Dell MD3600f, MD3620F Disk Group Operations, RAID Level Migration, Segment Size Migration

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Disk Group Operations

RAID Level Migration

You can migrate from one RAID level to another depending on your requirements. For example, fault-tolerant characteristics can be added to a stripe set (RAID 0) by converting it to a RAID 5 set. MDSM provides information about RAID attributes to assist you in selecting the appropriate RAID level. You can perform a RAID level migration while the system is still running and without rebooting, which maintains data availability.

Segment Size Migration

Segment size refers to the amount of data (in KB) that the storage array writes on a single physical disk in a virtual disk before writing data on the next physical disk. Valid values for the segment size are 8 KB, 16 KB, 32 KB, 64 KB, 128 KB, 256 KB, and 512 KB.

Dynamic segment size migration enables the segment size of a given virtual disk to be changed. A default segment size is set when the virtual disk is created, based on such factors as the RAID level and expected usage. You can change the default value (128 KB) if segment size usage does not match your needs.

When considering a segment-size change, two scenarios illustrate different approaches to the limitations:

If I/O activity stretches beyond the segment size, you can increase it to reduce the number of disks required for a single I/O. Using a single physical disk for a single request frees disks to service other requests, especially when you have multiple users accessing a database or storage environment.

If you use the virtual disk in a single-user, large I/O environment (such as for multimedia application storage), performance can be optimized when a single I/O request is serviced with a single data stripe (the segment size multiplied by the number of physical disks in the disk group used for data storage). In this case, multiple disks are used for the same request, but each disk is only accessed once.

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Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts

