| GENERAL
DEVICE SUPPORT
PHYSICAL CONFIGURATION
FUNCTIONALITY
GENERAL
What is FileZerver? FileZerver is a network-attached storage appliance. This means that it is designed and optimized to perform a very specific task. By attaching the FileZerver directly to an Ethernet network users are able to store and retrieve their data in the knowledge that these files are ‘safe'.
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Commonly, data storage is based on your existing network server. FileZerver is designed to take the strain of data storage away from this server while providing fault tolerance via RAID. FileZerver would typically be used for the following applications:
- To provide high volume data creators, such as clients or networks running E-Commerce, CAD/CAM, imaging or audio/visual applications with high capacity, low cost secure storage.
- Workgroups within a larger network can share common files, safe in the knowledge that their data will not disappear if a hard drive fails.
- Independent peer to peer workgroups where there is no network server will benefit from having a high capacity, high performance, scalable RAID server holding all of their information centrally that will grow with them.
- Schools and educational establishments can utilize the flexibility of FileZerver by deploying department or faculty specific servers again with high performance and data security.
- As a means to ensure that data that would normally be kept on workstation drives is actually kept centrally, securely and backed up.
- A safe haven for critical data in place of a tape backup solution. Data can be moved to the RAID server from the main network server and be protected by RAID, ready for use should the main server fail.
- Any network that requires an easy to install RAID solution that requires minimal administration and simple configuration, combined with high performance and unrivalled scalability.
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What is a network appliance?
A server appliance is defined by the following characteristics:
- Easy to install (typically 15 minutes).
- Fulfils a dedicated server function - accessible from multiple clients and protocols while offering several simultaneous server emulations (such as SMB, NCP, NFS, AFP, etc.) over the LAN.
- Low cost of ownership (less expensive than a traditional server dedicated for the same job).
- Mission-optimized software architecture.
- No network operating system license.
- Open standards-based.
NetZerver has accumulated seven years experience (over one hundred engineering person/years) in server appliances since our first device in 1992. We have perfected many of the technologies involved in server appliances, from install wizards to high-performance multi-protocol access.
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Is FileZerver designed to replace my main network file server?
No. It is designed to complement your existing network structure. FileZerver is designed to take away the pressure and burden from your existing server by providing a dedicated and optimized RAID solution. It will operate in a peer to peer workgroup as the main data storage server though.
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What does the FileZerver look like?
FileZerver is available as either a sled or board for integrators and OEMs to build their own RAID arrays, with the configuration, disk capacity and form factor (rack or tower) fitting their specific customer needs. Each model can be populated with a wide variety of processors and memory.
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Which device connectors does FileZerver have?
Two models are available, the FileZerver SCSI/IDE model has a single LVDS (Ultra 80 SCSI) channel and two ULTRA ATA/33 EIDE channels offering a total hard drive capacity of 19 drives. The IDE only model offers two ULTRA ATA/33 EIDE channels and four ULTRA ATA/100 EIDE channels. This will allow a maximum of 12 drives to be attached.
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Can I buy FileZerver as a complete RAID solution, including hard drives?
Yes. We currently offer six tower models starting with a single drive micro-tower. Our advanced server is the FT2-46, which includes 6 hot swap 120gb drives.
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How is FileZerver managed? There are two ways to manage a FileZerver. Either via an easily accessible web browser based interface, or via the new onboard LCD panel and keypad. A number of wizards are available to help novice users set-up, configure and learn about RAID groups and shares.
In addition, a Windows-based global management tool, called ZerverView, can also be used as a platform to support and administer multiple Zerver devices.
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Does the FileZerver support languages other than English? Yes, the FileZerver is fully localized. The administration interface is localized in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese. In addition, the on-line context sensitive help system also supports all of these languages. If you make use of the email alerting system, these messages are now localized.
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Can ZerverView be used to manage multiple FileZervers?
Yes. By using the latest version of ZerverView, all NetZerver Zerver units can be managed together from a single interface.
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What is RAID? RAID - Redundant Array of Independent Disks - is an evolving storage technology that offers significant advantages in performance, capacity, reliability, and scalability to groups of users that have requirements beyond those offered by a single PC.
