1 introduction, Features – HP 6Gb SAS Switch for HP BladeSystem c-Class User Manual
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1 Introduction
The HP 6Gb SAS BL Switch is a single-wide interconnect module for HP BladeSystem c-Class
enclosures that enables a server blade with an HP Smart Array 6Gb SAS Controller to communicate
with external SAS storage enclosures and tape devices. Its 6Gb SAS technology delivers high
performance, with high data bandwidth up to 600 MB/s per physical link, and is fully compatible
with 3G SAS, 3G SATA, and 1.5G SATA technology. Both dual-port SAS and single-port SATA
disk drive interconnections are supported, offering deployment flexibility.
The HP 6Gb SAS BL Switch is a key component in HP External SAS Storage for HP BladeSystem
Solutions.
•
For information about devices included in the BladeSystem portfolio, including c-Class
enclosures, ProLiant server blades, Smart Array SAS controllers, and this 6Gb SAS BL Switch,
see the HP BladeSystem website
).
•
For information about BladeSystem solutions using this switch, see the HP BladeSystem
Deployment Guide for Solutions with 6Gb SAS BL Switches and External SAS Storage
Enclosures, available on the HP Support Center website
).
Features
Simplified management:
•
BladeSystem c-Class enclosures and their blade devices centralize control and reduce storage
management cost.
•
The HP 6G Virtual SAS Manager application, used for zoning, is embedded in the switch
firmware.
Enterprise-class performance:
•
The HP 6Gb SAS BL Switch is fully supported in the HP BladeSystem c-Class enclosure
infrastructure and is compatible with any combination of HP BladeSystem c-Class server blades.
•
An existing switch can be installed or replaced without having to power down the BladeSystem
enclosure.
•
Configuration and management is performed through the embedded Virtual SAS Manager
(VSM) utility. The VSM is available in both a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and a Command
Line Interface (CLI).
High availability when using a pair of switches in the same interconnect row of the BladeSystem
c-Class enclosure:
•
The inclusion of a redundant SAS BL Switch and SAS Smart Array Controller, along with dual
I/O modules in the external storage enclosures and dual-ported disk drives, ensures that the
system can tolerate a component or path failure and maintain access to the storage.
•
Redundant power supplies and redundant cooling fans within the BladeSystem c-Class enclosure
provide protection against enclosure malfunction.
•
Redundant firmware images and configuration settings provide protection against switch or
port malfunctions.
Features
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