Learn how the hardware terms apply to your storage array.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Storage array | A storage array includes the shelves, controllers, drives, software, and firmware. |
| Shelf | A shelf is an enclosure installed in a cabinet or rack. It contains the hardware components for the storage array. There are two types of shelves: a controller shelf and a drive shelf. A controller shelf includes controllers and drives. A drive shelf includes input/output modules (IOMs) and drives. |
| Controller | A controller consists of a board, firmware, and software. It controls the drives and implements the System Manager functions. |
| Drive | A drive is an electromagnetic mechanical device or solid state memory device that provides the physical storage media for data. |
| Bay | A bay is a slot in the shelf where a drive or other component is installed. |
| Drive shelf | A drive shelf, also called an expansion shelf, contains a set of drives and two input/output modules (IOMs). The IOMs contain SAS ports that connect a drive shelf to a controller shelf or to other drive shelves. |
| Controller shelf | A controller shelf contains a set of drives and one or more controller canisters. A controller canister holds the controllers, host interface cards (HICs), and batteries. |
| Power/fan canister | A power/fan canister is an assembly that slides into a shelf. It includes a power supply and an integrated fan. |
| IOM (ESM) | An IOM is an input/output module that includes
SAS ports for connecting the drive shelf to the controller shelf. Note: In previous
controller models, the IOM was referred to as an environmental service
module (ESM).
|
| SFP | An SFP is a Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) transceiver. |