RAID systems provide high reliability and data availability through techniques such as parity checking. In this scheme, when the RAID controller writes information onto the disks, it also writes redundant information called parity bits. Should a disk fail, this parity information enables the RAID controller to re-compute the lost information as it is requested without degrading performance. Advanced RAID controllers will reconstruct the lost data onto a spare disk, so that the system can survive another disk failure.
With increasing demands for mass storage performance, capacity, scalability and reliability, many companies are adopting RAID technology to complement their existing computer systems, enabling them to support demanding applications such as digital imaging, pre-press, on-line transaction processing, data warehousing, and file servers.
RAID technology can be implemented at two levels:
- In server software - software RAID
- In the firmware of the controller - hardware RAID
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Which Raid levels does FileZerver offer? FileZerver offers three levels of RAID:
0 Data is broken down in blocks and each block is written to a separate drive. Also known as Striping, offers no fault tolerance and should be used for high speed storage of non-critical files.
1 Data blocks are copied or Mirrored on to a backup drive. Entry level RAID for basic redundancy and fault tolerance.
5 Data blocks are split between drives and separate parity blocks are written to another drive. Parity blocks are always on a separate drive to the physical data that they represent. Typically used for critical data storage where data protection and up-time are critical.
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Is Software RAID better than hardware RAID? Software RAID is more flexible. By using software RAID the FileZerver is able to span RAID groups across both SCSI and EIDE hard drives. It is also able to run all three levels (0, 1 & 5) simultaneously across all drives allowing different users different levels of fault tolerance. Also, software RAID allows for drives of different sizes to be mixed and matched in the RAID group.
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DEVICE SUPPORT
Can I mix IDE and SCSI drives together? Absolutely. RAID groups can span both SCSI and IDE disks.
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What types and sizes of SCSI and IDE hard disk drives are supported? All sizes of LVDS (Ultra 80 SCSI) compatible drives are supported.
All sizes of EIDE compatible drives are supported, however only the first 137gb of each drive are addressable.
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Do all hard drives need to be the same physical size? No, any size drives can be utilized. A RAID group can span disks of different physical sizes, although you must allocate identical amounts of storage space from each device in the group.
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What is the maximum hard drive size supported?
Based on currently available hard drives, FileZerver can support approx. 1.1 TB of SCSI storage space and approx. 3000gb of EIDE storage space on the SCSI/IDE model. The IDE only model will currently support approx. 900GB. As hard drive sizes increase FileZerver will continue to grow and support these larger sizes.
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What is the maximum supported file size? Files up to 2TB can be saved to the unit. Many competitive units will not accept files greater than 2GB, however FileZerver does not suffer from this limit.
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Which IDE ATA levels are supported (33, 66 or 100)? The FileZerver IDE/SCSI model has two ULTRA ATA/33 channels, while the IDE only model has two Ultra ATA/33 and four Ultra ATA/100 channels.
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Are CD or DVD-ROM or CD-R drives supported? A single CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive can be connected to the FileZerver to act as a ‘loading device'. Any CD or DVD placed into this drive can be copied to the RAID array. FileZerver will not share the optical drive or media across the network. CD-R devices are not supported.
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Can I use hardware RAID controllers in conjunction with the FileZerver? Yes. Currently two hardware RAID controllers are supported. The CMD 5440 and the Chapparal G5312. Either of these controllers can be attached to the SCSI connector of the FileZerver. A technical document describing how to configure these controllers is available separately.
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Is it possible to add a new disk into an existing live' RAID-group? Yes. Dynamic RAID expansion is fully supported for all RAID levels.
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Will FileZerver support Hot Swapping of drives? Yes. Hot Swap functionality is fully supported.
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Will FileZerver support Hot Spares? Yes. Any drive that is attached to the FileZerver, but not configured as part of an existing RAID group is able to be designated as a hot spare drive. In the case where both IDE and SCSI drives are available, FileZerver will utilize the IDE drives first. There is no limit to the number of Hot Spare drives that can be connected (up to the physical maximum of 19 drives for FileZerver).
