Dell MD3200i, MD3220i manual Storage Array Configuration

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Automatic Configuration Using the Modular Disk Configuration Utility

NOTE: If PowerVault MDCU is not installed, it can be installed from the PowerVault MD series resource media.

PowerVault MDCU provides a consolidated approach for configuring the iSCSI network of host servers and iSCSI-based storage arrays using a wizard-driven interface. This utility also enables the user to configure the iSCSI sessions of the host server according to the best practices and to achieve load-balanced paths with the storage array iSCSI host ports.

NOTE: PowerVault MDCU is only applicable to iSCSI-based PowerVault MD3200i series storage arrays. It does apply to SAS-based PowerVault MD3200 series storage arrays.

If you select Launch the MDCU after reboot during the installation of the host software, the utility automatically launches after the next host server reboot. This utility can also be launched manually.

The utility has a context sensitive online help to guide you through each step of the wizard.

The PowerVault MDCU performs:

Storage array configuration

Host configuration

Storage Array Configuration

Before a host iSCSI initiator and an iSCSI-based storage array can communicate, they must be configured with information such as which IP addresses and authentication method to use. Since iSCSI initiators establish connections with an already configured storage array, the first task is to configure your storage arrays to make them available for iSCSI initiators.

This utility requires network access to the management ports of the storage arrays you wish to configure. You must have a properly functioning network infrastructure before attempting to configure your storage arrays. If your storage arrays are already configured, you can skip directly to the host configuration.

This configuration task generally involves the following steps:

1Discover available storage array(s) for configuration.

2Select a storage array to configure.

3Set a storage array name and password.

Post Installation Tasks

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Contents Deployment Guide 2011 Rev. A01 Contents Uninstalling Dell PowerVault MD Storage ISCSI Configuration WorksheetDisk Configuration Utility Microsoft Windows Host SetupConfigure Chap Authentication on Uninstalling PowerVault MD Storage SoftwareConfigure the iSCSI Ports on Configure Host AccessConnect to the Target Storage Array From Appendix-Load BalancingIntroduction System RequirementsManagement Station Requirements Introduction to Storage Arrays Introduction Introduction Planning the Storage Configuration Hardware InstallationConnecting the Storage Array Redundant and Non-Redundant ConfigurationsCabling the Storage Array Single Path Data Configurations Direct-Attached 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 Silent Installation Console 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 Chap Secret IPv4 SettingsMutual Chap Target Chap IPv6 SettingsFE80 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 Microsoft Windows Host Setup Guidelines for Configuring Your Network for iSCSIControl Panel, select Network connections Edit the /etc/sysconfig/network file Linux Host SetupHWADDR=XXXXXXXXXXXX GATEWAY=192.168.1.1 Click Change/Remove Uninstalling PowerVault MD Storage SoftwareRun the file Uninstall Dell MD Storage Uninstalling PowerVault MD Storage Software From LinuxTable A-1. Host Server Vs. Storage Array Appendix-Manual Configuration of iSCSIDiscover the Storage Array Out-of-band Management Only Default Management Port SettingsSetting Up the Array Automatic Storage Array DiscoveryManual Storage Array Discovery Table A-2. Initial Setup Tasks Dialog Box Purpose Configure the iSCSI Ports on the Storage ArrayAppendix-Manual Configuration of iSCSI Perform Target Discovery From the iSCSI Initiator Set the iSCSI initiator service to start automatically Configure Host Access Mutual Chap Understanding Chap AuthenticationWhat is CHAP? Target ChapConfigure Chap Authentication on the Storage Array Optional Chap DefinitionsTable A-3. Chap Types Defined Description Table A-4. Chap Setting Option Description Configuring Target Chap Authentication on the Storage ArrayConfiguring Mutual Chap Authentication on the Storage Array Configure Chap Authentication on the Host Server OptionalIf 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 Queue Depth With Subset Least Path Weight With SubsetIncreasing Bandwidth With Multiple iSCSI Sessions ISCSI Sessions TCP ConnectionsAppendix-Load Balancing Appendix-Load Balancing Appendix-Stopping and Starting iSCSI Services in Linux Appendix-Stopping and Starting iSCSI Services in Linux
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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.