Dell MD3220i, MD3200i manual Connecting the Storage Array, Cabling the Storage Array

Page 12

Connecting the Storage Array

The storage array is connected to a host using two hot-swappable RAID controller modules. The RAID controller modules are identified as RAID controller module 0 and RAID controller module 1.

Each RAID controller module has four iSCSI In port connectors that provide Ethernet connections to the host server or switches. Each RAID controller module also contains an Ethernet management port and a SAS Out port. The Ethernet management port allows you to install a dedicated management station (server or stand-alone system). The SAS Out port allows you to connect the storage array to optional PowerVault MD1200 series expansion enclosures for additional storage capacity.

Each PowerVault MD3200i series storage array can be expanded to a maximum of 120 (or 192, if enabled using Premium Feature activation) physical disks through a maximum of seven PowerVault MD1200 series expansion enclosures.

Cabling the Storage Array

The iSCSI interface enables different host-to-controller configurations. The figures in this chapter are grouped according to the following categories:

Direct-attached configurations (no Ethernet switches are used)

Network-attached (SAN) configurations (Ethernet switches are used)

Redundant and Non-Redundant Configurations

Non-redundant configurations are configurations that provide only a single data path from a host to the storage array. This type of configuration is only recommended for non-critical data storage. Path failure from a failed or removed cable, a failed NIC, or a failed or removed RAID controller module results in loss of host access to storage on the storage array.

Redundancy is established by installing separate data paths between the host and the storage array, in which each path is to one of the two RAID controller modules installed in the storage array. Redundancy protects the host from losing access to data in the event of path failure, because both RAID controller modules can access all the disks in the storage array.

12

Hardware Installation

Image 12
Contents Deployment Guide 2011 Rev. A01 Contents ISCSI Configuration Worksheet Disk Configuration UtilityMicrosoft Windows Host Setup Uninstalling Dell PowerVault MD StorageUninstalling PowerVault MD Storage Software Configure the iSCSI Ports onConfigure Host Access Configure Chap Authentication onAppendix-Load Balancing Connect to the Target Storage Array FromIntroduction System RequirementsManagement Station Requirements Introduction to Storage Arrays Introduction Introduction Hardware Installation Planning the Storage ConfigurationConnecting the Storage Array Redundant and Non-Redundant ConfigurationsCabling the Storage Array Direct-Attached Configurations Single Path Data ConfigurationsFour Hosts Connected to a Single Controller Shows two hosts connected to a single controller array Eight Hosts in a Dual-Controller Configuration Dual-Path Data Configuration Four Hosts Connected to Two Controllers Four Hosts Connected in a Dual-Controller Configuration Network-Attached Configurations Servers Connected to a Single Controller Servers Connected to Two Controllers Cabling PowerVault MD1200 Series Expansion Enclosures Hardware Installation Click Tools→ Upgrade RAID Controller Module Firmware Click Advanced→ Maintenance→ Download→ EMM Firmware Installing PowerVault MD Storage Software Graphical Installation Recommended Select Install MD Storage Software Console Installation Silent InstallationUpgrading PowerVault MD Storage Software Installing PowerVault MD Storage Software Post Installation Tasks Standard Terminology Used in iSCSI Configuration DefinitionBefore You Begin ISCSI Configuration Worksheet IPv4 Settings Chap SecretIPv6 Settings Mutual Chap Target ChapFE80 0000 0000 Configuring iSCSI on Your Storage Array Host Server Vs. Storage ArrayManager Storage Array Configuration Host Configuration Host Connectivity Configuration Configure the Storage Array Using PowerVault Mdcu Post Installation Tasks Post Installation Tasks Post Installation Tasks Configure the Host Connectivity Using PowerVault Mdcu Source Port Selection for iSCSI Host Ports Automatic Selection Post Connection Establishment Steps Guidelines for Configuring Your Network for iSCSI Microsoft Windows Host SetupControl Panel, select Network connections Linux Host Setup Edit the /etc/sysconfig/network fileHWADDR=XXXXXXXXXXXX GATEWAY=192.168.1.1 Uninstalling PowerVault MD Storage Software Click Change/RemoveUninstalling PowerVault MD Storage Software From Linux Run the file Uninstall Dell MD StorageAppendix-Manual Configuration of iSCSI Table A-1. Host Server Vs. Storage ArrayDefault Management Port Settings Discover the Storage Array Out-of-band Management OnlySetting Up the Array Automatic Storage Array DiscoveryManual Storage Array Discovery Configure the iSCSI Ports on the Storage Array Table A-2. Initial Setup Tasks Dialog Box PurposeAppendix-Manual Configuration of iSCSI Perform Target Discovery From the iSCSI Initiator Set the iSCSI initiator service to start automatically Configure Host Access Understanding Chap Authentication What is CHAP?Target Chap Mutual ChapConfigure Chap Authentication on the Storage Array Optional Chap DefinitionsTable A-3. Chap Types Defined Description Configuring Target Chap Authentication on the Storage Array Table A-4. Chap Setting Option DescriptionConfigure Chap Authentication on the Host Server Optional Configuring Mutual Chap Authentication on the Storage ArrayIf you are using Windows Server 2008 Core version Add the target portal with Chap defined Discovery.sendtargets.auth.authmethod = Chap Connect to the Target Storage Array From the Host Server Local Adapter-Must be set to Microsoft iSCSI Initiator TCPPortNumberOfTargetPortal is For example, your log on command might look like this Optional Set Up In-Band Management Appendix-Using Internet Storage Naming Service Appendix-Using Internet Storage Naming Service Appendix-Load Balancing Load Balance PolicyRound Robin With Subset Least Path Weight With Subset Least Queue Depth With SubsetIncreasing Bandwidth With Multiple iSCSI Sessions TCP Connections ISCSI SessionsAppendix-Load Balancing Appendix-Load Balancing Appendix-Stopping and Starting iSCSI Services in Linux Appendix-Stopping and Starting iSCSI Services in Linux
Related manuals
Manual 22 pages 36.51 Kb Manual 268 pages 25.67 Kb

