Data and power cables

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The storage system supports a variety of data and power cables for specific hosting environments.

Fibre Channel cables

When constructing a system with the direct connection or Fibre Channel switch connection, consider the following:

If you connect a storage system to a FC host adapter through a switch, set Fabric = ON and set to Point-to-Point.

If you connect a storage system directly to FC host adapter with the following fabric topology:

For 2, 4 or 8 Gbps, set the storage port to Fabric = OFF and Connection Type FC-AL (Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop).
For 16 or 32 Gbps, set the storage port to Fabric = OFF and Connection Type P-to-P (Point-to-Point).

For the 8-Gbps Fibre Channel ports, the combinations between data-transfer speeds and connection types are as follows:

Connection type	Data transfer speeds for 8-Gbps ports
Connection type	2 Gbps	4 Gbps	8 Gbps	Auto
FC-AL	Available	Available	Available	Available (default)
P-to-P	Available	Available	Available	Available
Fabric	Available	Available	Available	Available

For the 16-Gbps Fibre Channel ports and for 16-Gbps SFP added to the 4- port FC 32-Gbps package, the combinations between data-transfer speeds and connection types are as follows:

Connection type	Data transfer speeds for 16-Gbps ports/SFPs
Connection type	2 Gbps	4 Gbps	8 Gbps	16 Gbps	32 Gbps	Auto
FC-AL	No available	Available	Available	Not available	Not available	Available¹
P-to-P	No available	Available	Available	Available	Not available	Available (default²)
Fabric	Available	Available	Available	Available	Not available	Available
Notes: If this combination is specified, the maximum transfer speed automatically specified is 8 Gbps. If this default value is set, Fabric is set to ON automatically.

Note

To connect to the server by the 16-Gbps direct connection, the Fabric Emulation function of the Hitachi host adapter is required. For the direct connection using the Fabric Emulation function, set the Fabric setting of the Fibre Channel port of the Storage System to ON.

For the 32-Gbps SFP added to the 4-port FC 32-Gbps package, the combinations between data-transfer speeds and connection types are as follows:

Connection type	Data transfer speeds for 32-Gbps ports
Connection type	2 Gbps	4 Gbps	8 Gbps	16 Gbps	32 Gbps	Auto
FC-AL	No available	No available	Available	Not available	Not available	Available¹
P-to-P	No available	No available	Available	Available	Available	Available (default²)
Fabric	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Notes: If this combination is specified, the maximum transfer speed automatically specified is 8 Gbps. If this default value is set, Fabric is set to ON automatically.

Note The five Hitachi FC HBAs also have an alternate option of Fabric Emulation. When the HBA is configured to use this mode, treat it as an attached switch and set the storage port to Fabric = On and Connection Type = P-to-P.

Due to high-speed serial data transfer is performed via Fibre Channel, use high-quality Fibre Channel cables that comply with the Fibre Channel-PH standard.

Data transfer rate	Maximum length of cable
	Multimode cable			Single mode cable
	OM2	OM3	OM4	Single mode cable
2 Gbps	984.25 ft (300 m)	1640.4 ft (500 m)	—	3280.8 ft (10 km)
4 Gbps	493 ft (150 m)	1246.72 ft (380 m)	1312.3 ft (400 m)
8 Gbps	164.04 ft (50 m)	493 ft (150 m)	623.36 ft (190 m)
16 Gbps	114.8 ft (35 m)	328.08 ft (100 m)	410.1 ft (125 m)	—
32 Gbps	65.62 ft (20 m)	229.7 ft (70 m)	328.08 ft (100 m)	—

The following table lists specifications of the Fibre Channel interface cable.

Cable type	Interface	Cable mode name	Nominal
			Cable	Connector
			Cable	One side	Other side
LC-LC cable (shortwave)	Optical	Equivalent to DXLC-2P-PC-xxM-GC50, 125-2SR (OMx)	50, 125 μm, 62.5, 125 μm Multimode Wavelength: 850 nm	LC connector	LC connector
LC-LC cable (longwave)	Optical	DXLC-2PS-SPC-xxM-SMC 10/125-2SR	9/125 μm Singlemode Wavelength: 1300 nm	LC connector	LC connector

The following figure shows the connector used for optical interfaces.

The following figure shows the type of optical connector that connects the storage system Fibre Channel ports.

