Sas backplane

Types of SAS Backplanes

The Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) backplane is a kind of circuit board that connects hard drives to servers, storage systems, or computers. It has multiple ports for the drives and ports to connect to the rest of the system. The backplane lets all the drives in the system share one or more data paths to the other computer parts through a cable. This makes it easier to build and manage data storage systems using SAS or SATA hard drives. They come in different types depending on the number of drives connected and how the data cables connect to the computer.

• 1x4 SAS backplane: This SAS backplane type has one 4-lane connector that plugs into a RAID card or motherboard. It can connect up to four 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SAS/SATA hard drives. The 1x4 backplane is suitable for small servers or workstations with limited drive space. It simplifies the cabling by using a single cable to connect four drives. For this to work, all the drives have to be put in the same place inside the computer, like in a line or a stack. Then, the cable from the computer can reach every drive without any extra connectors or extensions.
• 1x8 SAS backplane: This type of backplane works like the 1x4 backplane but connects twice as many drives. It is used in servers, computers, and storage systems that need to hold many hard drives. The 1x8 backplane can connect up to eight 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SAS/SATA drives. Just like the 1x4 backplane, all the drives need to be inside the computer and easy to reach with a cable.
• 1x16 SAS backplane: The 1x16 backplane provides connectivity for up to sixteen 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SAS/SATA hard drives. It is mostly used in high-capacity storage servers or network-attached storage (NAS) devices designed to handle large amounts of data. The 1x16 backplane is typically found in server and storage array designs where a significant number of drives must be accommodated.

Functions and features of sas backplane

The SAS backplane is a critical component in a server or storage system. It connects multiple hard drives to the motherboard using a single SAS or SATA interface. Here are some of the features and functions of a SAS backplane.

• Hot-swapping/Hardware RAID support

Hot-swapping is one of the most important features of a SAS backplane. It enables hard drives to be added or removed from the system without shutting down the server. In case a drive fails, it can be replaced without any downtime. Hot-swapping is used in conjunction with hardware RAID to provide redundancy and data protection. The backplane also supports multiple hard drives connected to a single RAID controller, which is a requirement for hardware RAID.

• Data transfer speed

The SAS backplane offers fast data transfer speeds. The backplane's performance is determined by the server's specifications and the number of hard drives connected to it. It is important to keep in mind that the backplane's speed capabilities depend on the type of interface used. A backplane with a SATA interface, for example, can transfer data at a maximum speed of 6 Gb/s. On the other hand, a SAS backplane can transfer data at a maximum speed of 12 Gb/s.

• Redundant power supply

A SAS backplane with a redundant power supply has two power supplies. In case one power supply fails, the other one takes over the power supply to the hard drives. This helps to prevent downtime in the event of a power supply failure.

• Hard drive capacity

The SAS backplane can support many hard drives. The number of drives a backplane can support depends on the server's form factor and specifications. If the server has many drive bays, it will be able to accommodate a backplane that can support more hard drives. For example, a backplane with an 8-bay design can support up to 8 hard drives.

• Form factor

The SAS backplane has different form factors that vary depending on the server's design. It can be an external or internal backplane. An external backplane is located outside the server's chassis, while an internal backplane is situated inside the chassis.

Scenarios

A SAS backplane is a crucial component in storage servers. It provides a connection between hard disk drives and the RAID controller card. Here are some common application scenarios of a SAS backplane:

• Enterprise Data Centers:

The need for data storage is rapidly increasing in enterprise data centers. Data centers serve to store, manage, and process enormous amounts of data. They are the backbone of modern businesses today. To meet the challenging storage needs, data centers use server systems with multiple hard drives. These servers are often connected in a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) configuration to prevent data loss in case of drive failure. The multiple hard drives in a server system are connected using a SAS backplane. The SAS backplane provides a high-speed, reliable connection between the drives and the server's RAID controller. It allows for efficient data transfer and storage management in enterprise data center environments.

• Cloud Computing:

Similar to enterprise data centers, cloud service providers also use SAS backplanes to connect multiple hard drives in server systems. Cloud computing has become a popular choice for businesses to offload their data storage and computing needs to third-party cloud service providers. To offer scalable and reliable cloud storage solutions, cloud service providers deploy storage servers with large drive capacities. These storage servers use SAS backplanes to interconnect the numerous hard drives efficiently. This allows the cloud storage servers to store and manage the enormous volume of data uploaded by businesses and users to the cloud. The SAS backplane ensures that data can be read from or written to any hard drive in the server without any delay. This provides users with fast and uninterrupted access to their data stored in the cloud.

• Surveillance Systems:

Modern surveillance systems use network video recorders (NVRs) to store recorded video footage. NVRs typically have multiple hard drive bays to accommodate several hard drives for storing video data. A SAS backplane is used to connect the hard drives in the NVR. The SAS backplane provides the necessary bandwidth to ensure that the video data can be read from or written to the hard drives in real-time without any drop in frame rates. This allows the surveillance system to record and store high-definition video footage without any performance issues. Also, connecting the hard drives in RAID configurations using the SAS backplane ensures that no video data is lost in case of a drive failure. This is important for surveillance systems as it helps to protect the recorded video footage from being lost in the case of a hard drive failure.

How to Choose a SAS Backplane

When choosing a backplane for a server, it is important to ensure that it is compatible with the server and the hard drives. It is also important to check the number of drives it can support, the RAID levels it can handle, and the data transfer speed. The cooling system is also a crucial factor to consider, as it helps in the prevention of overheating. Additionally, the material of the backplane is another point to check out for, as it is the one that determines its durability.

Users should also consider the physical space of the backplane, as it is a major factor to keep in mind when choosing one. They should also check the power requirements of the backplane and make sure it is compatible with the server's power supply.

It is also important to research the model and brand to ensure that the backplane meets the specific needs of the server. By doing this, users can make an informed decision and ensure that the backplane will work efficiently within the server environment. Additionally, it is important to compare different models and brands to find one that offers the best performance, reliability, and price.

Users can also read reviews from other users to learn more about their experiences with the backplane. Reviews can provide valuable insights into the backplane's pros and cons, helping users make a more informed decision. Finally, users should also consider purchasing the backplane from a reputable supplier. By doing this, they can ensure that they are getting a genuine product that meets their expectations.

SAS backplane FAQ

Q1: What is the purpose of a backplane?

A1: A backplane connects and allows communication between various components like hard drives, power supplies, and other devices in a computing system. It serves as a backbone for the system, providing a unified interface for all connected components. The backplane also helps with cable management and system organization, as it eliminates the need for multiple connections between components.

Q2: What is the difference between hot swap and cold swap?

A2: Hot swap refers to the ability to add or remove components from a system without shutting it down. Cold swap, on the other hand, requires the system to be powered off before any components can be added or removed. Most SAS backplanes support hot swapping of drives, which allows for seamless maintenance and upgrades without interrupting system operation.

Q3: What RAID levels are supported by SAS backplanes?

A3: SAS backplanes typically support a range of RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and more. Each RAID level offers a different configuration for data redundancy, striping, and performance optimization. The specific RAID levels supported may vary depending on the backplane model and manufacturer, so it is important to check the specifications for compatibility.

Q4: Are SAS backplanes compatible with SATA drives?

A4: Some SAS backplanes are designed to be compatible with both SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) and SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) hard drives. While SAS and SATA are different interfaces, they are physically similar and can be used interchangeably with the right connectors and cabling. However, it is essential to note that SAS drives offer better performance and reliability than SATA drives, especially in high-demand enterprise environments.