Automatic Selection

For Microsoft Windows Server 2003, each list contains all available host IP addresses regardless of whether or not the address is able to communicate with the associated iSCSI port. You must select the appropriate host IP addresses for each iSCSI port.

NOTE: The contents in this section do not apply to Microsoft Windows Server 2003.

The utility attempts to automatically find and select the best possible configuration of host IP address(es) and storage array iSCSI ports for optimal performance and redundancy.

This automatic selection attempts to ensure that a host IP address (up to two IP addresses for PowerVault MD3000i storage arrays and up to four IP addresses for PowerVault MD3200i and MD3220i storage arrays) establishes an iSCSI session with each storage array controller and that the host IP address is logged into a maximum of one iSCSI port per controller. Configuration in this manner ensures redundancy and load balancing among the multiple host IP addresses (NICs).

The Do Not Connect option may be selected as the default option if the utility recommends not to connect to the iSCSI port. Also, even if the best recommended configuration is presented (whenever possible), you can still override this configuration by selecting the other host IP addresses from the drop-down list.

Suboptimal Configuration Warnings

In the following cases, a warning is displayed, that you must confirm, to continue:

•The host IP addresses are selected in such a way that any host IP address establishes an iSCSI session with only one storage array controller in a dual controller (duplex) configuration.

•The host IP addresses are selected in such a way that a host IP address establishes two or more iSCSI sessions with the same storage array controller.

Post Installation Tasks

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.