Dell dell power vault md storage arrays information update specification

Migrating a Disk Group

PowerVault MD Storage Manger (MDSM) allows you to migrate a disk group by exporting the disk group and then importing it to another storage array. You can also export a disk group to store data offline.

When you export a disk group, all the physical disks become offline. To ensure that the export is successful, at least two physical disks that are not part of the disk group you are migrating must be present in the storage array.

When you migrate the exported disk group to the new storage array, the import fails if a majority of the physical disks are not present in the group. For example, both the physical disks in a two-disk RAID 1 configuration, or the three physical disks (one from each disk pair) in a four-disk RAID 10 configuration must be present.

RAID Controller Clock Synchronization Using NTP and SNTP

Your PowerVault MD series RAID controller firmware independently monitors Network Time Protocol (NTP) or Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) server messages and updates its time-of-day clock. After the RAID controller receives a broadcasted NTP or SNTP server message and the controller clock is adjusted, the controller firmware enforces an eight-hour delay. During the eight-hour time frame, no subsequent NTP or SNTP messages are monitored. The eight-hour delay prevents a rogue or malfunctioning NTP or SNTP server from causing excessive clock management activity on the RAID controller, leading to interference with normal controller processing.

NOTE: Configure the SNTP server to deliver broadcast messages to the 255.255.255.255 IP address.

Maximum Physical Disk Support Limitations

CAUTION: If you are using a RAID 0 or RAID 10 configuration, do not attempt to create virtual disk groups exceeding the 120-physical disk limit.

Although the PowerVault MD storage arrays that come with premium feature activation can support up to 192 physical disks, RAID 0 and RAID 10 configurations with more than 120 physical disks are not supported. MDSM does

dell power vault md storage arrays information update specifications

Dell's PowerVault MD storage arrays continue to be a reliable choice for organizations looking for efficient and scalable storage solutions. These arrays provide a robust set of features designed to accommodate a variety of applications, whether for small businesses or expanding enterprises. The most notable aspect of the PowerVault MD series is its versatility, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into different IT environments.

One of the key features of the PowerVault MD storage arrays is their scalability. The MD series supports a range of storage capacities and configurations, enabling organizations to expand their storage as their data needs grow. This modular design allows for incremental investment, meaning businesses can start with what they need and scale up without complete overhauls of their systems.

Performance is another critical characteristic of the PowerVault MD storage arrays. They utilize advanced technologies like dual controllers, which enhance data access speeds and improve redundancy. This design ensures that even during heavy workloads, performance remains consistent and reliable. The arrays are also optimized for high-speed connectivity through various interface options, including SAS and iSCSI, catering to different networking requirements.

In terms of data protection and management features, Dell's PowerVault MD arrays come equipped with powerful tools. These include snapshots and volume clones, which allow for quick backups and efficient data recovery. The arrays also support RAID configurations, ensuring high availability and data integrity. Moreover, built-in management software simplifies administrative tasks, facilitating an easier user experience when managing storage environments.

The PowerVault MD series emphasizes energy efficiency, crucial for businesses looking to reduce operational costs. These arrays are designed to minimize power consumption while maintaining high performance, thus aligning with sustainability goals.

In conclusion, Dell's PowerVault MD storage arrays provide organizations with a scalable, high-performance, and energy-efficient solution for their storage needs. With key features such as advanced data protection, multiple interface options, and an intuitive management interface, they are well-suited for various applications, making them a solid investment for any IT environment. Whether for data centers or departmental storage, Dell's PowerVault MD series stands out as a dependable choice in the evolving landscape of IT storage solutions.