Connect to Western Digital Ultrastar® Hybrid Storage Guide

This article provides technical guidance to connect QSAN storage systems to Western Digital Ultrastar® Data60/Data102 hybrid JBODs as expansion units, including rules, topology, cabling, limitations, and installation suggestions.

Download: Connection Guide

Click here to download the Connect to Western Digital Ultrastar® Hybrid Storage Guide.

Key Sections:

  • Executive Summary: Ultrastar Data60/Data102 as high-density expansion for QSAN systems.
  • Guidelines:
    • Dual I/O modules with 6 Mini-SAS HD ports per module; up to 60/102 SAS/SATA drives.
    • Up to 4 Ultrastar expansion units; up to 5.3 PB (Data60) or 8.6 PB (Data102) with 20 TB HDDs.
  • Expansion Topology & Deployment:
    • One QSAN storage + one Ultrastar (dual path).
    • One QSAN storage + two Ultrastars (dual path).
    • One QSAN storage + four Ultrastars (dual path; active cables between JBODs).
    • One QSAN storage + one XCubeDAS + one Ultrastar (dual path).
  • Cautions & Limitations:
    • QSAN does not support firmware update for Ultrastar Data60/Data102.
    • QSAN storage does not support active cables; Ultrastar does not support SAS 12G cables with Wake-on-SAS.
    • Cable length: XEVO 2/QSM 4 < 3 m; QSM 3 < 1.5 m.
  • Installation Suggestions: Install Ultrastar above the QSAN storage to ease HDD replacement given short cable lengths.
  • Apply To: XEVO firmware 2.2.0+; QSM firmware 3.3.1+.
  • References: Ultrastar Data60/Data102 datasheets and user guides.

Critical Notes:

  • CAUTION: Use dual-path cabling; MPIO is recommended for HA.
  • TIP: When mixing XCubeDAS and Ultrastar as expansions, connect XCubeDAS first.
  • INFORMATION: Active cables are only between Ultrastar JBODs in the four-JBOD topology.

JetStor Support

For assistance with Ultrastar expansion on JetStor systems:
📧 [email protected]
🎫 Submit Support Ticket