MD3200i, MD3220i specifications

The Dell MD3220i and MD3200i are part of Dell's extensive line of modular storage solutions, designed to support organizations in optimizing their data management and scalability requirements. These models offer reliable performance and flexible features, making them suitable for various workloads including virtualization, cloud storage, and disaster recovery.

One of the standout features of the MD3220i and MD3200i is their support for iSCSI storage networking. By utilizing the Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI) protocol, these systems provide organizations with a cost-effective way to connect their storage over existing network infrastructure, enabling efficient data transfers and management.

Both models are equipped with dual controllers that ensure high availability and failover capabilities, which are crucial for meeting uptime requirements in mission-critical environments. The dual controllers also facilitate load balancing and increase overall system performance, as they allow multiple paths to the storage, enhancing I/O performance.

Scalability is another key characteristic of the MD3220i and MD3200i. These storage arrays can be expanded to meet growing storage demands, supporting up to 240TB of raw capacity with up to 16 additional expansion enclosures. This flexibility allows organizations to start with a smaller configuration and grow their storage capabilities without a complete overhaul of the existing infrastructure.

The units also support multiple disk types, including traditional spinning disks, solid-state drives (SSDs), and a combination of both. This versatility enables users to tailor storage configurations to their specific performance and budgetary needs. Furthermore, the systems feature advanced data management technologies such as snapshots and remote replication, providing essential tools for data protection.

With their ease of management, the MD3220i and MD3200i are designed for straightforward configuration and operation. The intuitive management interfaces allow IT professionals to monitor performance, configure storage, and manage data effectively, ensuring businesses can maintain optimal system availability.

In summary, the Dell MD3220i and MD3200i are robust, scalable, and versatile storage solutions that cater to diverse organizational needs. Their integrated technologies, such as iSCSI support, dual controller architecture, and advanced data management features, make them an ideal choice for modern data centers looking to enhance storage capabilities while ensuring reliability and performance.