Dell MD36X0f Remote Replication RR Overview

Dell PowerVault MD3600f/MD3620f Remote Replication Functional Guide

Dell MD36X0f Remote Replication (RR) Overview

Remote Replication (RR) is the MD36X0f array feature that provides the ability to remotely replicate data from one MD36X0f storage array to another. RR is an optional premium feature that requires activation, configuration, and in normal replication operations, administration and control; the latter two tasks do not require lots of time and manpower resources, and they can be automated through scripting.

Key Benefits of PowerVault MD Remote Replication (RR)

•SAN Based Replication - Data replication between the primary virtual disk and the secondary virtual disk is managed by the MD36X0f storage arrays and is transparent to host machines and applications.

•Replication modes - RR supports synchronous, asynchronous, and asynchronous with write order consistency replication modes. These modes help administrators choose the replication method that best meets protection, distance or performance requirements.

•Dynamic replication mode switching without suspending the replication – Users can switch between replication modes at any time. This enables administrators to accommodate changing application and bandwidth requirements without sacrificing protection.

•Ease of use - IT administrators can enable replication through the Modular Disk Management System (MDSM) GUI or MDSM CLI. Once enabled, RR functions can be managed using the MDSM GUI, the CLI, or MDSM vCenter plug-in. These tools are available free of charge.

•Multiple replication relationships - A replication connection is not limited to a single primary RR system and a single remote RR system. In general, each MD36X0f with the optional RR premium feature installed and activated may be either a primary system or a secondary system, or both. Up to 16 replication relationships are supported.

•Suspend and resume - RR provides the ability to suspend replication by explicitly using the Suspend command, and under certain circumstances to automatically suspend replication (consistency group suspension, asynchronous replication when link bandwidth exceeded).

•Role reversal/fail over – RR allows reversing the roles of primary and secondary virtual disks to recover from a disaster.

•Read-only replica access (includes Snapshot creation) - RR enables the remote data to be utilized prior to a disaster without sacrificing protection of the primary site data.

Remote Replication Functional Overview

Once activated, RR requires that you specify the virtual disks that you wish to replicate, configure the replication by selecting the remote MD36X0f you wish to have the secondary replicated copies on, and then to select and create the secondary virtual disk storage on the remote MD36X0f. Initially, RR will begin operations by copying the entire contents of the virtual disks that you wish to replicate from the primary site’s MD36X0f to the remote site’s MD36X0f. Once this initial copy operation is complete, active replication begins. For every subsequent write to the primary MD36X0f storage array, there is a corresponding write sent to the remote site MD36X0f and then written to the corresponding remote virtual disk.

RRcan be activated and configured at any time; additional virtual disk replication can be configured when necessary.

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MD3620F, MD3600f specifications

Dell's MD3620F and MD3600F storage arrays are designed for businesses seeking dependable, high-performance storage solutions tailored to meet the demands of modern data management. These models offer a blend of scalability, efficiency, and advanced features, making them well-suited for a range of applications, from virtual environments to critical database operations.

One of the primary features of the MD3620F and MD3600F is their support for a hybrid storage architecture. This approach allows organizations to combine flash storage with traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) to optimize performance and cost. The MD3620F focuses heavily on all-flash configurations, delivering exceptional speed and lower latency, ideal for I/O-intensive workloads.

Scalability is another hallmark of these storage solutions. The MD3600F allows users to scale up to 120 drives, providing robust capacity to meet growing data needs. The MD3620F is engineered for environments where data availability and speed are paramount, with support for high IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) and consistent performance under stress.

In terms of data management, both systems integrate with Dell’s proprietary software, which enhances operational efficiency through features like automated tiering. This technology optimizes data placement between different storage types based on access frequency, ensuring that hot data is readily available while reducing costs associated with less critical data.

Reliability is crucial for businesses that depend on their storage systems. The MD3620F and MD3600F come equipped with advanced data protection mechanisms, such as RAID support, which safeguards against data loss, and snapshot capabilities that provide point-in-time copies of data. Moreover, these solutions include hot-swappable components, ensuring minimal downtime for maintenance and repairs.

Connectivity is also a strong suit of these storage arrays. They support multiple connectivity options, including SAS and iSCSI, allowing for flexible integration into existing IT infrastructures. This adaptability enhances their appeal to a wide range of enterprise environments.

In summary, the Dell MD3620F and MD3600F stand out as robust storage solutions with a combination of hybrid and all-flash configurations, scalability, advanced data management tools, and enhanced reliability features. These characteristics make them ideal for organizations looking to enhance their data storage capabilities while maintaining high performance and efficiency.