Data and power cables

Required cables

The quantities and lengths of the cables required for storage system installation vary according to the specific storage system and network configuration. Fibre Channel and iSCSI cables are used to connect the controllers to a switch or host. Serial-attached SCSI (SAS) cables are used to connect drive trays to controllers and other drive trays.

The following table describes the cables required to perform storage system connections at the time of installation.

Interface type	Connector type	Cable requirements
Fibre Channel	LC-LC	Use a Fibre Channel cable to connect the Fibre Channel ports on each controller to a host computer (direct connection), or to or several host computers via a Fibre Channel switch. See the note and table below.
iSCSI (optical)	LC-LC	Use an optical Ethernet cable to connect the iSCSI 10 Gb SFP ports on each controller to a host computer (direct connection), or to several host computers via an Ethernet switch.
iSCSI (copper)	RJ-45	Use a shielded Category 5e or 6a Ethernet cable to connect the iSCSI 10 Gb RJ-45 ports on each controller to a host computer (direct connection), or to several host computers via an Ethernet switch.
SAS	SAS optical	Connects the controller to a drive tray or a drive tray to another drive tray. Two SAS cables are provided with each drive tray. SAS cables are also used to connect NAS modules to switches.
Ethernet	RJ-45	Four shielded Category 5e or 6a Ethernet cables are required for connecting the SVP to the controllers, management console PC, and network switch.

Note The maximum distances in a typical Fibre Channel SAN depend on the kind of optical fiber used and its diameter. The following table lists the maximum supported Fibre Channel cable length based on cable size and port speed.

Cable size	Speed	Maximum cable length
9 micron	1 Gbps	1 km (3281 ft)
9 micron	2 Gbps	2 km (6562 ft)
50 micron	2 Gbps	300 m (984.2 ft)
	4 Gbps	150 m (492.1 ft)
	8 Gbps	50 m (164 ft)
	16 Gbps	35 m (115 ft)
62.5 micron	2 Gbps	100 m (328.1 ft)
	4 Gbps	70 m (230 ft)
	8 Gbps	21 m (69 ft)

Fibre Channel cables

The storage system supports Fiber Channel connections to hosts. For details about configuring FC host connections, see the Provisioning Guide.

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

The following figure shows FC direct connection and FC connection through a switch.

The following table lists the data transfer rates and provides the maximum cable lengths.

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

The storage system supports iSCSI connections to hosts. For details about configuring iSCSI host connections, see the Provisioning Guide.

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.

iSCSI standards

The following standards apply to the management, maintenance, and iSCSI data ports. To configure this system, use switches that comply with the following standards:

IEEE 802.1D STP
IEEE 802.1w RSTP
IEEE 802.3 CSMA/CD
IEEE 802.3u Fast Ethernet
IEEE 802.3z 1000 BASE-X
IEEE 802.1Q Virtual LANs
IEEE 802.3ae 10 Gigabit Ethernet
RFC 768 UDP
RFC 783 TFTP
RFC 791 IP
RFC 793 TCP
RFC 1157 SNMP v1
RFC 1231 MIB II
RFC 1757 RMON
RFC 1901 SNMPv2

iSCSI specifications

Item	Specification	Comments
iSCSI target function	Supported	N/A
iSCSI target function	Supported	TrueCopy® only
iSCSI ports	2 per interface board	VSP Gx00 models: Maximum 32 per iSCSI system
Connection methods	Direct and switch connections
Host connections	255 (maximum per iSCSI port)	With Linux software initiator, the maximum number decreases.
Path failover	HDLM¹	Supports Microsoft MPIO (Multi Path I/O)
Link	10 Gbps SFP+	N/A
Transfer speed	10 Gbps	N/A
Connector type	LC	N/A
Cable	Optical OM3, OM2 MMF cable	N/A
Network switch	L2 or L3 switch	Should comply with IEEE802.3ae
Switch cascading	Maximum: 5 switches or fewer	Minimum number of cascading switches is recommended.
MAC address	Per port (fixed value)	Factory setting: World Wide Unique value. Cannot be changed.
Maximum transfer unit (MTU)	1,500, 4,500, 9,000 bytes (Ethernet frame)	Jumbo frame, MTU size greater than 1500
Link aggregation	Not supported	N/A
Tagged VLAN	Supported	N/A
IPv4	Supported	N/A
IPv6	Supported	Note the following precautions: When iSCSI Port IPv6 is set to Enabled, if the IPv6 global address is set to automatic, the address is determined by acquiring a prefix from an IPv6 router. If the IPv6 router does not exist in the network, the address cannot be determined. As a result, an iSCSI connection might be delayed. When an iSCSI Port IPv6 is set to Enabled, verify the IPv6 router is connected to the same network, and then set IPv6 global address automatically.
Subnet mask	Supported	N/A
Gateway address	Supported	N/A
DHCP	N/A	N/A
DNS	N/A	N/A
Ping (ICMP ECHO) Transmit, Receive	Supported	N/A
IPsec²	N/A	N/A
TCP port number	3260	Changeable among 1 to 65,535. Observe the following if changing values: The setting of the corresponding host should also be changed to log in the new port number. The new port number might conflict with other network communication or be filtered on some network equipment, preventing the storage system from communicating through the new port number.
iSCSI name	Both iqn³ and eui⁴ types are supported	The unique iqn value is automatically set when a target is made. iSCSI name is configurable.
Error recovery level	0 (zero)	Error recovery by retrying from host. Does not support Level 1 and Level 2.
Header digest	Supported	Detects header error or data error with iSCSI communication. The storage system follows the host's digest setting. If digest is enabled, the performance degrades. The amount of the degradation depends on factors such as host performance of host and transaction pattern.
Data digest	Supported
Maximum iSCSI connections at one time	255 per iSCSI port	N/A
CHAP	Supported	Authentication: login request is sent properly from host to storage. CHAP is not supported during discovery session.
Mutual (2-way) CHAP	Supported (not available if connected to Linux software initiator)	Authentication: login request is sent properly from host to storage.
CHAP user registration	Max 512 users per iSCSI port	N/A
iSNS	Supported	With iSNS (name service), a host can discover a target without knowing the target's IP address.
Note: JP1, HiCommand Dynamic Link Manager. Pass switching is achieved. Not supported on Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems. IP Security. Authentication and encryption of IP packets. The storage system does not support IPsec. iqn: iSCSI Qualified Name. The iqn consists of a type identifier, "iqn," a date of domain acquisition, a domain name, and a character string given by the individual who acquired the domain. Example: iqn.1994-04.jp.co.hitachi:rsd.d7m.t.10020.1b000.tar eui: 64-bit Extended Unique Identifier. The eui consists of a type identifier, "eui," and an ASCII-coded, hexadecimal, EUI-64 identifier. Example: eui.0123456789abcdef

Managing cables

Organize 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	40 mm (1.73 inch)
iSCSI optical	40 mm (1.73 inch)
Category 5 Ethernet	Four times the outside diameter of the cable
SAS	40 mm (1.73 inch)

Protecting cables

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

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	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 3 IEC 83
AS-3112		200V-240V	6 AS C112

Cable and connector

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.

DC power cable

The following figure shows the specification for DC power cables.

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