(76 products available)
The LSI SAS3108 is a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) controller with an 8-port SAS expander. This controller can manage multiple hard drive configurations to enhance storage capabilities, and its ability to provide RAID levels ensures that data is safe and can be retrieved in case of system failure.
RAID controllers are important in managing hard drive configurations to enhance storage capabilities. They also provide different RAID levels for data security and redundancy, which means that data can be retrieved in case of system failure. There are three main types of RAID controllers:
Controllers can also be differentiated based on the number of ports. An LSI SAS 3108 8-port controller supports up to eight direct connections to disks or tape drives, while a 16-port model supports sixteen direct connections. However, the 8-port controllers can be connected to a SAS expander that increases the number of ports to which disks can be attached. They are often used in systems where a large number of storage devices are required, like in a virtualized environment or when a lot of disk space is needed.
Another way to classify RAID controllers is by generation, which affects their performance and compatibility. The LSI SAS 3108 is a third-generation model that can support the latest SAS and SATA drives. The generation impacts the functionalities, features, and performance of the controller.
The LSI SAS 3108 controller is the most recent line of advanced eight-port 12 Gb/s SAS controllers expressly designed to meet the dynamically changing storage needs of an enterprise. These controllers offer robust performance, flexibility, and data protection in multi-drive configurations, making them an ideal solution for a broad range of applications. Supporting 12 Gb/s SAS and SATA data transfer rates, this controller is highly efficient in managing numerous drives and delivering exceptional throughput, hence making it suitable for workloads demanding high bandwidth.
Moreover, with its Fusion-MPT architecture, the 3108 guarantees optimal multi-threading performance and excellent I/O operations per second (IOPS) performance. This feature is instrumental in the advancement of applications that are critical to the business and hence improves overall system productivity and responsiveness. The controller provides a wide range of features that enhance its flexibility and performance. With support for up to 128 SAS or SATA devices, it offers the scalability that enterprises need to grow their storage infrastructures. The option of using expanders in a daisy chain or point-to-point topologies adds to the deployment flexibility of this controller.
Moreover, the controller features integrated mini SAS connectors, which allow for simple cable routing and connections. With its excellent design and features, this controller is an ideal solution for enterprises looking to enhance their storage systems. The controller has a number of significant capabilities, including support for different RAID levels to allow redundancy and data protection, as well as support for SSDs and HDDs. The controller also has the ability to execute encryption and decryption in hardware to assist safeguard sensitive data without affecting performance.
In addition to that, it is compatible with numerous operating systems, including Windows and Linux. Its SSD caching support is important for workloads needing quick access to personalized data. Caching frequently accessed data on an SSD improves system response times and reduces latency. The controller is suitable for use in a variety of sectors, including as cloud computing, video surveillance, virtualization, and high-performance computing.
The LSI SAS 3108 has numerous applications in the industry. Here are some of them:
Storage Area Network (SAN)
The LSI SAS 3108 is used to create a SAN, which is a dedicated network for computer system storage. The SAN allows multiple servers to share a pool of storage disks. It provides block-level storage that is generally required for databases and virtualization. The SAS controller connects to the servers and transports the data between them and the storage devices.
Direct Attached Storage (DAS)
The LSI SAS 3108 is used to build DAS, which is a popular storage solution for both individual users and organizations. The DAS is fast and dependable because it is directly linked to the host computer. The LSI SAS 3108 allows the host computer to access several hard drives or solid state drives directly, thus storing all data on those internal or external drives.
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
The LSI SAS 3108 plays a big role in building NAS, which is a storage device that enables multiple users to store and retrieve data over a network. The NAS box has several hard drives or solid state drives. These drives are connected to a network using an LSI SAS controller, thus allowing the users to access and share the stored data remotely.
Data Backup and Archiving
The LSI SAS 3108 can be used for data backups and archiving. It helps create robust backup solutions for organizations. The SAS controller enables the disks to communicate with the computer so that users can have their data backed up regularly. Users can also archive old data to free up space from the primary storage systems. The archived data is stored on either the magnetic tapes or hard disks.
Virtualization
Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual version of a device or resource. The LSI SAS 3108 simplifies storage for virtual machines. Virtual machines need storage to reside on, and that is where the SAS controller comes in. It connects to the disks that store virtual machine disks to provide reliable and high-performance access to virtualized workloads.
Database Applications
Databases are structured systems that store data. The LSI SAS 3108 provides storage solutions that can meet database performance and reliability requirements. The SAS or SATA drives connected to the controller can be configured to support database workloads.
When presenting buyers with options for LSI SAS 3008 and 3108 controllers, it is important to consider both controllers' distinct features and functionalities. The LSI SAS 3008 controller may be preferred for compatibility with specific operating systems or for using RAID levels in certain applications. On the other hand, the LSI SAS 3108 controller might be more appealing in cases where enhanced performance, advanced configuration options, or international market standards are prioritized. Based on specific requirements, budget constraints, and available resources, the relative costs and benefits of incorporating either controller into their infrastructure must be evaluated; hence, selecting one over the other will depend on feature preferences and resource allocation. The target application and desired controller functionality will dictate which model suits a setup better.
When choosing an LSI SAS controller to suit particular needs, the following are important considerations:
Other factors to keep in mind when choosing an LSI SAS 3108 are as follows:
Q1: What is the advantage of the LSI SAS 3108?
A1: The LSI SAS 3108 has better performance and greater speed because it uses a faster CPU and supports the PCIe 3.0.
Q2: What kind of cables connect a SAS controller to drives?
A2: SAS controllers use different cables from the standard SATA to connect to drives. They use the SAS 6Gbps cable or the SFF-8643 internal cable, which can provide power and support for multi-connector drives.
Q3: Does SAS work with SATA drives?
A3: The SAS controller can work with SATA drives, but it may not be able to use some features of the SATA drive, like hot-swapping capabilities. In the case of the SAS 3108, it supports using SATA drives from 2.5 to 6 terabytes.
Q4: Can a SAS controller increase performance?
A4: Yes, a SAS controller can increase performance by making storage devices work together in a RAID configuration. This helps to make data work faster.
Q5: How does one install a LSI SAS 3108 controller?
A5: The procedure to install an LSI SAS 3108 controller is as follows:
1. Turn the computer off and insert the SAS controller into a PCIe slot.
2. Connect the controller to the drives using the appropriate SAS cables.
3. Plug in and turn the computer on. The card will be recognized automatically.
4. Install any necessary drivers or software for the card to function properly.
5. Configure settings through the card's management interface if needed.