Skip to main content

Host interface cards

A host interface card (HIC) can optionally be installed within a controller canister. The controller includes built-in host ports on the controller card itself, as well as host ports on the optional HIC. Host ports that are built into the controller are called baseboard host ports. Host ports that are built into the HIC are called HIC ports.

  • Overview and requirements
    Before you add, upgrade or replace a host interface card, you need to be aware of certain requirements and considerations.
  • Add host interface cards
    You add host interface cards (HICs) to increase the number of host ports in your storage array and to provide additional host protocols. When you add HICs, you must power off the storage array, install the HIC, and reapply power. You can add HICs to controller canisters that only have baseboard host ports.
  • Upgrade host interface card
    You upgrade a host interface card (HIC) to increase the number of host ports or to change host protocols. When you upgrade the HICs, you must power off the storage array, remove the existing HIC from each controller, install a new HIC, and reapply power.
  • Replace host interface card
    You replace a host interface card (HIC) that has failed. If two controllers are present, each controller must have identical HICs.