Storage Node
The optional Storage Nodes manage the mass storage.
For tasks that do not require large amounts of mass storage, the Storage
Node's onboard disk storage may be sufficient. The Cluster 1350 Storage
Node is either an IBM eServer xSeries 345 (x345) or IBM eServer xSeries
360 (x360)..
More frequently, however, mass storage is desired for today's computing
tasks. Each Storage Node can communicate with a FAStT200 Storage Server
or FAStT700 Storage Server over a Fibre Channel connection.
Another mass storage solution is the IBM EXP300 SCSI expansion box.
Each SCSI expansion box can be attached to any Cluster Node using a
™
ServeRAID
PCI card. The IBM EXP300 contains fourteen disk drives.
Storage Server
For this option the Cluster 1350 system uses the RAID-capable FAStT200
Storage Server or FAStT700 Storage Server. Each FAStT200 Storage Server
adds up to ten internal drives to the storage capacity of the cluster. The
FAStT700 Storage Server can support up to 224 drives contained in
external expansion cabinets. Both enable the Storage Node to communicate
with large RAID-protected arrays of storage.
Storage Expansion Unit
Each FAStT200 Storage Server in the cluster controls up to two IBM
EXP500 Disk Storage Expansion Units, each of which expands the capacity
of the Storage Server by ten disk drives. Each FAStT700 Storage Server in
the cluster controls up to sixteen IBM EXP700 Disk Storage Expansion
Units, each of which expands the capacity of the Storage Server by
fourteen disk drives.
Another mass storage solution is the IBM EXP300 SCSI expansion box.
Each SCSI expansion box can be attached to any Cluster Node using a
ServeRAID PCI card. The IBM EXP300 contains fourteen disk drives.
Console
The console provides the monitor, keyboard, and mouse for the
Management Node. The monitor is a fold-down flat-panel display that
retracts into the rack.
KVM Switch
The KVM switch lets the console connect to all the different nodes in the
cluster. The Cluster 1350 can use the IBM NetBAY 2x8 Console Switch or
the IBM NetBAY Remote Console Manager to act as its KVM switch.
When using the IBM NetBAY 2x8 Console Switch, Storage and
Management Nodes (x345s) connect directly to the switch. For Cluster
Nodes (x335s) in the same rack, you can daisy-chain up to 40 nodes on one
switch port.
When using the IBM NetBAY Remote Console Manager (RCM) up to 16
Storage and Management Nodes (x345s) can be daisy-chained to one port
using CCO converters and CAT5 cables. For Cluster Nodes (x335s) in the
same rack, you can daisy-chain up to 18 nodes on one switch port.
10/100-MB Ethernet Switch
The 10/100-MB Ethernet switch provides 10/100-MB Ethernet connections
for the cluster. The Cluster 1350 uses the Cisco Ethernet switch Models
3550 XL (24-port) and 3550 XL (48-port). You can partition the switch to set
up multiple independent LANs within the same switch.
Chapter 1. System overview
7