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Contents Dell PowerVault MD3600f and MD3620f Storage Arrays Dell Inc Contents Cache Functions and Features Planning MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and ConceptsVirtual Disk Operations Limit Configuration About Your Configuring Alert Notifications Configuring E-mail AlertsStarting or Stopping the Host Context Agent Enabling or Disabling the Event MonitorMoving a Host to a Different Host Group Managing Host Port Identifiers112 101111 120137 132136 138152 146148 157172 Types of Virtual Disk Copies 170171 Virtual Disk Copy Restrictions 173Stopping a Virtual Disk Copy 179 Storage Array Performance During178 Preparing Host Servers to Recopy a 180Virtual Disk Expansion With 189 Configuration Device Mapper 219228 Using DM Multipathing Devices 220Removing the Front Bezel 242 Installing the Front Bezel Downloading RAID Controller249 Power Supply/Cooling Fan Module 257243 255274 Viewing the Firmware Inventory271 275Troubleshooting an SFP Transceiver 295 Recovering From an Unresponsive Storage 284Safety First-For You and Your Array 295 Troubleshooting Power Supply/Cooling 298311 Contents Introduction About This DocumentDell PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Manager MD3600f Series Storage ArrayOther Information You May Need Introduction Planning About Your Storage Array OverviewHardware Features Front-Panel Features and IndicatorsPlanning About Your Storage Array Item Indicator, Button, or Icon Description Connector Back Panel Features and Indicators Hard-Drive Indicator Patterns Hard Drive IndicatorsPower Supply and Cooling Fan Features Drive-Status Indicator Pattern ConditionPower Indicator Codes and Features Planning RAID Controller Modules RAID Controller ModulesRAID Controller Module Connectors and Features FunctionComponent Function Host Channel LED Link/Rate Indications RAID Controller Module-Additional FeaturesBattery Backup Unit Storage Array Thermal Shutdown Cache Functions and FeaturesSystem Password Reset Cache MirroringWrite-Through Cache SFP Transceivers, Fiber Optic, and SAS CablesWrite-Back Cache Fiber Optic Cable Connection Interoperability of 2 Gbps, 4 Gbps, and 8 Gbps Devices Planning MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts Physical Disks, Virtual Disks, and Disk GroupsPhysical Disks Physical Disk StatesSelf-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology Virtual Disks and Disk GroupsVirtual Disk States RAID Controller Virtual Disk States DescriptionRAID Levels RAID Level UsageRAID Virtual Disk Initialization Segment SizeVirtual Disk Operations Consistency Check Background InitializationForeground Initialization Media VerificationCycle Time Virtual Disk Operations LimitSegment Size Migration Disk Group OperationsRAID Level Migration Disk Group Defragmentation Virtual Disk Capacity ExpansionDisk Group Expansion Disk Group Operations LimitRAID Background Operations Priority Virtual Disk Migration and Disk Roaming Disk MigrationPlanning MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts Host Server-to-Virtual Disk Mapping Advanced FeaturesDisk Roaming Host Types Snapshot Virtual DisksSnapshot Repository Virtual Disk Virtual Disk CopyTarget Virtual Disk Virtual Disk RecoverySource Virtual Disk Preferred and Alternate Controllers and Paths Using Snapshot and Disk Copy TogetherMulti-Path Software Load Balancing Virtual Disk OwnershipMonitoring MD3600f Series System Performance Planning MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts Performance Monitor Table Description Column Headings Planning MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts Configuration Overview User InterfaceEnterprise Management Window Inheriting the System Settings Array Management WindowConfiguration Overview Out-of-Band Management In-Band ManagementStorage Arrays Adding Storage ArraysSelect Edit→ Add Storage Array Automatic Discovery of Storage ArraysManual Addition of a Storage Array Setting Up Your Storage Array AMW, select Storage Array→ Blink→ Storage Array Locating Storage ArraysNaming or Renaming Storage Arrays Stop All IndicationsAMW Setup tab, select Rename Storage Array Name/Rename Storage Arrays dialog is displayedSetting a Password Type the New passwordPassword Guidelines Viewing Storage Array ConnectionsSelect Edit→ Comment Adding/Editing a Comment to an Existing Storage ArrayRemoving Storage Arrays Select Edit→ Remove→ Storage ArrayEnabling Premium Features Failover Alert DisplayChange→ Enclosure ID Changing the Cache Settings on the Storage ArrayChanging Expansion Enclosure ID Number Changing the Enclosure Order in the Physical Pane Configuring Alert NotificationsSelect Configure Alerts AMW, select Storage Array→ Change→ Enclosure OrderConfiguring E-mail Alerts Configuration About Your Storage Array Configuring Snmp Alerts Configuration About Your Storage Array Battery Settings Setting the Storage Array RAID Controller Module Clocks Configuration Event Monitor Linux Enabling or Disabling the Event MonitorWindows Select Action→ PropertiesConfiguration About Your Host Configuring Host AccessUsing the Mappings Tab Defining a HostSelect Mappings→ Define→ Host Select Mappings→ Remove Removing Host AccessManaging Host Groups Adding a Host to a Host Group Creating a Host GroupSelect Mappings→ Define→ Host Group Removing a Host From a Host GroupSelect Mappings→ Move Moving a Host to a Different Host GroupRemoving a Host Group Linux Host TopologyStarting or Stopping