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Chapter 1
Introduction
Overview
Cubix Subsystem Technology
MultiServ/FT Configurations
Manual Organization
The Cubix MultiServ/FT Subsystems are rack mount units designed for installation in Cubix System cabinets or in a customer furnished enclosure. These subsystems provide up to eight network servers in a small and controlled environment. Up to four Cubix MultiServ/FT Subsystems may be installed in a single Cubix Cabinet, supporting up to thirty-two servers per cabinet.
Servers are network computers designated for specific functions. File servers provide a location for applications and files to be stored. Application servers include remote communication servers, fax servers, e-mail servers, mainframe gateways, Novell NLM servers, and others.
The MultiServ/FT Subsystems contain a 16-slot backplane available in three EISA configurations. They are used to house Cubix single board computers, CD ROM, tape, floppy and hard disk drives, and a variety of controllers. In addition, each subsystem offers: 1) dual redundant power supplies, each with its own power input receptacle to support redundant power sources; 2) an electronic multiplexor that permits a number of processors to share a single monitor, keyboard, mouse, and floppy disk drive; 3) dual CMOS battery packs, each with a test pushbutton.
The MultiServ/FT Subsystem's backplane can be separated into independent groups of PC slots. By installing a Cubix BC single board computer into each slot group, each group becomes a suitable platform for a file server or application server. Fault tolerance is further supported by the ability to power down one server in a subsystem while allowing all other servers in the subsystem to continue to operate.
The MultiServ/FT integrated multiplexor allows a single monitor, keyboard, mouse, and floppy disk drive to be shared by all servers in the subsystem. This floppy drive is referred to as the "muxed floppy", and is included in every MultiServ/FT Subsystem.
In addition to the muxed floppy, the MultiServ/FT accommodates hard disk drives. Optional CD ROM drive and tape drive support is also available.
A Cubix MultiServ/FT Subsystem provides a manageable platform for network applications requiring single or multiple processors. Each processor functions as an individual network PC.
Cubix Processors
The Cubix processor (BC Series) products provide complete computer solutions on single plug-in boards. Each board contains a CPU, system memory, video support, a keyboard controller, disk drive controllers, serial and parallel ports, and an integrated network interface. The Pentium BC product also includes a SCSI interface. When installed into a MultiServ/FT backplane the Cubix processor boards become network file servers or application servers.
Passive Backplane
All MultiServ/FT subsystems contain a 16-slot passive backplane consisting of a row of standard 32-bit EISA expansion slots. Adding a Cubix processor to the backplane creates a single server. Refer to Figure 1-1.
Segmented Passive Backplanes
All slots in a passive backplane are interconnected with traces, creating a bus. If these traces are broken between slots, the backplane can be separated into smaller independent backplanes or groups. Refer to Figure 1-2.
Using the Cubix Subsystem Technology previously described, the MultiServ/FT is available in the following backplane configurations:
. Two groups of eight EISA slots each
. Four groups of four EISA slots each (as illustrated in Figure 1 - 2)
. Eight groups of 2 EISA slots each
For information on the MultiServ/FT components, refer to Chapter 2. For installation information, refer to Chapter 3.
Troubleshooting tips are found in Chapter 4 and information on Field Replaceable Units is in Chapter 5.
The appendices contain detailed information on power supply loading, specifications, and multiplexor options.
This document, and all Web contents, Copyright © 1997
by Cubix Corp., Carson City, NV, USA.