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Can I backup my data? The FileZerver has two options for backing up and restoring data. A tape drive can be attached directly to the FileZerver (either SCSI or IDE) and used as the primary backup and restore device. Some tape autoloaders are also supported. The back up device can be one of the following types:
¼ Inch, AIT2, DLT, 4mm DAT, 8mm DAT, Mammoth2, MLR, SLR, Travan or VXA
Alternatively, the built in Veritas Backup Exec Agent will allow FileZerver to be seamlessly integrated into an enterprise backup strategy.
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Can my backup span multiple tapes? Yes. The FileZerver will prompt you to change the tape when needed.
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Are Tape auto changers / jukeboxes support? Tape autoloaders that do not require a separate robotics control connection should function properly when attached directly to a FileZerver. Jukeboxes are not supported at this time.
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Am I able to backup and restore single files from a drive or share? The backup utilities within FileZerver will allow you to only back up all files from a defined RAID group or share.
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Can I set a backup schedule? Yes. Backups can be scheduled to run at a regular set time.
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Is server mirroring supported? Yes. FileZervers can be configured to mirror their data to another FileZerver at pre-defined regular intervals. This feature greatly improves the redundancy of your RAID solution by offering a total server ‘backup' held on a physically separate unit. Should one unit fail the mirrored FileZerver can be used instead.
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Can I mirror other servers and clients? FileZervers running the SmartMirror feature are compatible with the Unix mirroring application rsync. You can use other rsync Servers and Clients to synchronize data with FileZerver.
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PHYSICAL CONFIGURATION
What is the base configuration of the unpopulated and populated models? FileZerver 450 = 450MHz AMD K6 processor and heat sink plus fan, no memory
Unpopulated = no processor or memory
All sled based units contain light pipes, reset switch, sled housing, RJ45 Pig tail, and device connectors.
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Which CPU's are supported? AMD K6-2E and K6-IIIE+ processors between 350 MHz and 500 MHz are supported.
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Which RAM Modules are supported? The FileZerver has a single DIMM slot that will accept standard PC100 DIMMS from 64MB to 512MB in size.
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How big is the flash memory?
8mb.
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What network speeds and connections does the FileZerver have? The standard FileZerver configuration provides a 10/100 auto sensing Ethernet connector. It is also possible to add an Intel PRO/1000 Fibre or Copper card to the FileZerver's PCI slot to obtain Gigabit Ethernet support. Requires use of PCI kit – Part number 9383-01.
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FUNCTIONALITY
What is the LCD panel for? This panel will allow you to configure, manage and maintain the FileZerver. The attached keypad enables you to enter information and navigate through the management screens.
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Why are there two power connectors on the board? FileZerver is able to accept power from either an AT or ATX power supply. By using an ATX connector, FileZerver is able to support the latest chassis and enclosures offering safer shutdowns and better power management.
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What are the USB headers for? At this time, these connectors are not supported.
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Does FileZerver support DHCP? Yes. FileZerver can act as a DHCP server and issue IP addresses to client workstations that attach to it. It can also obtain an IP address on boot up from an existing DHCP server on the network.
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Are NetWare 5 and NW/IP supported? Yes.
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Which clients are supported by FileZerver? NetWare 3.x, 4.x or 5 clients.
Microsoft networking clients (Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, Windows for Workgroups or DOS)
Apple Macintosh clients up to Mac OS X running AppleTalk, TCP/IP or both. AFP is fully supported.
Web Based clients (HTTP or FTP)
UNIX NFS clients
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Does FileZerver support Macintosh file formats and clients? Absolutely! Macintosh users can see the FileZerver as if it were a native Macintosh server. Zones are supported and any Macintosh client up to Mac OS X running under Appletalk, TCP/IP or both are fully supported. The FileZerver supports the AFP protocol.
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Which network protocols are supported by FileZerver?
- TCP/IP
- Appletalk
- NW/IP
- IPX
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Which file-sharing protocols are supported by FileZerver?
- NFS
- FTP
- HTTP
- CIFS (SMB)
- NCP
- NW/IP
- AFP
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Which servers does FileZerver emulate?
