Connecting a Controller Enclosure to Application Servers

Prerequisites

• You have developed a plan for connection between the controller enclosure and the application server. For details on how to develop a connection plan, see Connection Planning Between a Controller Enclosure and an Application Server.
• The ports on the storage device are set to the autonegotiation mode. To keep a smooth link, the rates of the ports on the storage device and the application server (or the switch) must be consistent. If the rates are inconsistent, perform the following:
  • Set the rate of a front-end port. See "Modifying an Ethernet Port" and "Modifying a Fibre Channel Port" in the Basic Storage Service Configuration Guide for Block corresponding to your product model.
  • To set the rate of the ports on the application server (or the switch), see the documents of the application server (or the switch).
• The following installation tools and materials are ready:
  • For iSCSI networking:

    If GE electrical ports on a GE electrical interface module or network ports on an application server (or a switch) are not in autonegotiation mode, you must use crossover cables to connect the controller enclosure to the application server (or switch). Otherwise, the controller enclosure may fail to communicate with the application server (or switch).

    • Network cable
    • Cable tie
    • Diagonal pliers
  • For Fibre Channel networking:
    • Optical module
    • Optical fiber
    • Fiber binding tape
    • Diagonal pliers

Connecting GE Electrical Interface Modules

1. Wear an ESD wrist strap, ESD gloves, and ESD clothes.
2. Connect one end of a network cable to a GE electrical port.
3. Set up a connection to a network port on the application server.
   • Direct connection: Connect the other end of the network cable to a network port on the application server.
   • Switched connection: Connect the other end of the network cable to a switch. Then connect the switch to the application server using a network cable.

4. Repeat 2 and 3 to connect other GE electrical ports to the application server.
5. Route and bind the network cables.

   For details about how to route and bind cables, see General Cable Routing Description and Cable Routing and Bundling Basics.

Connecting 8/16/32 Gbit/s FC and 10GE/25GE Interface Modules

When installing an optical fiber, do not look into the optical port without eye protection.

1. Wear an ESD wrist strap, ESD gloves, and ESD clothes.
2. (Optional) Install optical modules in the ports on the interface modules of the storage system.

   If optical modules have already been installed, go to 3.

   1. Remove the protective cap from the optical module. See (1) in Figure 6-8.
   2. Insert the optical module into the port on the interface module. See (2) in Figure 6-8.

   Insert the optical module horizontally to prevent damaging the module.

   Figure 6-8 Inserting an optical module
   

3. Remove the protective cap from the optical fiber connector. See (1) in Figure 6-9.

   Precautions about connecting optical fibers are as follows:

   • An optical module is electrostatic sensitive and must be placed in an ESD-resistant and dust-proof environment during transportation, storage, and use.
   • When connecting cables, select proper cables according to site requirements and label information.
   • An optical fiber connector must be kept clean and free from scratches.
   • Cover optical fibers and optical modules that are not in use with protective caps.
   • The bend radius of an optical fiber must be larger than 5 cm.

4. Connect one end of the optical fiber to the port on the interface module. See (2) in Figure 6-9.

   Insert the optical fiber connector until it clicks into place.

   Figure 6-9 Connecting an optical fiber
   

5. Set up a connection to the application server.
   • Direct connection: Connect the other end of the optical fiber to a network port on the application server.
   • Switched connection: Connect the other end of the optical fiber to a switch. Then connect the switch to the application server.

6. Repeat 2 to 5 to connect other front-end ports to the application server.
7. Route and bind the optical fibers.

   For details about how to route and bind cables, see General Cable Routing Description and Cable Routing and Bundling Basics.

Connecting 40GE or 100GE Interface Modules

1. Wear an ESD wrist strap, ESD gloves, and ESD clothes.
2. (Optional) Install optical modules in the Ethernet ports on the storage system.

   If optical modules have already been installed, go to 3.

   1. Remove the protective cap from the optical module. See (1) in Figure 6-10.
   2. Insert the optical module into the Ethernet port. See (2) in Figure 6-10.

   Insert the optical module horizontally to prevent damaging the module.

   Figure 6-10 Inserting an optical module
   

3. Connect the optical fiber.
   1. Remove the protective cap from the optical fiber connector. See (1) in Figure 6-11.
   2. Connect one end of the optical fiber to the optical module on the Ethernet port. See (2) in Figure 6-11.
   Figure 6-11 Connecting an optical fiber
   

4. Set up a connection to an Ethernet port on the application server.
   • Direct connection: Connect the other end of the optical fiber to an Ethernet port on the application server.
   • Switched connection: Connect the other end of the optical fiber to a switch. Then connect the switch to the application server.

5. Repeat 2 to 4 to connect other front-end ports to the application server.
6. Route and bind the optical fibers.

   For details about how to route and bind cables, see General Cable Routing Description and Cable Routing and Bundling Basics.