ACCUSYS

VolPack FAQ

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Basic Product Specifications

What type of storage system is VolPack? File-level or block-level? 

VolPack is a block-level storage system primarily used in DAS or SAN architectures, specifically designed for M&E (Media & Entertainment) solutions with emphasis on high-throughput performance.
 
 

 

 

VolPack can support up to 64 users accessing the system simultaneously.
VolPack fully supports both Windows servers and Mac OS environments, with compatibility for both operating systems.
 
 

 

 

VolPack supports RAID 1, 5, 6, 10, and AEC (Advanced Erasure Coding) protection levels.
 
 

 

 

 VolPack is specifically designed for M&E (Media & Entertainment) solutions, emphasizing high-throughput performance to meet the specialized needs of media processing and entertainment industries.
 
 

 

 

Controllers & Connectivity

What controller specifications are available for VolPack? 

VolPack features a dual-controller design with four configuration options (each dual controller must be configured with identical ports):
  • 10Gb iSCSI Base-T Dual Controller 2x4 Port
  • 25Gb iSCSI Dual Controller 2x4 Port
  • 32Gb FC Type-B Dual Controller 2x4 Port
  • 12Gb SAS Dual Controller 2x4 Port
We recommend using dual-path connections for each client to ensure system redundancy. When multi-path functionality is enabled, dual connections may improve system efficiency, though actual results depend on your overall environment configuration. 
VolPack offers two main connectivity options:
  • Connection via FC switch or Ethernet switch (suitable for connecting multiple servers)
  • Direct server connection to VolPack without going through a switch (suitable for four or fewer hosts direct connection, or eight hosts single-line direct connection)
VolPack comes with two controllers totaling eight connection ports. If the number of connected hosts does not exceed four, direct connection is possible without using a switch; for more than four hosts, a switch is recommended. With single-line direct connection, up to eight hosts can be directly connected.
 
 

 

 

Performance & Scalability

What is the performance of VolPack? 

VolPack is optimized for media and entertainment applications, delivering up to 12GB/s throughput and supporting approximately 640K IOPS, providing the highest throughput performance among three comparable products.

 

AEC (Advanced Erasure Coding) is an advanced data protection technology provided by VolPack, displayed as the "ADAPT" option in the system interface. Compared to traditional RAID, it offers higher data protection capabilities and expansion flexibility.

 

 
 

 

 

Yes, VolPack supports online expansion functionality, specifically:
  • Linear Disk Groups: Existing capacity can be expanded, but expansion capability depends on the RAID protection level. This operation cannot be performed on NRAID or RAID-1 disk groups. During expansion, host I/O operations to the disk group can continue.
  • Virtual Disk Groups: Expansion is only applicable to AEC protection levels. AEC virtual disk groups can contain 12 to 128 drives of the same type. During expansion, host I/O operations to the disk group can continue. This operation cannot be performed on non-AEC virtual disk groups.
 
 
 

 

 

No, RAID levels can only be determined when creating disk groups and cannot be dynamically changed afterwards.
 
 

 

 

Drive & Configuration Requirements

Can VolPack be purchased without drives? 

No, the device cannot be purchased separately; it must be purchased together with drives. Even if the device is purchased separately, it cannot use other drives due to the system's encrypted drive locking mechanism.

 

 
 

 

 

When purchasing VolPack, a minimum of 6 drives must be purchased simultaneously.
 
 

 

 

VolPack supports 3.5-inch HDDs and 2.5-inch SSDs. You can choose different drive capacities based on your needs, but they must be purchased from Accusys due to the system's encrypted drive locking mechanism.

 

 
 

 

 

Shared File Systems & Integration

How to achieve file sharing between Mac and Windows environments on VolPack? 

VolPack itself is block-level storage. To achieve cross-platform file sharing, there are several approaches:
  • Use with MDC (Metadata Controller) software such as Tiger SAN, XSan, or StorNext
  • Adopt a NAS Head architecture, using VolPack as backend storage and providing cross-platform file access through standard file sharing protocols
 
 

 

 

The auto-tiering functionality automatically distinguishes between hot and cold data, automatically categorizing frequently used data in SSDs and less frequently used data in HDDs, thereby optimizing overall system performance. This feature is automatically managed by the storage system and cannot be manually adjusted by users.

Maintenance & Support

How to collect VolPack system logs? 

VolPack provides multiple ways to collect system logs:
  • Send system logs via email (if environment allows)
  • Create log ZIP files on the server side without network transmission
  • Use command-line tools to download system logs
 
 

 

 

If repair is needed, please contact the Accusys technical support team, and Accusys personnel will assist in confirming product warranty eligibility. If the product has exceeded the warranty period, Accusys can still provide fee-based technical support and will provide case-by-case quotes for customer confirmation before execution. Customers can also purchase extended warranty services; please contact Accusys for quotes.

 

 
 

 

 

Due to VolPack's encrypted drive locking mechanism, failed drives need to be purchased from Accusys. We continuously add support for new drive models. If you have specific brand or model requirements, please inquire whether we support them.