LC connector type
Connector type LC duplex receptacle connector
Interval 6.25 mm flat type, two rows

iSCSI cables

When constructing an iSCSI system with a direct connection or switch connection, consider the following:

Data transfer rate	Maximum length of cable
	Multimode cable			Single mode cable
	OM2	OM3	OM4	Single mode cable
10 Gbps (FCoE)	269.02 ft (82 m)	984.25 ft (300 m)	1804.46 ft (550 m)	—

Cable specifications for iSCSI optical interface

Cable type	Interface	Cable mode name	Nominal
			Cable	Connector
			Cable	One side	Other side
LC-LC cable	Optical	Equivalent to DXLC-2P-PC-xxM-GC50, 125-2SR (OMx)	50, 125 mm Multimode Wavelength: 850 nm	LC connector	LC connector

The following figure shows the connector used for optical interfaces.

The following figure shows the type of optical connector that connects the storage system optical iSCSI ports.

LC connector type
Connector type LC duplex receptacle connector
Interval 6.25 mm flat type, two rows

Cable specifications for 10 Gbps iSCSI copper interface

Cable type	Maximum cable connection length	Data transfer	Transmission band	Cable	Connector
Category 5e or 6a LAN cable	100 m	1 Gbps	1000BASE-T	STP ( use an STP cable that suppresses radio noise)	RJ-45
Category 6a LAN cable	50 m	10 Gbps	10GBASE-T	STP ( use an STP cable that suppresses radio noise)	RJ-45

The following figure shows a 10 Gbps iSCSI cable.

Managing data cables

Organize data cables to protect the integrity of your connections and allow proper airflow around your storage system.

Observing bend radius values

Never bend cables beyond their recommended bend radius. The following table provides general guidelines for minimum bend radius values, but you should consult the recommendation of your cable manufacturer.

Cable type		Minimum bend radius values
Fibre Channel		1.73 inch (40 mm)
iSCSI optical		1.73 inch (40 mm)
Category 5 Ethernet		Four times the outside diameter of the cable
SAS		1.73 inch (40 mm)

Protecting cables

Damage to your Fibre Channel and Ethernet cables can affect the performance of your storage system. Observe the following guidelines to protect cables

Keep cables away from sharp edges or metal corners.
When bundling cables, do not pinch or constrict the cables.
Do not use zip ties to bundle cables. Instead, use Velcro hook-and-loop ties that do not have hard edges and which you can remove without cutting.
Never bundle network cables with power cables. If network and power cables are not bundled separately, electromagnetic interference (EMI) can affect your data stream.
If you run cables from overhead supports or from below a raised floor, include vertical distances when calculating necessary cable lengths.
If you use overhead cable supports:
- Verify that your supports are anchored adequately to withstand the weight of bundled cables.
- Gravity can stretch and damage cables over time. Therefore, do not allow cables to sag through gaps in your supports.
- Place drop points in your supports that permit cables to reach racks without bending or pulling.

Cabling full-width modules

When cabling full-width modules, route the cables horizontally, so that they do not interfere when replacing a module.

Ensuring adequate airflow

Bundled cables can obstruct the movement of conditioned air around your storage system.

Secure cables away from fans.
Keep cables away from the intake holes at the front of the storage system.
Use flooring seals or grommets to keep conditioned air from escaping through cable holes.

Preparing for future maintenance

Design your cable infrastructure to accommodate future work on the storage system. Give thought to future tasks that will be performed on the storage system, such as locating specific pathways or connections, isolating a fault, or adding or removing components.

Purchase colored cables or apply colored tags.
Label both ends of every cable to denote the port to which it connects.

AC power cables

Utility AC power standards for connector types and voltage levels vary by country. Hitachi provides a variety of power cables that facilitate using storage systems around the world. Hitachi power cables meet the safety standards for the country for which they are intended.

Power cable assemblies

For information about racks and power distribution units (PDUs), refer to the Hitachi Universal V2 Rack Reference Guide.

Hitachi power cables consist of three parts:

Plug Male connector for insertion into the AC outlet providing power. The physical design and layout of the plug's contact meet a specific standard.
Cord Main section of insulated wires of varying length, whose thickness is determined by its current rating.
Receptacle Female connector to which the equipment attaches. The physical design and layout of the receptacle's contacts meet a specific standard. Common standards are the IEC C13 receptacle for loads up to 10 amperes (A) and the IEC C19 receptacle for loads up to 15 A.

