Dell 3000i Hardware Installation, Storage Configuration Planning, About the Enclosure Connections

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Hardware Installation

This chapter provides guidelines for planning the physical configuration of your Dell™ PowerVault™ MD3000i storage array and for connecting one or more hosts to the array. For complete information on hardware configuration, see the Dell™ PowerVault™ MD3000i Hardware Owner’s Manual.

Storage Configuration Planning

Consider the following items before installing your storage array:

•Evaluate data storage needs and administrative requirements.

•Calculate availability requirements.

•Decide the frequency and level of backups, such as weekly full backups with daily partial backups.

•Consider storage array options, such as password protection and e-mail alert notifications for error conditions.

•Design the configuration of virtual disks and disk groups according to a data organization plan. For example, use one virtual disk for inventory, a second for financial and tax information, and a third for customer information.

•Decide whether to allow space for hot spares, which automatically replace failed physical disks.

•If you will use premium features, consider how to configure virtual disk copies and snapshot virtual disks.

About the Enclosure Connections

The RAID array enclosure is connected to an iSCSI-enabled host server via one or two RAID controller modules. The RAID controller modules are identified as RAID controller module 0 and RAID controller module 1 (see the PowerVault MD3000i Hardware Owner’s Manual for more information).

Each RAID controller module contains two iSCSI In port connectors that provide direct connections to the host server or switches. iSCSI In port connectors are labeled In-0 and In-1(see the PowerVault MD3000i Hardware Owner’s Manual for more information).

Each MD3000i RAID controller module also contains an Ethernet management port and a SAS Out port connector. The Ethernet management port allows you to install a dedicated management station (server or standalone system). The SAS Out port allows you to connect the RAID enclosure to an optional expansion enclosure (MD1000) for additional storage capacity.

Hardware Installation

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Contents Systems Installation Guide February Contents Configuring iSCSI on your Storage Array If you are using Windows Server 2008 Core VersionIf you are using Rhel 5 or Sles 10 SP1 Guidelines for Configuring Your Network for iSCSI Contents System Requirements IntroductionManagement Station Hardware Requirements IntroductionIntroduction to Storage Arrays Hardware Installation Storage Configuration PlanningAbout the Enclosure Connections Direct-Attached Solutions Cabling the EnclosureRedundancy vs. Nonredundancy Private network Controller Hardware Installation Two-node cluster Ethernet Two host serverMD3000i RAID Four host server Port ControllersCorporate, public or private network Enclosure dual Private network Controllers Network-Attached SolutionsIP SAN Gigabit Ethernet Host servers Ethernet switch Attaching MD1000 Expansion Enclosures Expanding with Previously Configured MD1000 Enclosures Expanding with New MD1000 Enclosures Hardware Installation Software Installation System Assembly and StartupSoftware Installation Installing the iSCSI Initiator on a Linux Host Server Installing the iSCSI Initiator on a Windows Host ServerTo install the iSCSI initiator during Rhel 4 installation To install the iSCSI initiator after Rhel 4 installationTo install the iSCSI initiator after Rhel 5 installation To install the iSCSI initiator during Rhel 5 installationTo install the iSCSI initiator after Sles 9 installation To install the iSCSI initiator during Sles 9 installationInstalling MD Storage Software Software Installation Command to manually mount CD is When the installation completes, click Done Installing a Dedicated Management Station Windows and Linux Viewing Resource CD Contents Installing the ManualsDocumentation for Windows Systems Insert the CD Documentation for Linux SystemsInstalling the Manuals Array Setup and iSCSI Configuration Before You StartTerminology Management station ISCSI Configuration WorksheetStorage array TargetStatic IP address storage array SubnetDefault gateway Setting Up Your iSCSI Storage ArrayISCSI controller 0, ISCSI controller 1,Target Chap MD3000iUsing iSNS Configuring iSCSI on Your Storage ArrayArray Discover the Storage Array Out-of-band management only Default Management Port SettingsAutomatic Storage Array Discovery Manual Storage Array DiscoverySet Up the Array Update your management station Initial Setup Tasks→ ConfigureAddresses on each controller Ethernet Management Ports, thenConfigure the iSCSI Ports on the Storage Array If you are using Windows Server 2008 Core Version Start the iSCSI service sc start msiscsiPerform Target Discovery from the iSCSI Initiator If you are using Linux Server Etc/init.d/iscsi restart If you are using Rhel 5 or Sles 10 SP1Iscsiadm -m node -T initiatorusername -p targetip -u Configure Host Access What is CHAP? Understanding Chap AuthenticationTarget Chap Mutual ChapHow Chap Is Set Up Chap DefinitionsChap Types Defined Description Configure Chap Authentication on the Storage Array optional Configuring Target Chap Authentication on the Storage ArrayChap Settings Selection Description None Configuring Mutual Chap Authentication on the Storage Array Configure Chap Authentication on the Host Server optional IPaddressofiSCSIportonstoragearray CHAPusername CHAPpassword Setting Up Your iSCSI Storage Array If you are using Rhel 5 or Sles 10 SP1 If you are using SLES10 SP1 via the GUI Connect to the Target Storage Array from the Host Server TCPPortNumberOfTargetPortal is Iscsicli SessionList If you are using a Linux ServerViewing the status of your iSCSI connections Optional Set Up In-Band Management Troubleshooting Tools Premium FeaturesSetting Up Your iSCSI Storage Array Uninstalling Software Uninstalling From WindowsUninstalling Software Uninstalldellmdstoragemanager and press Enter Uninstalling From LinuxGuidelines for Configuring Your Network for iSCSI Windows Host SetupNetwork Configuration Guidelines Linux Host Setup NETWORKING=yes HOSTNAME=mymachine.mycompany.com Configuring TCP/IP on Linux using Dhcp root users onlyNetwork Configuration Guidelines Index Linux, 64 static IP, 63 WinsIndex RAID

