mRAID I Quick Start Guide

QUICK START GUIDE

mRAID I Quick Start Guide

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Table of Contents

mRAID User’s Guide page 3

Unpacking and Installing the System page 4

Getting to know your mRAID page 5

Connecting your mRAID pages 6-7

Using the mRAID page 7

Shutting down your mRAID page 7

Using the Active Storage Management Suite page 8

System Indicators pages 8-9

System Problem page 9

Hard Drive Warning page 9

Communications Regulation Information page 10

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mRAID User’s Guide

Thank you for purchasing the mRAID, an advanced RAID storage system offering superior performance,
capacity, scalability and reliability.

The mRAID is carefully designed for quick easy installation and years of trouble free service.

This guide is provided to get you started and up and running with the mRAID, but is not meant to replace the
assistance of your Authorized Active Storage Reseller or Active Storage customer support.

While the mRAID system is complete and ready to use out of the box in most applications, we highly
recommend installation by a qualified technician.

All the components required for installation are included but should be checked against the packing list and
your order.

This guide assumes the user has a working knowledge of all components and most operating systems, and
general knowledge of RAID storage.

mRAID systems are ready for use out of the box and will provide excellent performance and reliability in nearly
all possible configurations. For assistance in optimizing the mRAID for your application, please contact your
Reseller or Active Storage customer support.

www.active-storage.com I 818.709.1133

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Unpacking and Installing the System

The mRAID is complete with all components and hard drives installed. The packaging has been specifically
designed to protect the system from damage and facilitate safe removal. Please inspect the packaging for
any signs of damage prior to removing the system. If damage is noted, carefully check your mRAID to
ensure the packaging damage has not affected the unit. If any damage has occurred, please contact your
Reseller immediately.

Follow the steps below to remove the system from the packaging.

1. Locate a sturdy table, bench, cart or other flat surface capable of supporting 150lbs (68kg). Make sure the surface is large
enough to allow the system proper support.

2. The system is packaged using an outer and inner box. Carefully cut open the outer box and fold back the flaps. Do the same
with the inner box, and remove the accessory box and place it aside. Two people are required to remove the system from the
inner box. With one person on each side of the package, remove the upper protective foam and carefully slide your hands
under each side of the mRAID and lift it out of package and place gently on the surface previously designated.

1. 2. 3.
fig.1

3. Remove protective film from system – this must be removed before powering the system on to prevent damage to the system.

4. Check to make certain all components are properly seated.

5. The system is now ready for installation into a 4 post equipment rack using the instructions found on the mounting rails. It is
recommended that two people are used to install the system into the rack – one in front of the rack and one in the rear of the
rack to guide the installation. The system uses front to rear cooling, please keep that in mind when mounting in the equipment
rack. The mRAID was designed to deliver maximum performance and trouble free use, but in order to achieve this, the rack it
will be installed into must exhibit good rack stability. It is suggested that the mRAID be installed in the lower half of the rack
and away from tape loaders which may produce excessive vibration.

6. After the system is slid into the rack, secure it with the included mounting screws and install the power cords.
Note: Power requirements for the mRAID can be found at www.active-storage.com/support.

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Getting to know your mRAID

The mRAID system is designed for easy deployment and operation. The system is ready to use out of
the box after unpacking and installing in an equipment rack. However, you should take a few minutes
to familiarize yourself with the system and its components. Each connector is clearly marked and each
component is easily accessible. The mRAID has been designed to provide visual and audible status
indication on the front of the system including the hot-swappable drive modules as well as on each
swappable component on the rear of the system. These indicators work in conjunction with the Active
Viewer and management tools. If you have any questions on system installation or components, please
contact your Reseller or Active Storage customer support for assistance.

Front Panel

fig.1 Drive Modules 1-16

Host Host
Activity Host FC Link Indicators Activity
Indicators Indicators

1 5 9 13
Rack 2 6 10 14 Rack
Mounting Mounting
Screws 3 7 11 15 Screws
4 8 12 16

Controller A Temp Fan Power Warning Power Indicator/ Power Fan Temp Controller B
Buzzer Mute Button

Rear Panel

fig.2
RAID Controller B Management Connection
RAID Controller A (IP Address 10.0.1.2) to Ethernet Switch
(IP Address DHCP)
Fibre Channel Power/Status
Ports 1-4 Indicator
Cooling/Battery
Cooling/Battery Backup Module
Backup Module SAS Expansion
Link Power/Status Indicator
RESTRICTED ACCESS Activity RESTRICTED ACCESS

MAC Address
(Contoller A) Environmental
Processor (ENV)
UPS Connection
LOM Connection to
MAC Address Ethernet Switch
(Contoller B)
LOM Connection to
Model Number Expansion System
Serial Number Power Switch
Power Supply 1 Future I/O Expansion Power Supply 2

WARNING: Hazardous moving parts. Keep away from moving fan blades.

