If a host CI adapter fails and if MSCP serving is enabled, then the other OpenVMS system will begin serving the unreachable HSJ's disks to the host with the failed adapter. A hub from path B cables and path B hub. Same cost as configuration 2 with better availability. Host CI adapter failure will not cause disks to automatically fail over to an HSJ that still has full host connectivity. 1 Damage to star coupler or associated cables likely to affect the same path of both CIs.
Damage affecting path n of both CIs can halve the usable bandwidth of both CIs.
Physical damage to the StorageWorks cabinet could render the cluster unusable. If a host CI adapter fails and if MSCP serving is enabled, the other OpenVMS system will begin serving the unreachable HSJ's disks to the host with the failed adapter. Disk failover to another HSJ is not a problem. Does not have redundant paths to each disk. Higher cost than configurations 2 and 3.