Create a virtual disk and assign it to the host

gEnsure that the option No,This host will NOT share access to the same virtual disks with other hosts is selected and then click Next.

hIn the Confirm Host Definition page, click Finish.

2Create a virtual disk and assign it to the host:

a Select the Configure tab and click Create Virtual Disks.

b Create a virtual disk which is of the same size as the boot partition and assign it to the host. Enter the virtual disk capacity.

NOTE: It is recommended that the capacity you allocate to the virtual disk be equal to or more than the boot partition capacity. A minimum boot partition size of 16 GB is recommended.

cEnter a Name for the virtual disk.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the service tag of the PowerEdge system and the term boot-LUN in the description field.

dIn the Virtual Disk I/O characteristics field, select File system, and click Next.

eSelect Map now and the host you are preparing to boot, and then click

Finish.

3After creating the virtual disk, assign the preferred path for the virtual disk to the appropriate Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) controller. For systems with only one boot NIC, ensure that you assign the virtual disk to the RAID controller the NIC is connecting to. For systems with two boot NICs, configure the primary path to the RAID controller that the Primary NIC is configured to boot from. To configure the preferred path:

a Click the Modify tab and select the Change Virtual Disk Ownership/Preferred Path option.

b Select the virtual disk and the preferred path, and then click Change if required.

Instructions to Configure BFi for Intel NIC

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.