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Connecting your mRAID

The mRAID utilizes a redundant RAID controller design that provides four 8Gb/s Fibre Channel connections on
each RAID controller to a Fibre Channel host or network. The system offers the flexibility to connect two to eight
connections depending on the user environment and intended usage. It is recommended that a minimum of
two Fibre Channel connections be made, one to each RAID controller. The charts below describe some possible
configurations. Note: Using all Fibre Channel connections ensures maximun throughput and redundancy.
Maximum
Degraded Controller
Controller A Controller B Throughput Fail Over Path Notes:
Performance*
Possible*
Fail over not possible, no
FC Port 1 Connected No Connection 8GB/s No Not recommended
redundant operation
Fail over not possible, no
No Connection FC Port 1 Connected 8GB/s No Not recommended
redundant operation
Minimum recommended
FC Port 1 Connected FC Port 1 Connected 16Gb/s Yes 8Gb/s (Half overall) configuration for a single
mRAID
Minimum recommended
FC Ports 1-2 FC Ports 1-2
32Gb/s Yes 16Gb/s (Half overall) configuration for a single
Connected Connected
mRAID and Expansion
Acceptable configuration,
FC Ports 1-3 FC Ports 1-3
48Gb/s Yes 24Gb/s (Half overall) but may provide unbalanced
Connected Connected
performance
Recommended configuration
FC Ports 1-4 FC Ports 1-4
64Gb/s Yes 32Gb/s (Half overall) for mRAID and Expansion
Connected Connected
systems

*Theoretical port performance, not indicative of your actual throughput

The mRAID supports 4Gb and 8Gb Fibre Channel connections using either industry standard optical or Apple
copper Fibre Channel cables* or any combination of either. The latest recommended SFP and optical cables,
and FC switches can be found at www.active-storage.com/support.

Monitoring and managing the mRAID is done using an Ethernet connection on each RAID controller. The system
provides dual Ethernet ports which provide redundant connections to the Ethernet network. The system will
function with one, two or no Ethernet connections, although this is not recommended.

A Lights Out Management (LOM) ethernet port is located on the Environmental Processor (ENV). It is highly
recommended this be connected to your internal ethernet network. The additional ethernet connection on the
ENV is used to directly connect to the LOM connection on a mRAID Expansion system.

*Limited to 4Gb/s throughput using Apple FC cable.

LIGHTS OUT MANAGEMENT ETHERNET CONNECTION CONNECTING AN mRAID EXPANSION
To Ethernet Switch
mRAID

Connect mRAID SAS Expansion port to SAS-In port of Expansion.

mRAID
Expansion
System

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Connecting your mRAID (continued)

The mRAID supports most popular UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) systems. If you are not sure if your
UPS is supported, a list of supported systems can be found at www.active-storage.com/support.

The UPS can be plugged directly into the UPS 9 pin port on the mRAID; the system will automatically
recognize it. If your UPS uses a different connection see Active Storage Support for more
information (www.active-storage.com/support).

UPS

Using the mRAID

Once you have connected your mRAID to the Fibre Channel network or host computer, you can switch the
system on by depressing the power button on the ENV at the rear of the system.

Power Button

The system will begin extensive internal diagnostics. During the approximately 3 minute start up routine, the
system will cycle through and blink certain indicator lights, sound the buzzer, and cycle the cooling modules
as it tests each component. Once the diagnostic cycle is complete, the system status indicators will illuminate
indicating the status of the various components of the system, and the Active Storage front bezel logo button
will glow blue.

The system is now ready for use. If this is the first time you are using the mRAID, you should download the
latest version and launch the mRAID Admin utility and Active Viewer. These can be downloaded at www.
active-storage.com/support.

Shutting Down your mRAID

The mRAID is designed to be used 24/7/365 and rarely requires shutdown, but in the case of a shutdown,
the system is designed to provide the greatest protection of data possible. Following these simple steps will
ensure a proper and safe shutdown.

1. Unmount all mRAID volumes from the host computer or network before beginning a shutdown
2a. Using the mRAID power button – Depress and hold the power button for 5 seconds. Doing this will place the mRAID
into the shutdown sequence. Fibre Channel activity will cease (all requests from the host will be rejected if the system is
unintentionally still mounted), any data remaining in the controller or drive cache will be flushed to the hard drives, hard
drives will be put into an idle state, batteries will be shut off, and the system will power down; this takes approximately
10-50 seconds.
2b. Using the Active Storage Management Suite - Select shutdown from the menu.