the Host Context Agent Click Action→ Start Data Path ProtectionWindows Managing Host Port Identifiers Add Host Port Identifier dialog is displayed Configuration About Your Host 100 Creating Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 101102 Creating Disk GroupsIntroduction Create Disk Group window is displayed 103 104 Locating a Disk GroupCreating Virtual Disks 105 106 Map later Using Mappings ViewChanging the Virtual Disk Modification Priority Changing the Virtual Disk Cache Settings 107108 Changing the Segment Size of a Virtual Disk 109110 Changing the I/O TypeSelect Virtual Disk→ Change→ Segment Size 111 Choosing an Appropriate Physical Disk TypeFile system typical Database Multimedia Custom Physical Disk Security With Self Encrypting Disk 112Shows how to interpret the security status of a disk group 113Creating a Security Key 114Click Create Key 115Changing a Security Key 116117 Saving a Security KeyClick Change Key Validate Security Key 118119 Unlocking Secure Physical DisksErasing Secure Physical Disks 120 Configuring Hot Spare Physical DisksSelect Physical disk→ Hot Spare Coverage 121 Hot Spare Physical Disk Options window is displayedClick Unassign Hot Spare Operation Hot Spares and RebuildGlobal Hot Spares 122123 Enclosure Loss ProtectionHot Spare Drive Protection 124 Criteria for Enclosure Loss Protection RAID LevelHost-to-Virtual Disk Mapping 125Creating Host-to-Virtual Disk Mappings 126127 Modifying and Removing Host-to-Virtual Disk MappingMapping Changing Controller Ownership of the Virtual Disk 128129 Removing Host-to-Virtual Disk MappingSelect Virtual Disk→ Change→ Ownership/Preferred Path 130 Changing the RAID Level of a Disk GroupSelect Disk Group→ Change→ Ownership/Preferred Path 131 Removing a Host-to-Virtual Disk Mapping Using Linux DmmpSelect Disk Group→ Change→ RAID Level Mapping Restrictions Operating System Highest LUN Restricted Mappings132 133 134 135 Changing the RAID Level of a Disk Group 136Storage Partitioning 137138 Disk Group and Virtual Disk ExpansionSelect Disk Group→ Add Free Capacity Physical Disks 139 Using Free CapacityVirtual Disk Expansion Export Disk Group Using Unconfigured CapacityDisk Group Migration Non-Exportable Components141 Import Disk GroupExporting a Disk Group 142 Importing a Disk GroupNon-Importable Components 143 Changing Media Scan SettingsStorage Array Media Scan Suspending the Media Scan 144Configuration Premium Feature- Snapshot Virtual Disks 145146 Scheduling a Snapshot Virtual DiskCommon Reasons for Scheduling a Snapshot Virtual Disk Guidelines for Creating Snapshot Schedules 147Scheduled Snapshot Icons Creating a Snapshot Virtual Disk Using the Simple PathEnabling and Disabling Snapshot Schedules 148About the Simple Path 149150 Select Virtual Disk→ Snapshot→ Create. or 151152 Creating a Snapshot Virtual Disk Using the Advanced PathAbout the Advanced Path 153 154 155 Creating the Snapshot Using the Advanced Path 156157 Specifying Snapshot Virtual Disk NamesSpecify Virtual Disk Parameters window is displayed 158 Snapshot Repository Capacity 159Click Add Physical Disks 160Add Physical Disks window closes 161Disabling a Snapshot Virtual Disk 162Preparing Host Servers to Re-create a Snapshot Virtual Disk 163Select Virtual Disk→ Snapshot→ Re-create Re-creating Snapshot Virtual DisksSnapshot Rollback 164Rules and Guidelines for Performing a Snapshot Rollback 165Previous Versions of the MD Storage Manager Command Line OptionsProtecting Against a Failed Snapshot Rollback Starting a Snapshot RollbackConfirm Rollback Snapshot Virtual Disk dialog is displayed Resuming a Snapshot RollbackRollback 167Canceling a Snapshot Rollback 168183 184 Configuration Premium Feature- Virtual Disk Copy 169170 Types of Virtual Disk CopiesOffline Copy Online Copy 171172 Creating a Virtual Disk Copy for an Mscs Shared DiskVirtual Disk Read/Write Permissions Virtual Disk Copy Restrictions 173174 Creating a Virtual Disk CopyBefore You Begin Failed Virtual Disk Copy Virtual Disk Copy and Modification OperationsCreate Copy Wizard 175Copy Manager Preferred RAID Controller Module OwnershipFailed RAID Controller Module 176Copying the Virtual Disk 177AMW, select Virtual Disk→ Copy Manager Setting Copy PriorityStorage Array Performance During Virtual Disk Copy 178Select Change→ Copy Priority Stopping a Virtual Disk CopyRecopying a Virtual Disk 179Preparing Host Servers to Recopy a Virtual Disk 180181 Re-Copying a Virtual DiskSelect Copy→ Re-Copy 182 Removing Copy PairsSelect Copy→ Remove Copy Pairs Configuration Premium Feature- Remote Replication 185186 Activating Remote ReplicationReplication Repository Virtual Disks 187 RAID Levels for Replication Repository Virtual DisksPrimary and Secondary Virtual Disk Pairs 188 Using Remote Replication With Other FeaturesStorage Partitioning With Remote Replication Virtual Disk Expansion With Remote Replication Snapshot Virtual Disk With Remote ReplicationVirtual Disk Copy With Remote Replication 189Zoning Guidelines for Remote Replication Required Switch Zoning ConfigurationsSwitch Cascading 190Prerequisites Setting Up and Managing Remote ReplicationJournaling File Systems and Remote Replication 191192 193 Preview Activate Remote Replication wizard is displayedCompleted Activate Remote Replication message is displayed Creating a Remote Replication 194195 Setting the Write ModeSelecting the Secondary Virtual Disk Setting Synchronization Priority and Synchronization Method 196Completing the Remote Replication 197RAID