DS8000 Service Documentation Version 6.3.3

Routing and connecting the FC-AL cables

About this task

Note: If an FC-AL cable is damaged, you can use the point-to-point cabling diagrams to determine the other end of the cable. See Point-to-point cabling diagrams - FC-AL cables. Several FC-AL cables are tightly bundled together so it is difficult to physically trace an individual FC-AL cable from end to end.

Procedure

Do the following step that applies:
- You are installing Rack-2. The FC-AL cables are already connected. Go to step 9.
- You are installing Rack-3. The FC-AL cables must be routed and connected to Rack-1, Rack-2, or both. Go to step 2.
- You are installing Rack-4. The FC-AL cables must be routed and connected to Rack-3. Go to step 2.
Find and uncoil the FC-AL cables that are coiled at the rear of the rack being installed. Do not remove the black protective cable connector covers.
Determine the destination rack and storage enclosure for each FC-AL cable.
1. Find the location code label at the free end of each FC-AL cable.
2. If the labels include the physical location code (example: R2-G01-P1-C1-T2) refer to Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3 to translate to the destination storage enclosure. Then go to step 4.
3. If the labels only include the three character connection designators (example: 4A1), refer to Figure 2, and Figure 3 to translate to the destination storage enclosure. Then go to step 4.
Figure 1. Cable labels, storage and I/O enclosure locations for physical location codes

Figure 2. Point-to-point cabling diagram for the FC-AL cables (Models 951, 95E) (rear view, racks 1-2)

Figure 3. Point-to-point cabling diagram for the FC-AL cables (Models 951, 95E) (rear view, racks 3-4)
Route the FC-AL cables to the destination rack.
1. Do not connect the FC-AL cables to the storage enclosure Fibre Channel interface cards until directed later in this procedure.
2. Route each cable bundle to the destination rack through the rack to rack holes near the rack cover upper hinges at the rear of each rack.
Route the FC-AL cables to the destination storage enclosure.
1. Do not connect the FC-AL cables to the storage enclosure Fibre Channel interface cards until directed later in this procedure.
2. FC-AL cables that will connect to the Fibre Channel interface card in the left side of a storage enclosure are routed down the left side of the rack.
  - Left side cables have "C1" in the location code (e.g. Rx-XIx-P1-C1-Tx), or the last character in the connection designator will be odd (e.g. 2A5)
3. FC-AL cables that will connect to the to the right Fibre Channel interface card in a storage enclosure are routed down the right side of the rack.
  - Right side cables have "C2" in the location code (e.g. Rx-XIx-P1-C2-Tx), or the last character in the connection designator will be even (e.g. 2A6)
After each cable bundle has been routed to its destination storage enclosure, remove the black rubber protective connector covers.
Plug the FC-AL cables into the connectors on the FCIC cards in the storage enclosures as indicated on the cable labels. Refer to Figure 4 for connector locations.
Note: Do not discard the connector covers, you can store them in the Rack-1 documents enclosure (front upper left).
1. If the labels include the physical location code (example: R2-G01-P1-C1-T2) refer to Figure 4.
2. If the labels only include the three character connection designators (example: 4A1), refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3.
Figure 4. Storage enclosure locations rear (Models 951, 95E)
Use existing cable trays and cable ties to secure the cables neatly.
Do you have additional expansion racks to install on this storage facility?
- Yes, install the next expansion rack. Return to Routing and connecting the interrack cables to one expansion rack at a time.
- No, continue with Installing the interrack decorative covers kit.