Connecting the optional 2U SAS expansion enclosures to the 2145-SV1

This task applies if you are installing a 2145-24F or 2145-12F expansion enclosure. Each pair of 2145-SV1 nodes in the system can manage up to 20 expansion enclosures.

Note: When you insert SAS cables, ensure that the connector is oriented correctly.

• When you connect an expansion enclosure, the blue pull tab must be below the cable ( 1  in Figure 1).
• When you connect a 2145-SV1, the blue pull tab must be above the connector ( 2  in Figure 1).
• Insert the connector gently until it clicks into place. If you feel resistance, the connector is probably oriented the wrong way. Do not force it.
• When inserted correctly, the connector can be removed only by pulling the tab.

Figure 1. SAS cable connector orientation

•  1  Correct orientation for 2145-24F or 2145-12F SAS expansion enclosure
•  2  Correct orientation for 2145-SV1 node or 2145-92F SAS expansion enclosure

Be aware of the following guidelines when you attach the cables to the SAS ports.

• No cable can be connected between a port on a left canister and a port on a right canister of the expansion enclosures.
• Ensure that cables are installed in an orderly way to reduce the risk of cable damage when replaceable units are removed or inserted.
• SAS cables must be routed through the cable management arms to avoid the risk of disconnecting the nodes from their flash drive arrays. This step also helps to protect the SAS cables from getting damaged if the node is slid out on its rails while attached to the enclosure.
• Arrange your cables to provide access to the following components:
  • Ethernet ports, including the technician port. The technician port is used for initial setup of the system by directly attaching to a personal computer. It can also be used to complete service actions for the system.
  • USB ports. USB ports can be used to initialize the system or to perform service-related tasks by using a USB flash drive that contains executable files for initializing the system.
  • Fibre Channel and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) ports. If your system has an optionally installed Fibre Channel and FCoE adapter for host and external storage attachment, ensure that these ports are accessible.
  • The nodes and the enclosures themselves. Access is required to the hardware for servicing and for safely removing and replacing components by using two or more people.