Connecting a control enclosure to a host with onboard SAS connectors

When you install a control enclosure, you can connect it to a host with SAS cables. On Lenovo Storage V3700 V2 XP systems, you can use the 12 Gbps onboard host SAS ports or an optional 4-port 12 Gbps SAS host interface adapter. Onboard SAS host ports are not available on Lenovo Storage V3700 V2, Lenovo Storage V5030, or Lenovo Storage V5030F systems.

Two types of SAS cables are used for host attachment, depending on the requirements of the host.

Mini SAS HD to Mini SAS HD (Figure 1)
Figure 1. Mini SAS HD to Mini SAS HD cable
Mini SAS HD to Mini SAS (Figure 2)
Figure 2. Mini SAS HD to Mini SAS cable

Note: When you insert a SAS cable, make sure that the connector is oriented correctly.

When you connect cables to the SAS ports on the left side of the node canister, the blue pull tab must be below the connector.
When you connect a cable to a SAS 4-port host interface adapter, the blue pull tab must be above the connector.
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 only be removed by pulling the tab.

To install the cables, complete the following steps.

Connect the required number of SAS cables.
Refer to Planning network cable connections to determine the number of cables required.
Note: When you connect cables to the SAS ports on the left side of the node canister, each host must be connected to both canisters. Both canisters must have the same number of cables connected.
Arrange the cables to provide access to the hardware.
- USB ports. USB port access is required when you use a USB flash drive to configure the system.
- The enclosures themselves. Access is required to the hardware for servicing and for safely removing and replacing components by using two or more people.

Figure 3 shows the location of the onboard 12 Gbps SAS ports on a Lenovo Storage V3700 V2 XP system. In this example, the optional 4 port 12 Gbps SAS host adapter is also installed.

Figure 3. Location of available SAS ports on a Lenovo Storage V3700 V2 XP system

Image of Lenovo Storage V3700 V2 XP control enclosure rear view with SAS cables

For information about SAS cabling and the optional 12 Gbps SAS host interface adapters, refer to Connecting SAS cables to a SAS 4-port interface adapter.