Smart Array 500 G2 write cache is located in the controllers of the shared storage and it is maintained synchronous with the redundant controller. Having write cache enabled greatly improves the performance of the cluster. In addition, the Modular Smart Array 500 G2 can be configured with redundancy. The Modular Smart Array 500 G2 offers redundant controllers and Multipath I/O functionality which greatly improves system availability and performance. |
|
| Q8. |
How does the MSA500 G2 compare to Fibre Channel based storage systems? |
| A8. |
The Modular Smart Array 500 G2 is an entry-level shared storage and clustering product that meets requirements for may distributed computing enviroments and the remote office market. The Modular Smart Array 500 G2 offers a low cost, high performance solutions where scalability beyond 4 servers is not required. The Modular Smart Array 500 G2 system does not directly compete with Fibre Channel SAN products which are generally designed for greater scalability which requires a network infrastructure. |
|
| Q9. |
Why is HP offering a SCSI based clustering solution? |
| A9. |
There is a market that is not currently being addressed by current SCSI JBOD or SAN products. There are limited products that offer such high availability features such as failover controllers on the storage enclosure and battery backed cache in an entry level product. The Modular Smart Array 500 G2 addresses this market head-on offering the entry level clustering and shared storage at an affordable price. |
|
| Q10. |
When should the customer choose the Modular Smart Array 500 G2 and when should they choose a SAN? |
| A10. |
In centralized data centers, Fibre channel offers the best solution because of its scalability and performance and FC infrastructure may already exist at the site. In remote and distributed environments, where Fibre Channel infrastructure has not been deployed, the Modular Smart Array 500 G2 may offer the best combination of low-cost, performance and initial investment. |
|
| Q11. |
What market segment is SCSI clustering targeted towards? |
| A11. |
Customers that would profit from SCSI shared storage or clustering are those that need to ensure high availability. They have multiple remote sites that do not have FC infrastructure. Examples are bank branches, retail stores, regional distribution centers, etc. Also, because of the low initial investment, SCSI clustering may be preferred by web hosting, SMB startups, workgroups, and manufacturing. |
|
| Q12. |
What is the Modular Smart Array 500 G2 connectivity? |
| A12. |
The Modular Smart Array 500 G2 features a high performance Ultra320 SCSI interconnects; this eliminates the need for expensive hubs, switches and HBAs. Two SA-642 adapters and SCSI cables are include with the MSA500 G2 and no additional connectivity required configuring with two ProLiant servers. |
|
| Q13. |
Is the Modular Smart Array 500 Convertible to a SAN? |
| A13. |
Yes, the Modular Smart Array 500 G2 may be converted to a Modular Smart Array 1000 SAN by simply replacing the controllers and I/O board. Refer to Modular Smart Array 500 QuickSpecs for specific part numbers. |
|
| Q14. |
What are the main features of the Smart Array Multipath Software? |
| A14. |
- Increase availability by protecting against connectivity (HBA) and cable failures and accidental pull-outs
- Static LUN Balancing (Microsoft OS) enables the administrator to optimize I/O by assigning specific volumes to specific paths in the storage system. If one path fails the system moves volumes to the path for redundant HBA for I/O management
- Static Load (read-only) Balancing (Linux OS) enables the HBAs to optimize I/O with dual paths to the same volumes in the storage system. If one HBA fails the system moves volumes to the path for the redundant HBA for I/O management
- Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition; Windows 2000 Server; Windows 2000 Advanced Server; Red Hat Enterprise Linux 2.1, Red Hat Linux Advanced Server 2.1, Red Hat Linux Advanced Server 3.0, UnitedLinux 1.0, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 7, 8, 9
|
|
| Q15. |
Does the MSA500 G2 4-Port I/O Module and the Smart Array Multipath ship together? |
| A15. |
Yes, the Smart Array Multipath software is included with the 4-Port Shared Storage Module at no additional cost to the customer. |
|
| Q16. |
How many buses are there in the 4-Port Shared Storage Module? |
| A16. |
There are two Ultra320 channels offering a total of 4 VHDCI SCSI ports. Each channel supports multiple ports. |
|
| Storage Capacity |
|
| Q1. |
Which disk drives are supported in the Modular Smart Array 500 G2? |
| A1. |
Up to a maximum of 14 HP Universal SCSI Hard Drives. The MSA500 G2 system support Ultra320 SCSI, Ultra160/Ultra3 SCSI, and Ultra2 SCSI disk drives. |
|
| Q2. |
What is the maximum storage capacity? |
| A2. |
Using 146GB HP Universal SCSI Hard Drives, the maximum capacity is 2TB. |
|
| Q3. |
Can I add an additional Modular Smart Array 500 enclosure to the same array? |
| A3. |
No, the Modular Smart Array 500 does not expand to a second unit to add 14 additional drives. However, the MSA500 can be converted to an MSA1000 for additional scalability to 42 total disk drive or 6TB of storage. |
|
| Operating System Support |
|
| Q1. |
