Xserve RAID Admin Tools Software Release v1.5.1


Installation Instructions
=========================

The following new items are in this release:

	RAID Admin v1.5.1
	firmware-1.5.1-1.51.xfb
	READ ME FIRST Folder

If you installed this software via the Software Update mechanism, all of the above items will be installed in a new folder "Xserve RAID Update", located in the Applications/Utilities folder.  If you are installing from CD, drag all items to your preferred location on your host computer's hard disk.

The versions of RAID Admin and Xserve RAID firmware in this release should replace all earlier versions.  


Support for 750GB Drive Modules
================================

This release provides support for the new 750GB Xserve RAID Drive Modules offering a phenomenal 10.5TB of combined capacity. Xserve RAID systems MUST be updated with this release in order to utilize these new drive modules. Systems with older firmware will not be able to recognize the new drive modules, therefore it is recommended that all systems be updated prior to installing new modules. See the "Xserve RAID Firmware Update Instructions" section at the end of this document for more details on performing this update.  Always backup all data on the Xserve RAID before applying any updates.


What's New in this Release
==========================

- Support for 750GB Xserve RAID drive modules.

- Changes to 'Host Cache Flushing' performance setting are properly saved on RAID controller.

- Fixed SCSI protocol compatibility issues with Windows OS.

- Corrected encoding issue so passwords may now contain any valid Unicode character.

- Fixed updating the current session password after password is changed in system settings.

- 'IDE Error' event log message details are now correctly displayed in hexadecimal.

- Removed LUN Masking from Advanced panel.

- Closed an unused TCP/IP port (192) on the Controller Module.


Xserve RAID Firmware Update Instructions
========================================

This release includes the latest version of firmware for your Xserve RAID.  Use the RAID Admin application to upgrade any Xserve RAID system that requires new firmware.  You can check the current version of firmware on an Xserve RAID by looking at the Firmware Version field in the Components monitoring tab in RAID Admin.  Select a system in the monitoring list, select the Components tab, and select the upper or lower controller module in the display.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Before updating the firmware, you should have all Xserve RAID volumes unmounted from all host systems to prevent possible data loss.  The firmware update process will cause an automatic restart of the Xserve RAID that will interrupt data availability.  The new firmware will not disturb your existing RAID sets or enclosure settings including password, system name, and email notifications.  Always backup all data on the Xserve RAID before applying any updates.

Before updating new firmware, RAID Admin will disable the disk and RAID controller caches.  This is done to prevent stale data in the controller's memory from being used in the new firmware.  Note: Do not quit RAID Admin while the firmware update process is taking place. Original cache settings will be restored by RAID Admin at the end of the firmware update process.

To update the firmware:
 - Launch RAID Admin and choose an Xserve RAID system in the monitoring list.
 - In the System menu, select "Update Firmware..." and choose the "firmware-1.5.1-1.51.xfb" file.

RAID Admin will determine whether your Xserve RAID system's firmware needs updating and proceed with the update when you select the Update button.  Both the management coprocessor's and RAID controller's firmware will be updated on the upper and lower controller modules.  The firmware update will require several minutes to complete.  Do not interrupt this operation until it is done.  The Xserve RAID will restart when the firmware update is complete in order for the new firmware to take effect.  Verify the new firmware versions by looking in the Components tab after the Xserve RAID has restarted.


Procedure for Adding and Moving Drives and Arrays
=================================================

Xserve RAID Admin update 1.5 and later implements a new procedure regarding how hard drives are added to an Xserve RAID and how RAID arrays are moved from one Xserve RAID to another.  The new procedure adds a measure of safety to prevent inadvertently changing drives from a RAID set into Spares.

If an inserted drive is determined to be part of a RAID set, the drive will be flagged with a solid amber LED and marked with an "Unavailable" status.  Before the drive can be used as a Spare or in creating a RAID set, the user must use the "Make Drive Available For Use" function, under Utilities in the toolbar. 

When an entire RAID array is moved from one Xserve RAID to another, the RAID array may not be recognized due to internal conflicts with a RAID array already in the unit.  To resolve these conflicts and bring the inserted array online, use the Recognize Array function, under Utilities in the toolbar.


Procedure for Replacing a Controller Module
===========================================

Before replacing a Controller module, upgrade to the latest Xserve RAID firmware.  To upgrade the firmware on an Xserve RAID, follow the instructions in the "Xserve RAID Firmware Update Instructions" section.  Whenever upgrading firmware or replacing a Controller module, please be sure to stop all host activity to the RAID, unmount any RAID volumes from all hosts, and perform a full backup of all data.

After installing a new Controller module and making sure the Xserve RAID is fully ready with all LEDs green, it may be necessary upgrade the firmware on the new module so both Controller modules have the same firmware versions.  Finally, synchronize the settings on the new Controller module with the other module by holding down the System Identifier button and momentarily pressing the reset button on the back of the new Controller module (using a paperclip or small screwdriver).  Settings synchronized are: System Name, Location, Contact settings, Monitoring and Management Passwords, Email notification list and server, audible alert, power failure, and SNMP settings.
