Sun Microsystems Sun StorEdge T3 - Manual (Page 36)

24 Sun StorEdge T3 and T3+ Array Configuration Guide • August 2001
FIGURE 3-1 Sun StorEdge T3 Array Partner Group
Note – Sun StorEdge T3 arrays require a media-interface adapter (MIA) connected
to the Fibre Channel port on the controller card to connect the fiber-optic cable. Sun
StorEdge T3+ array configurations support direct FC-AL connections.
When two units are connected together, they form a redundant partner group. This
group provides controller redundancy. Because the controller is a single point of
failure in a standalone configuration, this redundancy allows an application host to
access data even if a controller fails. This configuration offers multipath and LUN
failover features.
The partner group connection also allows for a single point of control. The bottom
unit will assume the role of the master, and from its Ethernet connections, it will be
used to monitor and administer the unit installed above it.
The master controller unit will set the global variables within this storage system,
including cache block size, cache mode, and cache mirroring.
Note – For information about setting or changing these parameters, refer to the Sun
StorEdge T3 and T3+ Array Administrator’s Guide.
Application host
FC-AL connection
Interconnect
cables
LAN
Ethernet port
Ethernet
connection
Management host
Host-bus adapters
Ethernet
connection
Master
Alternate
master
controller
unit
controller
unit