Chad Grant's questions -server

Chad Grant

Asked: 2009-05-08 00:41:04 +0800 CST

What is a RAID Controller's Sideband Cable used for?

I have some Adaptec SAS raid controllers and the fanout cable comes with an extra cable called a SideBand but I am curious what it does?

I know it plugs into the backplane, but other than that I can't seem to find anything on google

The adaptec site refers to it as "SFF-8448 sideband signals" and there is no mention of it in the manuals or their site.

Chad Grant

Asked: 2009-05-01 06:12:40 +0800 CST

When using gigbit nics (Server grade intel) and 2 boxes with a cross over cable ... I only see %20-40 of the pipe being used. Even across routers.

Put 2 100mbps cards in, same deal. %20-40 used.

What Gives?