What Operating systems are supported on the Modular Smart Array 500? |
| A1. |
Support includes but is not limited to the following operating systems:
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003 (Enterprise, Standard, and Web Edition)
- Microsoft Windows 2000 Server (Advanced and Standard Edition)
- Redhat Linux AS/ES 2.1, 3.0
- SuSE SLES 9
- UnitedLinux 1.0 (SuSE SLES 8)
- Novell NetWare 6.5, 6.5 SBS, 5.1
Cluster Certifications:
- Microsoft Cluster Service
- SteelEye LifeKeeper for Linux
- HP ServiceGuard for Linux
- Novell Cluster Service
View an up-to-date list of qualified servers and operating systems. |
|
| Configuration and Management |
|
| Q1. |
Which management and configuration software comes with the Modular Smart Array 500? |
| A1. |
The Modular Smart Array 500 comes with the following Management and Configuration software:
|
| Q2. |
What is ORCA and how does it work? |
| A2. |
Option ROM Configuration for Arrays is a ROM-based utility that allows users to configure array controllers. This utility is similar to ACU loaded through Smart Start, but does not require the use of diskettes or CDs. ORCA allows the user to create and delete logical drives, and set boot controller order, and is loaded by pressing F8 when prompted at POST. |
|
| Q3. |
What is ACU on-line/off-line? |
| A3. |
The Array Configuration Utility (ACU) software for Modular Smart Array products makes it easy to configure and expand your disk drive arrays. This browser-based graphical tool is very intuitive: by using its Configuration Wizards, your array controller is setup and ready to use in just minutes! Plus, the Array Configuration Utility is versatile: use it to configure your array controller, add additional disk drives to an existing configuration, or completely reconfigure your disk drive array. View
more information on ACU. |
|
| Q4. |
Which ProLiant Servers are qualified for the Modular Smart Array 500 G2? |
| A4. |
The MSA500 G2 support include but is not limited to the following ProLiant servers: ML350 G3, ML370 G3, ML530 G2, ML570 G2, DL360 G3, DL380 G3, DL560, DL580, DL585, DL740, and DL760 G2. View updated compatibility information. |
|
| Q5. |
How many controllers ship with the Modular Smart Array 500 G2? |
| A5. |
It ships standard with one controller installed. The redundant controller is purchased separately, as is optional cache. |
|
| Q6. |
Can the Modular Smart Array 50 G2 controllers have different cache sizes? |
| A6. |
No, both controller need to have the same cache size. When upgrading on controller from 256MB to 512MB you will also need to upgrade the redundant controller for the system to recognize the cache size increase. |
|
| Q7. |
Can I have multiple clusters (two 2-node clusters) with the 4-Port Shared Storage Module? |
| A7. |
No, only one 2 node cluster may be deployed even when using the 4-Port Shared Storage units. The 4-port I/O modular will allow for 2-node multipath, 4-node shared storage, and 4-node cluster configurations. |
|
| Q8. |
Where can I find all the configuration possibilities for the Modular Smart Array 500 G2? |
| A8. |
Find it in the Modular Smart Array 500 G2 User Guide or the MSA500 G2 compatibility guide. |
|
| Q9. |
What is the standard cache size on the controller of the Modular Smart Array 500? |
| A9. |
The Modular Smart Array 500 G2 Controller ships with 128MB standard of Battery Backed Write Cache. It may be upgraded to 256MB by replacing the 128MB DIMM or a maximum of 512MB by installing 2 units of 256MB DIMMs of Battery Backed Write Cache. |
|
| Q10. |
What adapters does the MSA500 G2 support? |
| A10. |
The MSA500 G2 supports the Smart Array 642 as its adapter. It is not compatible with the Smart Array 532 or Smart Array 5i. |
|
| Q11. |
What is Enhanced Firmware Cloning? |
| A11. |
Enhanced Controller Firmware Auto-Cloning: Allows customer choice of controller firmware cloning when adding new controller with higher firmware version. When installing the redundant Modular Smart Array 500 G2 Controller, the controller verifies the firmware version currently installed in the primary controller. If the firmware versions of the controllers do not match, then the customer may choose the following courses of action:
- Upgrade to the highest firmware version
- Downgrade to the lower firmware version, thus remaining with the current functioning version
|
|
| Q12. |
What is Rapid Drive Rebuild technology? |
| A12. |
The Rapid Drive Rebuild technology is embedded functionality in the MSA500 G2 firmware that allows for quicker calculations of RAID parity data when rebuilding a failed drive from RAID 5 or RAID ADG parity data. This technology combines with optimized controller settings and increase Ultra320 SCSI architecture offers a five times increase in performance over previous generation products when rebuilding a drive. This technology is especially important as drive capacities continue to increase and there is a greater amount of data to be rebuilt. |
|
| Q13. |
Is Recovery Server Option support with the Modular Smart Array 500 G2? |
| A13. |
No. This technology will continue to be available and support on the 1st generation MSA500 but it is not a supported feature on the MSA500 G2. HP recommends that customers adopting OS clustering as a replacement to Recovery Server Option (RSO). |
|
Printable version