Controller Module Ownership/Preferred Path 198Viewing the Storage Array Profile 199Select View Associated Logical Elements Viewing the Properties PaneViewing Logical Elements of the Secondary Virtual Disk 200201 Virtual Disk Status Icons Changing Write Mode and Consistency Group MembershipWrite Mode and Consistency Group Membership IconStatus 202Select Change→ Write Mode 203204 Resynchronizing Virtual DisksNormally Synchronized Virtual Disks Changing Synchronization Priority and Method 205206 Unsynchronized Virtual Disks 207208 Automatically Resynchronizing Virtual DisksManually Resynchronizing Virtual Disks 209 Suspending a Remote Replication 210211 Resuming a Remote ReplicationAbout Resumed Remote Replications Select Test Replication Communication 212Deleting a Primary Virtual Disk 213Deleting a Secondary Virtual Disk 214Removing a Remote Replication From a Storage Array 215Deactivating the Remote Replication on the Storage Array 216Disabling the Remote Replication Premium Feature 217218 Configuration Device Mapper Multipath for Linux 219220 Using DM Multipathing DevicesPrerequisites 221 Device Mapper Configuration StepsScan for Newly Added Virtual Disks 222 223 Create a New fdisk Partition on a Multipath Device NodeAdd a New Partition to Device Mapper Ready for Use Create a File System on a Device Mapper PartitionMount a Device Mapper Partition 224225 Blacklist Local Drive in Multi-path DriverImportant Information About Special Partitions Device Mapper Commands Descriptions 226Limitations and Known Issues 227Question Answer Troubleshooting228 Downloading RAID Controller and Nvsram Packages 229Downloading Both RAID Controller and Nvsram Firmware 230231 Select Tools→ Upgrade RAID Controller Module FirmwareClick Transfer Downloading Only Nvsram Firmware 232233 234 Downloading Physical Disk Firmware 235Download Physical Disk Introduction window is displayed 236Download Environmental EMM Firmware dialog is displayed AMW, select Advanced→ Maintenance→ Download→ EMM FirmwareDownloading MD1200 Series Expansion Module EMM Firmware 237Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology Smart 238Media Errors and Unreadable Sectors 239240 Recommended Tools 241Removing the Front Bezel Installing the Front BezelFront Bezel Optional 242Removing a Hard-Drive Blank Safety Models AMT, E03J, and E04JHard Drives 243244 Installing a Hard-Drive BlankRemoving a Hard Drive Removing and Installing a Hard Drive 245Installing a Hard Drive 246Removing a Hard Drive From a Hard-Drive Carrier 247248 Removing a RAID Controller Module Blank Installing a Hard Drive Into a Hard-Drive CarrierRAID Controller Module 249Installing a RAID Controller Module Blank 250Removing a RAID Controller Module 251Installing a RAID Controller Module 252Opening the RAID Controller Module 253Closing the RAID Controller Module 254255 RAID Controller Module Backup Battery UnitRemoving the RAID Controller Module Backup Battery Unit Installing the RAID Controller Module Backup Battery Unit 256257 Power Supply/Cooling Fan ModuleRemoving a Power Supply/Cooling Fan Module Installing a Power Supply/Cooling Fan Module 258259 Control PanelRemoving the Control Panel 260 Installing the Control Panel 261262 BackplaneRemoving the Backplane 263 16. Removing and Installing the Backplane-PowerVault MD3600f 17. Removing and Installing the Backplane-PowerVault MD3620fInstalling the Backplane 265266 Viewing the Firmware Inventory 267268 Volume Shadow-Copy Service Microsoft ServicesVirtual Disk Service 269270 271 Start-Up RoutineDevice Health Conditions Start-Up Routine Indications Look/Listen for ActionStatus Icon Description On the Setup tab, select Manage a Storage Array272 273 Additional Status Icons DescriptionStorage Array Support Data 274275 Automatically Collect the Support Bundle DataEnter the Execution summary Collecting the Physical Disk Data 276Event Log 277278 Recovery GuruStorage Array Profile 279 280 Viewing the Logical AssociationsSelect View→ Associated Logical Elements. or 281 Viewing the Physical AssociationsFinding Nodes Select Find all free capacity nodes 282Select View→ Go To→ Snapshot Virtual Disk Using Go ToClick Find Next Select View→ Go To→ Snapshot Repository Virtual DiskSelect View→ Go To→ Target Virtual Disk Recovering From an Unresponsive Storage Array ConditionSelect View→ Go To→ Source Virtual Disk 284285 286 287 Locating a Physical DiskLocating an Expansion Enclosure 288 Capturing the State InformationSelect Physical Disk→ Blink→ Expansion Enclosure SMrepassist Utility 289290 Recovering From an Unidentified Storage ArrayUnidentified Devices 291 292 Starting or Restarting the Host Context Agent Software 293294 295 Troubleshooting Loss of CommunicationTroubleshooting an SFP Transceiver 296 297 Removing an SFP Module298 Troubleshooting External ConnectionsTroubleshooting Power Supply/Cooling Fan Module Troubleshooting Array Cooling Problems 299Troubleshooting Expansion Enclosure Management Modules 300Troubleshooting RAID Controller Modules 301Troubleshooting Hard Drives 302Troubleshooting Array and Expansion Enclosure Connections 303Troubleshooting a Wet Storage Array 304Troubleshooting a Damaged Array 305Invalid Storage Array ECC ErrorsConditions 306Noncritical Conditions PCI ErrorsCritical Conditions 307308 309 Locating Your System Service TagContacting Dell Documentation Feedback 310Index 312 313 314 315 316 317 318
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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.