Number	Country or region	Voltage rating (VAC)	Current rating (amperes)	Plug type
1¹	North America	100-127	15	NEMA 5-15P
	Brazil	200-240	10, 20	NEMA 5-15P
	Japan	100-127	12	JIS C8303
	Taiwan	100-127	12, 16	CNS 690
2	North America	100-127	20	NEMA 5-20P
3	North America	200-240	20	NEMA L6-20P
3	North America	200-240	30	NEMA L6-30P
4²	North America	200-240	30	NEMA L15-30P
5³	Hong Kong	200-240	13	BS-1363
5³	Singapore	200-240	13	BS-1363
6	Chile	200-240	10, 16	CEI 23-50
6	Italy	200-240	10, 16	CEI 23-50
7	Argentina	200-240	10, 15	IRAM 2073
	Australia	200-240	10, 15	AS-3112
	China	200-240	10, 16	GB-1002
	New Zealand	200-240	10, 15	AS-3112
8	Denmark	200-240	10	DK 2-5
8	Israel	200-240	10, 16	SI-32
9⁴	Europe	200-240	CEE 7, 7
10⁵	India	200-240	6, 16	IS-1293
10⁵	South Africa	200-240	10, 16	SABS-164
11	Switzerland	200-240	10	SEV 1011
12⁶	International	200-240	20	IEC 309
13⁷	United Kingdom	200-240	13	BS-1363
13⁷	International	200-240	20	IEC 309
14⁸	International	200-240	30	IEC 309
Notes: Also used for 200-240 VAC applications in Korea and Philippines. Three-phase AC. Also Malaysia and Ireland. Also known as "Schuko" connector and used in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, and Sweden. Supersedes type BS 546. 3-wire (two-phase and earth). Physical variations (connector size and color) indicate amperage rating. Used in Switzerland for a true 16 A application. 4-wire (three-phase and earth). Physical variations (connector size and color) indicate amperage rating. 5-wire (three-phase, earth and neutral). Physical variations (connector size and color) indicate amperage rating.

AC connections

The following table shows and describes the types of AC connections on your storage system.

Description	Receptacle (male end)	Input rating	Reference standards
NEMA 5-15P		100V-120V (standard attachment)	1 ANSI C73.11 2 NEMA 5-15P 3 IEC 83
NEMA L6-20P		200V-240V	1 ANSI C73.11 2 NEMA 6-15P 3 IEC 83
CEE 7/7		200V-240V	4 CEE (7) II, IV, VII 3 IEC 83
BS-1363		200V-240V	5 BS 1365 3IEC 83
AS-3112		200V-240V	6 AS C112

Power cable usage guidelines

Hitachi storage systems are intended for rack installation and ship with power cords. Installation and service requirements may require additional cords and cables to be ordered. The type of power cable required by a given installation is determined primarily by the:

Type of AC line feed provided by the facility.
Type of AC source (wall outlet or modular and monitored PDU) to be used.
Serviceability of components to be connected.

Storage systems require a country-specific power cable for direct connection to a facility AC feed.

Storage systems are designed to allow replacement of hot-pluggable components without removing the chassis from the rack. As a result, power cables can be short because cable movement is of minimal consideration.

Three-phase power considerations for racks

Increasing power requirements for racks are making the use of three-phase power at the rack level compelling.

With single-phase power, at any given time the voltage across the hot and neutral conductors can be anywhere between its peak (maximum) and zero. Electrical conductors must be large to meet high amperage requirements.
Three-phase power uses three cycles that are 120 degrees out of phase, which never allows the voltage to drop to zero. The more consistent voltage derived from the three hot conductors results in smoother current flow and allows small-gauge conductors to be used to distribute the same amount of AC power. As a result, the load balancing and increased power handling capabilities of three-phase distribution can result in more efficient and less costly installations that require fewer AC cables and PDUs.

Cable management

Rack installations should be planned for operational efficiency, ease of maintenance, and safety. Hitachi offers the Backend Configuration Utility (BECK), a graphical, cable-management application that can relieve the typical cable congestion created when populating a rack with storage systems and their accessories.

Cable retention

Unintentional unplugging or unseating of a power cable can have a serious impact on the operation of an enterprise storage system. Unlike data cables, power connectors do not have built-in retention mechanisms to prevent this from happening.

To prevent accidental unplugging or unseating of power cables, the storage system includes a rubber cable-retention strap near the AC receptacle on each controller. These straps, shown in the following image, loop around the neck of a power cable connector, and the notched tail is slipped over the hook of the restraining bar fixed to the storage system.

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Fibre Channel cables

iSCSI cables

Managing data cables