Dell PowerVault MD3600i User Manual

20 Hardware Installation
Network-Attached Configurations
You can also cable the host servers to the RAID controller module iSCSI ports
through industry-standard 10G or 1G Ethernet switches. An iSCSI
configuration that uses Ethernet switches is frequently referred to as an IP
SAN. By using an IP SAN, the PowerVault MD3600i Series storage array can
support up to 64 hosts simultaneously. This configuration supports either
single- or dual-path data configurations and either single or dual controller
modules.
Figure 2-6 shows up to 64 stand-alone servers attached (using multiple
sessions) to a single RAID controller module through a network. Hosts that
have a second Ethernet connection to the network allow two separate
physical paths for each host, which ensures full redundancy if one of the paths
fails. It is recommended you use two switches for more redundancy. However,
single switch configuration is also supported. Figure 2-7 shows how the same
number of hosts can be similarly attached to a dual RAID controller module
configuration.
Figure 2-8 shows up to 64 stand-alone servers attached (using multiple
sessions) to a single RAID controller module through a network using a 1G to
10G aggregation scheme. The NICs on the servers are 1G NICs and the
uplink ports on the 1G switches are 10G. Hosts that have a second Ethernet
connection to the network allow two separate physical paths for each host,
which ensures full redundancy if one of the paths fails. It is recommended you
use two switches for more redundancy. However, single switch configuration is
also supported.
Figure 2-9 shows how the same number of hosts can be similarly attached to a
dual RAID controller module configuration. Hardware redundancy is
achieved in this configuration, in case of any switch failure.
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Dell PowerVault MD3600i Specifications

General

Brand	Dell
Model	PowerVault MD3600i
Category	Storage
Language	English

Summary

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

Introduction

System Requirements

Details minimum hardware and software requirements for deploying the storage arrays.

Management Station Requirements

Lists system requirements for the management station used with MDSM.

Introduction to Storage Arrays

Provides an overview of storage array components and their function.

Hardware Installation

Storage Configuration Planning

Guides planning considerations before installing the storage array, including data needs and backups.

Storage Array Connections and Cabling

Explains connections, direct-attached, and network-attached cabling configurations for the storage array.

Cabling Expansion Enclosures

Covers connecting PowerVault MD1200 Series expansion enclosures to the MD3600i Series storage array.

Software Installation

Installing MD Storage Software

Outlines the installation of core software, providers, and utilities for managing the storage array.

Installation Methods

Details graphical, console, and silent installation procedures for the storage software.

Post Installation Tasks

Preparation and Planning

Covers pre-configuration steps like worksheets and general network guidelines for iSCSI setup.

IP Address Configuration

Details setting up IPv4 and IPv6 addresses for host and storage array network interfaces.

Host Operating System Setup

Provides steps for configuring network interfaces on Windows and Linux hosts for iSCSI connectivity.

iSCSI Configuration and Connectivity

Guides configuring iSCSI on the storage array and host, using MDCU for automated setup.

Post Connection Establishment

Outlines final tasks after iSCSI connectivity, including virtual disk creation and mapping.

Uninstalling Software

Uninstalling From Microsoft Windows

Provides procedures for uninstalling Modular Disk Storage Software on various Windows versions.

Uninstalling From Linux

Describes how to uninstall MD Storage Manager from a Linux operating system.

Manual Configuration of iSCSI

iSCSI Configuration Overview

Maps iSCSI configuration steps to host server and storage array tasks.

Discovering the Storage Array

Details out-of-band discovery methods, including default port settings and discovery types.

Configuring Storage Array iSCSI Ports

Guides the configuration of iSCSI ports on the storage array, including IP settings and advanced options.

Host iSCSI Initiator Configuration

Covers target discovery, host access configuration, and CHAP authentication setup on the initiator.

Establishing Host to Array Connection

Provides steps for connecting the host server's iSCSI initiator to the storage array target.

Setting Up In-Band Management

Optional procedure for configuring in-band management for the storage array.

Load Balancing

Load Balance Policy Overview

Explains policies for selecting I/O paths to optimize performance in multi-path configurations.

Load Balance Policy Types

Describes Round Robin, Least Queue Depth, and Least Path Weight policies for I/O distribution.

Changing Load Balance Policies

Guides changing load balance policies using Windows Server 2008 device or disk management.

Increasing Bandwidth With iSCSI Sessions

Discusses how multiple iSCSI sessions can increase bandwidth and provide load balancing.

Using Internet Storage Naming Service (iSNS)

Stopping iSCSI Services in Linux