Apple Xserve RAID - Manual (Page 37)

38 Chapter 4
Installing the Host Bus Adapter Card in the Host System
The Apple Fibre Channel PCI Card is a 7-inch PCI card that you can install in the Xserve
system or Power Mac G4 models with a processor speed of 800 MHz or faster. This adapter
card has two fibre channel connectors, which you use to connect the card to the Xserve
RAID system.
Consult the documentation that came with your server or computer for instructions on
installing the adapter card.
Alternatively, you may be able to connect the Xserve RAID system to a fibre channel card
from another manufacturer. See the specifications and documentation for the card to
determine if it is compatible with Xserve RAID.
Connecting Xserve RAID to a Host System or Switch
The Xserve RAID system uses high-speed fibre channel communication to send and receive
data. Each fibre channel connection transmits data in both directions simultaneously at
speeds up to 2 gigabits (Gb) per second.
About Fibre Channel Connections and Cables
The fibre channel transmission technology is designed to move large amounts of data
between two devices, such as a RAID storage system and a server, or between one host and a
switch that connects multiple hosts.
Fibre channel cables can be copper wire or optical fiber, and cabling between devices can be
as long as 10 kilometers (km). Two copper fibre channel cables are included with the Apple
Fibre Channel PCI Card. Each of these cables connects to one of the two RAID controllers in
the Xserve RAID system and to a host system or a switch.
Xserve RAID supports the use of 1 Gb and 2 Gb fibre channel switches and hubs. For best
performance, use a 2 Gb switch.
Note: If you do not purchase the Apple Fibre Channel PCI Card, you need to supply two
copper fibre channel cables (up to 10 meters long) to connect to a host system or switch.
Important
In an Xserve system, you must install the Apple Fibre Channel PCI Card in the
upper PCI slot. This card has been FCC certified only for installation in the upper slot.