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SCSI channel topology

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by rigneyma 1 view

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We have a new server with an Adaptec 2200S 2 channel SCSI controller. I want to set up 2 arrays, system-RAID1 and data-RAID5. Both arrays have the same, even number of drives. Is it best to put each array on its own channel or divide the drives between the channels such that each array is connected to both channels?

5 replies

by timwalsh

If I'm not mistaken, you will not be allowed to create an array across channels using Adaptec's Raid Configuration Utility. You would probably be able to do this using the software RAID capability of the Windows Server OSes, but this would provide you with no benefit.

by rigneyma

There is no performance difference between the two configurations? If true, then why have multiple channels at all?

by timwalsh

So you can attach more drives and thus set up multiple arrays.

Think of a 2 channel RAID addapter as 2 single channel addapters.

It's not a question of performance. It's a question of how the RAID Configuration utility will let you construct the array. It will only allow you to choose drives from a single channel.

In case I didn't answer this in my previous answer, yes, pute each array on its own channel.

by rigneyma

You can create arrays with drives from both channels. The question is whether spreading the 2 arrays across the 2 channels is good or bad and why.

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