Accusys ExaSAN A12S2-PS - Manual (Page 9)

1. Introduction
User Guide Page 1-1
1. Introducing ExaSAN PCIe 2.0 Storage System
1.1 System Overview
Your new ExaSAN (pronounced “X-sa-SAN”) PCIe 2.0 Storage System is a rack mounted
storage that can be used as a DAS (Direct-Attached Storage) or SAN (Storage Area
Network) for the post production and broadcasting industries that require high
bandwidth. Furthermore, the A12S2-PS supports the latest PCIe 2.0 standard providing a
20Gb bandwidth.
1.1.1 What is the ExaSAN Solution
Developed by Accusys, Inc., a worldwide leader in RAID (Redundant Array of
Independent Disks) storage systems, ExaSAN is a system solution built for simple, cost-
effective deployment and storage management. Employing PCIe (PCI Express)
technology, the PCIe 2.0 Storage System uses QSFP cabling technology to natively
transmit at low latency PCI Express Gen 2 protocol. Each channel under PCIe 2.0 can
transmit at 500MB/s, giving PCIe 2.0 x4 storage systems a 20Gb bandwidth and PCIe
2.0x8 a 40 Gb bandwidth. The ExaSAN total solution, including its complete line up of
rack mount system, tower systems, PCIe switch systems and accessories, puts the
benefits of shared, scalable, and high-performance storage within easy reach of
organizations with limited IT resources and budgets.
Post production work such as non-linear editing (NLE) requires especially high
bandwidth storage to support the volume of data being processed, and ExaSAN
storage solution is designed to meet such demands. The high bandwidth enabled by
ExaSAN technology allows the client to achieve the maximum efficiency with minimum
cost, while its enhanced functionality provides continuous and smooth data transfer to
prevent frame drop or lagging of projected content. ExaSAN is a complete solution that
includes the PCIe RAID system, cable and HBA card.
Figure 1 below depicts the ExaSAN A12S2-PS system solution architecture. Note that it
can be expanded from one RAID system to three systems (daisy-chaining from 1x RAID
controller).