WARNING: Improper Shut Down May Cause Data Loss

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Using The Active Storage Management Suite

Please refer to the help guides included in the management software

System Indicators

Operation of the status indicators - Front

Status Indicator Color and Action Description

Active Logo Blue System OK

Blinking Buzzer muted

FC Link Off No FC Link

Green FC Link Established

Controller Icon Green Controller OK

Red Failure

Power Indicator Green Power Supply OK

Red Failure or Power Cord Removed

Temp Indicator Green Temperature OK

Red Over temp condition

Fan Indicator Green Fans OK

Red Fan Fail

Drive Module Off OK

Blue Activity
Red Drive Fail

Host Activity Off No Fibre Channel Host Activity

(40 LEDs) Blue Indicates level of activity

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Operation of the status indicators - Rear

Status Indicator Color and Action Description

Fan Active Logo Blue System OK

Red Failure

Controller Active Logo Green Controller OK

Blinking Green System Booting
Red Failure

Power Supply Green Power Supply OK – System on

Green Blinking Power Supply OK – System off
Red Failure
Off Power Cord Removed

System Problems
If you should ever experience a problem with your mRAID system, you can quickly assess the problem using
the Active Viewer software on a remote computer. In addition, if you are near the system, you can refer to the
system status indicators on the enclosure in order to determine the component at fault.

Since the mRAID has been designed for quick and easy field service, the faulty component can easily be
replaced by the user, reseller, or authorized mRAID service person.

If you are unsure about replacement or require a service part, you can contact your reseller, or call Active
Storage support directly at 1-818-709-1133. Alternately you can contact support at support@active-
storage.com or visit www.active-storage.com/support for the diagnostic information.

Caution:
The pre-installed hard drive modules were designed specifically for use in the mRAID and mRAID Expansion
System. They will not function correctly in ActiveRAID systems. Using these hard drive modules in an ActiveRAID
may result in data loss.

CAUTION
RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE.
WHEN THE BATTERY REACHES THE END OF ITS USEFUL LIFE, THE SPENT BATTERY SHOULD BE
DISPOSED OF BY A QUALIFIED RECYCLER OR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HANDLER. CONTACT
ACTIVE STORAGE, INC. FOR RECYCLING OR DISPOSAL INFORMATION.

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Communications Regulation Information

FCC Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with Active Storage’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference with radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his or her own expense. Important changes or modifications to this product not authorized by
Active Storage, Inc., could void the EMC compliance and negate your authority to operate the product.

Important Safety Information

To ensure your own safety, and the safety of your Active Storage mRAID system, always follow the
precautions below:

The only way to disconnect power completely from the system is to remove the two power cords. Make sure
at least one end of each power cord is within easy reach so that you can unplug the mRAID. For your own
safety and that of your mRAID system, always take the following precautions.

Disconnect the power cords (by pulling the plug, not the cord) if any of the following conditions exists:
• the power cord or plug becomes frayed or otherwise damaged
• your mRAID system is exposed to rain or any other excess moisture
• your system has been dropped or the enclosure has otherwise been damaged
• you want to clean the enclosure (call Active Storage for instructions before using any cleaning products
on the enclosure)
• you spill something into the enclosure

Be sure that you always do the following:

• Protect your system from dampness or wet weather, such as rain, snow, etc.
• Keep your system away from any exposure to liquid from a washbasins, bathtubs, shower etc.
• Follow all instructions and warnings when working with your system

All electrical equipment may be hazardous if misused. Operation of this product, or similar products, must
always be supervised by trained personnel. Do not allow children access to the inside of any electrical
product and do not permit them to handle any cables. This system is certified as a component for use only
with equipment for which the suitability of the combination has been determined by a Nationally Recognized
Testing Laboratory.

High-Risk Safety Warning

This system is not intended for use in the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or
communications systems, or air traffic control systems, or for any other use where the failure of the system
could lead to death, personal injury or severe environmental damage.

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Notes

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mRAID I Quick Start Guide

9233 Eton Ave. 818.709.1133

Chatsworth, CA 91311 818.709.6633
www.active-storage.com info@active-storage.com

Copyright © Active Storage LLC. 2012 – All Rights Reserved.

All trademarks, tradenames, and copyrights are property of their respective holders. Apple Macintosh, Xserve, Mac OS X Server andmRAID
Xsan are property of Apple,
2012Inc.
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