Dell manual Configuration options for the Dell PowerVault MD3000, May

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Storage

By Manjusha Gopakumar

Vishal Kadam

Paul Winston

Exploring the Dell

PowerVault MD3000

Storage System

The DellPowerVaultMD3000 external RAID enclosure allows multiple servers to access a shared pool of expandable storage, helping enterprises avoid the costs and complexities of internal storage. This article outlines the hardware, configuration, and management features of this storage system.

Related Categories:

Backup, recovery, and archiving (BURA)

Dell PowerVault storage

Direct attach storage (DAS)

Serial Attached SCSI (SAS)

Storage

Visit www.dell.com/powersolutions for the complete category index.

The Dell PowerVault MD3000 storage array is designed to provide flexible, high-performance, highly scal- able RAID storage without compromising data integ-

rity. Its integration of two high-performance RAID controllers, Dell Modular Disk Storage Manager software, and automatic event monitoring helps reduce total cost of ownership and maximize data protection.

The PowerVault MD3000 external RAID array can sup- port up to forty-five 3.0 Gbps Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) disks and includes redundant power supplies and fans. Connectivity between host servers and the storage is pro- vided by two Dell SAS 5/E host bus adapters (HBAs). The PowerVault MD3000 is designed primarily for high- performance two-node clusters; however, its dual-port RAID controllers can also provide shared nonredundant storage for up to four servers. Other key features include the following:

Mirrored data cache of up to 512 MB on each RAID controller

In-band and out-of-band management using Dell Modular Disk Storage Manager

Redundant, hot-swappable components and virtual disk failover

Transparent failover for clustered operating systems to help maximize data protection

Virtual disk snapshot and virtual disk copy creation

RAID level migration, capacity expansion, consistency

checks, and Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART)

Figure 1 compares PowerVault MD3000 features with those of the PowerVault MD1000.

Configuration options for the Dell PowerVault MD3000

Administrators can configure the PowerVault MD3000 as part of a nonredundant configuration or a redundant clus- ter configuration. Nonredundant configurations are recom- mended only for noncritical data storage; this type of configuration provides only a single data path, meaning a failed or removed cable, HBA, or RAID controller could cause the storage path to fail.

Redundant cluster configurations, in contrast, provide high availability for critical data and depend primarily on physical connectivity and the host multipath software. If a component fails or an error occurs on the data path to the primary RAID controller, the multipath driver—Microsoft®Multipath I/O (MPIO) on Microsoft Windows® operating systems and Multipath Proxy (MPP) on Linux® operating systems—fails over virtual disk ownership to the secondary RAID controller for I/O processing, helping ensure host data access.

The PowerVault MD3000 supports two redundant cluster configurations:

Single port: Administrators can use this mode with a single storage path and single-port RAID controllers (see

 

DELL POWER SOLUTIONS

May 2007

Reprinted from Dell Power Solutions, May 2007. Copyright © 2007 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Rev. 2.

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Contents May Configuration options for the Dell PowerVault MD3000PowerVault MD1000 PowerVault MD3000 Virtual disk snapshots Advanced features of the Dell PowerVault MD3000That creates a 2 GB RAID-5 virtual disk called Virtual disk snapshots, virtual disk copies,Storage partitions Virtual disk copiesFlexible, highly scalable storage
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MD3000 specifications

The Dell MD3000 is a renowned storage area network (SAN) solution recognized for its flexibility, scalability, and high performance. Designed to meet the demands of small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprise environments, the MD3000 offers a plethora of features that enhance data management and storage capabilities.

One of the standout features of the MD3000 is its modular design. This allows users to start with a basic configuration and expand their storage capacity as their needs grow. The system can support up to 30 drives, including both SATA and SAS drives, giving users the ability to optimize cost and performance based on their specific requirements. With support for a diverse range of drive types, the MD3000 ensures that businesses can implement a storage solution that aligns perfectly with their performance and budgetary needs.

The MD3000 leverages advanced technologies to deliver exceptional performance and reliability. It is equipped with Intelligent Disk Pools that optimize the allocation of data across drives, ensuring improved access speeds and overall system efficiency. This dynamic management of data not only enhances performance but also extends the lifespan of the storage devices.

Data protection is another critical component of the MD3000. The system features various RAID configurations, allowing users to choose the level of redundancy that suits their operational requirements. Additionally, robust snapshot capabilities help businesses create point-in-time copies of their data, enabling quick recovery in case of data loss or corruption.

Connectivity options are abundant with the MD3000. It supports both iSCSI and Fibre Channel, providing users the flexibility to integrate it seamlessly into existing network infrastructures. This adaptability makes it an attractive option for organizations looking to modernize their storage systems without overhauling their entire architecture.

Furthermore, the MD3000 is equipped with a user-friendly management interface. The GUI enables quick provisioning and monitoring of storage resources while providing insightful analytics and alerts, allowing IT teams to maintain optimal performance with ease.

In summary, the Dell MD3000 is a highly versatile and efficient storage solution that meets diverse organizational needs. Its scalable architecture, advanced features, and strong support for data protection and management make it an ideal choice for businesses aiming to enhance their storage capabilities while ensuring reliability and performance. Whether for virtualization, database management, or general storage needs, the MD3000 stands out as an excellent investment in enterprise storage technology.