Attaching MD1000 Expansion Enclosures

For a more detailed discussion of redundancy and nonredundancy, as well as alternate path software, see "Hardware Redundancy and Failover" on page 49.

Attaching MD1000 Expansion Enclosures

One of the features of the MD3000 is the ability to add up to two MD1000 expansion enclosures for additional capacity. This expansion increases the maximum physical disk pool to 45 3.5" SAS physical disks.

As described in the following sections, you can expand with either a new MD1000 or an MD1000 that has been previously configured in a direct-attach solution with a PERC 5/E system.

NOTICE: Ensure that all MD1000 expansion enclosures being connected to the MD3000 are updated to the latest Dell MD1000 EMM Firmware from support.dell.com. Dell MD1000 EMM Firmware version A00 is not supported in an MD3000 array; attaching an MD1000 with unsupported firmware causes an uncertified condition to exist on the array. See the following procedure for more information.

Expanding with Previously Configured MD1000 Enclosures

Use this procedure if your MD1000 is currently directly attached to and configured on a Dell PERC 5/E system. Data from virtual disks created on a PERC 5 SAS controller cannot be directly migrated to an MD3000 or to an MD1000 expansion enclosure connected to an MD3000.

NOTICE: If an MD1000 that was previously attached to PERC 5 SAS controller is used as an expansion enclosure to an MD3000, the physical disks of the MD1000 enclosure will be reinitialized and data will be lost. All MD1000 data must be backed up before attempting the expansion.

Perform the following steps to attach previously configured MD1000 expansion enclosures to the MD3000:

1Back up all data on the MD1000 enclosure(s).

2While the enclosure is still attached to the PERC 5 controller, upgrade the MD1000 firmware to an A03 or higher configuration. Windows systems users can reference the DUP.exe package; for Linux kernels, users can reference the DUP.bin package.

3Before adding the MD1000 enclosure(s), make sure the MD3000 software is installed and up to date. For more information, refer to the Dell PowerVault Compatibility Matrix available on support.dell.com.

a Install or update the SAS driver and firmware. For Windows systems users, use the update package. For Linux systems users, use the DKMS package.

b Install or update (to the latest version available on support.dell.com) the MD Storage Manager on each host server. Refer to the PowerVault MD3000 Installation Guide for detailed information.

c Install or update (to the latest version available on support.dell.com) the multipath drivers on each host server. The multipath drivers are bundled with Modular Disk Storage Management install. On Windows systems, the drivers are automatically installed when a Full or Host selection is made.

Cabling Your RAID Enclosure

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.