Dell MD3000I manual Retrieving the iSCSI Boot Configuration Information

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Retrieving the iSCSI Boot Configuration Information

You can configure the virtual disk iSCSI boot configuration settings on the PowerEdge system in three ways:

Restore the settings from an existing boot configuration backup file (that you previously saved to a diskette or USB key, or any other storage device).

Attempt to save the failed NIC’s current boot settings stored in Nonvolatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) and restore these settings to the replacement NIC (depending on the type of failure, this may not be always possible).

Manually enter boot configuration settings using the iSCSI Boot menu.

Restoring the iSCSI Boot Configuration from a Backup File

NOTE: Before installing the replacement NIC, ensure that you have the iSCSI backup configuration file available (that is, you have the file stored on removable media such as a USB key or diskette).

NOTE: If the backup file is not available, do not install the replacement NIC. Skip this section and proceed to the next sections "Saving iSCSI Boot Configuration Settings from NVRAM" on page 58 and "Manually Entering Boot Settings from the iSCSI Boot Menu" on page 59.

After you replace the failed iSCSI network adapter, run the iscsiutl.exe utility to enable the iSCSI Boot menu and restore previously saved iSCSI settings to the replacement NIC from the backup file:

1Download the iscsiutl program from the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

NOTE: The iscsiutl program is also available on the media that ships with your new replacement NIC. However, it is recommended that you download it from the Dell Support website at support.dell.com to ensure that you have the latest version.

2Replace the failed NIC. For more instructions, see the Hardware Owners Manual that shipped with your system or the documentation that shipped with the NIC.

3Copy the iscsiutl program to a MS-DOS bootable device, such as diskette or USB key.

4Boot to the bootable device.

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Replacing Intel NIC Configured for BFi

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Contents W . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m May Contents Pre-Installation Requirements Preparing the Host and Operating Adapters Configuration Worksheet Contents Overview Overview Instructions to Configure BFi for Intel NIC Pre-Installation Requirements Media of the supported Microsoft operating system or a copyCreating the Operating System Boot Image Configuring the HostInstructions to Configure BFi for Intel NIC Configuring the PowerVault MD3000i Storage Array Perform the following procedure to manually register a hostType gpedit.msc and click OK Click OKCreate a virtual disk and assign it to the host Configuring the Intel iSCSI Boot Menu For additional help, type Iscsiutl -?at a command promptIscsiutl -SAVE -FILE Filename -NIC # Preparing the Host and Operating System Boot Image CloningRun Sysprep Method 2-Using Virtual Disk Copy Premium Feature Method 3-Using an Imaging ServerTroubleshooting Disable the local hard drive and boot from the iSCSI LUN Additional InformationInstructions to Configure BFi for Intel NIC Using the F6 Option to Configure Intel BFi Pre-Installation Requirements Creating the Operating System Boot Image Enter a Name for the virtual disk Configuring the Intel iSCSI Boot Menu Installing the Operating System on the iSCSI LUN Using the F6 Option to Configure Intel BFi Type gpedit.msc, and click OK Iscsiutl -SAVE -FILE Filename -NIC # Run Sysprep Method 2-Using Virtual Disk Copy Premium Feature Method 3-Using an Imaging Server Troubleshooting Additional Information Instructions to Configure BFi for Broadcom NIC Pre-Installation Requirements Configure a PowerEdge system. To configure Click OK Configuring the PowerVault MD3000i Storage Array Configuring the Broadcom iSCSI Boot Menu Configuration of General Parameters Press Esc to go back to the Main MenuInstructions to Configure BFi for Broadcom NIC Preparing the Host and Operating System Boot Image Page Host now boots from the iSCSI LUN Repeat and stepMethod 2-Using Virtual Disk Copy Premium Feature Method 3-Using an Imaging Server Troubleshooting Additional Information Instructions to Configure BFi for Broadcom NIC Replacing Intel NIC Configured for BFi Retrieving the iSCSI Boot Configuration Information Restoring the iSCSI Boot Configuration from a Backup FileNon-functional NIC Functional NICExecute the iscsiutl program and type a Iscsiutl -FE-ALL Saving iSCSI Boot Configuration Settings from Nvram Record the IQN of the PowerVault MD3000i storage arrayRecord the RAID Controllers iSCSI host port IP Addresses Record the IQN of the hostManually Entering Boot Settings from the iSCSI Boot Menu Configuring the Intel iSCSI Boot MenuISCSI Utility MS-DOS Commands Backing Up iSCSI Boot SettingsSave Replacing Intel NIC Configured for BFi Instructions for Booting a New Host Using Intel NIC Create a virtual disk and assign it to the host Select the iSCSI tab and click Configure iSCSI Host Ports Iscsiutl -SAVE -FILE Filename -NIC # Replacing Broadcom NIC Configured for BFi Retrieving the iSCSI Boot Configuration Boot to the bootable device Run ibcfg.exe and type Functional NICSaving iSCSI Boot Configuration Settings from Nvram Backing Up iSCSI Boot Settings GET Instructions for Booting a New Host Using Broadcom NIC Create a virtual disk and assign it to the host Select the iSCSI tab and click Configure iSCSI Host Ports Instructions for Booting a New Host Using Broadcom NIC Configuration Worksheet Configuration Worksheet Index Index
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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.