- NOvel NetWare 3.12, 4.x & 5.x
- Microsoft Windows
- UNIX NFS 2.0 and 3.0
- Apple Macintosh 6.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0 and Mac OS X
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Is File Level Security (FLS) supported? Absolutely! Native FLS is available for UNIX clients and browser-based FLS is available for Macintosh, Windows NT and NetWare clients, providing greater data security and improved file access. Native support will be added to upcoming releases for the other protocols.
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Can FileZerver be viewed across global domains? Yes. But please remember that this functionality is dependent on your WINS configuration.
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Are there any limitations on the number of concurrent users on the FileZerver? FileZerver can maintain a list of 1,000 known users with approximately 250 concurrent user connections.
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Are there any limits on the number of shares that can be offered to users? A total of 250 individual shares can be simultaneously published.
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Can the display of shares be restricted? Yes. In addition to standard security settings, individual shares can be set to present themselves only to clients running specific protocols. For example, this means that a share can be set to display only to Windows (CIFS) users and be invisible to Macintosh (AFP) users.
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Can I use underscore characters in share names? Yes.
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Is NDS integration via the web-interface possible? NO. ZerverView should be used for NDS integration as this method is more secure than sending unencrypted administration information using the HTTP protocol.
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Is there an undelete function? No. Once data is deleted is it not recoverable. We recommend that you make use of the backup functionality within the FileZerver.
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What happens if the FileZerver unit fails? Will my existing RAID levels disappear? No. If you have a number of hard drives with RAID groups configured on them and the FileZerver fails, it is possible to attach the hard drives to a new FileZerver unit without loss of data. Upon power up the FileZerver will recognize that the attached hard drives have been configured as a RAID group(s) and will automatically adapt to this information, providing the data as before.
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What are the pins on the motherboard marked ‘management' for? This is so that NetZerver repair centers can attach a special test unit to quickly diagnose and troubleshoot problems.
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Which file format is used when writing to the disks? Native NT and NetWare file formats are used.
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Can I access my data while FileZerver is rebuilding my RAID groups? Yes. Full user access is possible while the unit is rebuilding a RAID group.
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Is NFS version 3 supported? Yes.
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Is there file locking between Windows and Unix? Database-style file locking will not be supported. However, if a Windows client is writing a file for example, a UNIX client will be locked out until writing is completed and vice versa.
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Is there a caching system (like write-back) to improve the RAID performance? No, but most newer SCSI drives have this feature included in the drive electronics.
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What happens to data in cache in the event of a power outage? As with almost all RAID systems, power outage can cause a full resyncronization of the RAID array, and a rebuild of the file system. Data may be corrupted in some files that were actively being written during the power failure. Use of a UPS is strongly recommended.
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Why would FileZerver resyncronize the RAID set every time the unit is turned on?
FileZerver will only do this if not correctly powered down via the administration interface. Like almost all operating systems on the market today, an orderly shutdown is required to close all open files and write configuration information.
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How is Unix Security set? Normally, FileZerver offers user and group security at the "share" level. This means that the same file can be accessed via different shares and would have different security depending on which share the user accessed the file from. In addition to this, it is now possible to provide NFS clients with file level security.
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How is Web Security set? For the FileZervers administrator account, by setting user administration rights.
For users/clients accessing shares, by making shares non-public or by manually adding users to the server and then assigning rights to shares.
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Is there an alarm system in the event of a failed drive? Yes, alerts are sent via email notification (SMTP) or SNMP (event notification). They are also viewable on the LCD display.
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Is SNMP supported? Yes. FileZerver can be configured as an SNMP agent providing SNMP traps for server event notification and alerts.
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What type of events does email (SMTP) and SNMP notification notify? FileZerver offers a comprehensive range of alerts such as:
Drive failures, drive/file system rebuilds, drives reaching capacity, unit reboot, unit overheating and backup related messages. Further alerts are in development.
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How does FileZerver handle the repair of the file system in the event of a crash? There is an automatic rebuild of any questionable file system. In addition, there is a manual on demand rebuild of file systems.
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