Dell MD3000I manual ISCSI Connectivity Support, PowerVault MD3000i Storage Setup and Configuration

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3. iSCSI Connectivity Support

Operating System

Host Bus Adapter

VMware ESX Server 3.5

iSCSI software initiator with ESX Server

 

 

4. PowerVault MD3000i Storage Setup and Configuration

Create virtual disks on MD3000i using steps described in: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/md3000i/en/IG/PDF/IGbk0HR.pdf.

After opening the Modular Disk Storage Manager and selecting the MD3000i storage array to be configured, select the Configure tab.

Note: in the examples to follow the Storage array “sg23_training” is an MD3000i with virtual disks already configured using the Create Virtual Disks selection. The new server being added to an existing host group is named “Valhalla”.

From the Configure tab

1.Select Configure Host Access (Manual).

2.Enter the host name for the server which has the ESX Server software is installed.

3.Select Linux as the host type.

From the next screen, specify the iSCSI Initiator by selecting the New button (lower right on screen). On the Enter New iSCSI Initiator screen enter a name for the iSCSI initiator name. The label is auto-populated from the server name.

Figure 2: iSCSI Initiator Window

Host Group configuration starts from the following screen titled “Configure Host Access (Manual)

Specify Host Group”. For ESX servers supporting VMotion, HA, and DRS, a host group must be defined so the MD3000i storage subsystem has a configured iSCSI path to each of the hosts.

Select “Yes: This host will share access to the same virtual disks with other hosts”

If a new host group is desired select the radio button for that option and enter in a name for your host group using standard host naming conventions (e.g. no spaces etc). Should you already have one or more host groups assigned, select the radio button enabling selection from a drop down list of existing host groups. This option is to be used when configuring the second, third, etc. host in a group. Once the host group is selected previously configured hosts for that host group will be displayed. Note that

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Contents Dell Virtualization Solutions Engineering Table of Contents Architectural Setup IntroductionPowerVault MD3000i Storage Setup and Configuration ISCSI Connectivity SupportISCSI Software Initiator Configuration on ESX Server Modular Disk Storage Manager Configure TabClick on Properties. The Firewall Properties box appears ISCSI software adapter under Storage Adapters on VI client Configure iSCSI storage on ESX Server ISCSI software adapter after initial configurationReferences ISCSI target and LUNs as visible through VI clientDell Inc
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MD3000I specifications

The Dell MD3000i is a high-performance storage solution designed to meet the demanding needs of businesses requiring reliable and scalable storage systems. Part of the Dell PowerVault series, the MD3000i offers a robust platform that supports both iSCSI and direct-attach connectivity options, making it versatile enough to fit various IT environments.

One of the primary features of the MD3000i is its ability to support multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, 50, and 60, which ensures data protection and performance optimization. This flexibility allows organizations to tailor their storage setup based on their specific needs, whether prioritizing speed or redundancy.

The system supports up to 15 expansion enclosures, which allows users to scale their storage capacity significantly. The MD3000i can accommodate up to 192TB of raw storage when fully configured, making it suitable for environments with large amounts of data. Additionally, the modular design of the MD3000i means that businesses can easily add drives as needed, thereby reducing upfront costs.

In terms of performance, the MD3000i features hot-swappable drives, helping minimize downtime during maintenance and upgrades. This design philosophy extends to other components as well, allowing for easier management and greater efficiency. The system is also equipped with dual active controllers that provide failover capabilities, ensuring high availability for mission-critical applications.

Another significant aspect of the Dell MD3000i is its integration with various storage management software options, which allow for simplified administration and monitoring. Features such as snapshots and volume cloning aid in data protection and recovery processes, providing additional layers of security for critical information.

Moreover, the MD3000i supports seamless integration with existing server infrastructures and virtualization platforms, enhancing its appeal for organizations looking to modernize their data storage without complete overhauls of their systems. Its compatibility with multiple operating systems and environments makes it a flexible choice for companies of all sizes.

In summary, the Dell MD3000i stands out for its scalability, performance, and reliability in data storage. With features that promote ease of management and strong data protection mechanisms, it is an excellent choice for businesses looking to enhance their storage solutions in a cost-effective manner.