3000i specifications

The Dell 3000i is a powerful and versatile storage solution designed to meet the needs of modern businesses. Known for its flexibility and efficiency, this entry-level storage array offers a range of features that cater to small to medium enterprises and branch offices, providing them with reliable, scalable, and high-performance data management capabilities.

One of the standout features of the Dell 3000i is its impressive performance. It is powered by Dell's proprietary technology, enabling it to handle various workloads with ease. With support for both block and file storage, the 3000i allows organizations to streamline their data operations and optimize their storage strategies. This flexibility means that regardless of the specific requirements, users can manage their data efficiently and effectively.

The Dell 3000i supports multiple connectivity options, including iSCSI and Fibre Channel, ensuring that it can be integrated seamlessly into existing IT environments. This versatility allows organizations to leverage their current infrastructure while capitalizing on the advanced capabilities of the 3000i. Additionally, it features a modular architecture, enabling users to scale their storage incrementally as their needs grow. This means businesses can start with a small footprint and expand their storage capacity without any disruption.

Data protection is a critical concern for all organizations, and the Dell 3000i addresses this with advanced RAID configurations, which safeguard data against hardware failures. Furthermore, it includes features such as snapshots and remote replication, allowing businesses to implement robust disaster recovery solutions. These capabilities ensure that data remains safe and accessible, even in the event of unexpected incidents.

Another notable characteristic of the Dell 3000i is its management interface. The system is equipped with an intuitive and user-friendly management console that simplifies administrative tasks. This console provides real-time insights into performance metrics, storage utilization, and system health, enabling IT administrators to make informed decisions quickly.

In conclusion, the Dell 3000i stands out as a reliable and efficient storage solution for organizations seeking to enhance their operational capabilities. With its high performance, flexibility, and robust data protection features, it effectively supports the growing data demands of today’s digital landscape. Businesses looking for a storage system that can evolve with their needs will find the Dell 3000i to be a compelling choice, combining advanced technology with user-friendly management for optimal data handling.
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