Host Bus Adapter

How do Host bus adapters work?

host bus adapters and heir communication with storage networks

Host Bus Adapter Features and Configuration Requirements
The following table describes some recommended SCSI and Fibre Channel host bus adapters. It includes information about adapter termination and how to use the adapters in single initiator SCSI buses and Fibre Channel interconnects.

The specific product devices listed in the table have been tested. However, other devices may also work well in a cluster. It is possible to use a host bus adapter other than a recommended one. The information in the table can help to determine if the device has the features and characteristics that will enable it to work in a cluster.

Table A-3. Host Bus Adapter Features and Configuration Requirements

Host Bus Adapter Features Single-Initiator Configuration
Adaptec 2940U2W
Ultra2, wide, LVD.
HD68 external connector.
One channel, with two bus segments.
Set the onboard termination by using the BIOS utility.
Onboard termination is disabled when the power is off.

Set the onboard termination to automatic (the default).
Use the internal SCSI connector for private (non-cluster) storage.

Qlogic QLA1080
Ultra2, wide, LVD
VHDCI external connector
One channel
Set the onboard termination by using the BIOS utility.
Onboard termination is disabled when the power is off, unless jumpers are used to enforce termination.

Set the onboard termination to automatic (the default).
Use the internal SCSI connector for private (non-cluster) storage.

Tekram DC-390U2W
Ultra2, wide, LVD
HD68 external connector
One channel, two segments
Onboard termination for a bus segment is disabled if internal and external cables are connected to the segment. Onboard termination is enabled if there is only one cable connected to the segment.
Termination is disabled when the power is off.

Use the internal SCSI connector for private (non-cluster) storage.
Adaptec 29160
Ultra160
HD68 external connector
One channel, with two bus segments
Set the onboard termination by using the BIOS utility.
Termination is disabled when the power is off, unless jumpers are used to enforce termination.

Set the onboard termination to automatic (the default).
Use the internal SCSI connector for private (non-cluster) storage.

Adaptec 29160LP
Ultra160
VHDCI external connector
One channel
Set the onboard termination by using the BIOS utility.
Termination is disabled when the power is off, unless jumpers are used to enforce termination.

Set the onboard termination to automatic (the default).
Use the internal SCSI connector for private (non-cluster) storage.

Adaptec 39160
Qlogic QLA12160

Ultra160
Two VHDCI external connectors
Two channels
Set the onboard termination by using the BIOS utility.
Termination is disabled when the power is off, unless jumpers are used to enforce termination.

Set onboard termination to automatic (the default).
Use the internal SCSI connectors for private (non-cluster) storage.

LSI Logic SYM22915
Ultra160
Two VHDCI external connectors
Two channels
Set the onboard termination by using the BIOS utility.
The onboard termination is automatically enabled or disabled, depending on the configuration, even when the module power is off. Use jumpers to disable the automatic termination.

Set onboard termination to automatic (the default).
Use the internal SCSI connectors for private (non-cluster) storage.

Adaptec AIC-7896 on the Intel L440GX+ motherboard (as used on the VA Linux 2200 series)
One Ultra2, wide, LVD port, and one Ultra, wide port.
Onboard termination is permanently enabled, so the adapter must be located at the end of the bus.

Termination is permanently enabled, so no action is needed in order to use the adapter in a single-initiator bus.

Table A-4. QLA2200 Features and Configuration Requirements

Host Bus Adapter Features Single-Initiator Configuration Multi-Initiator Configuration
QLA2200 (minimum driver: QLA2x00 V2.23
Fibre Channel arbitrated loop and fabric
One channel

Can be implemented with point-to-point links from the adapter to a multi-ported storage device.
Hubs are required to connect an adapter to a dual-controller RAID array or to multiple RAID arrays.

Can be implemented with FC hubs or switches

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