Expanding with New MD1000 Enclosures

dUsing the MD Storage Manager, update the MD3000 RAID controller firmware to the latest version available on support.dell.com (Support→ Download Firmware→ Download RAID Controller Module Firmware) and the NVSRAM (Support→ Download Firmware→ Download RAID Controller Module NVSRAM).

4Stop I/O and turn off all systems:

a Stop all I/O activity to the array and turn off affected host systems attached to the MD3000. b Turn off the MD3000.

c Turn off any MD1000 enclosures in the affected system.

5Referencing the applicable configuration for your rack (Figure 2-1 through Figure 2-12), cable the MD1000 enclosure(s) to the MD3000.

6Turn on attached units:

a Turn on the MD1000 expansion enclosure(s). Wait for the expansion status LED to light blue. b Turn on the MD3000 and wait for the status LED to indicate that the unit is ready:

•If the status LEDs light a solid amber, the MD3000 is still coming online.

•If the status LEDs are blinking amber, there is an error that can be viewed using the MD Storage Manager.

•If the status LEDs light a solid blue, the MD3000 is ready.

cAfter the MD3000 is online and ready, turn on any attached host systems.

7After the MD1000 is configured as the expansion enclosure to the MD3000, restore the data that was backed up in step 1.

After they are online, the MD1000 enclosures are available for use within the MD3000 system.

Perform the following steps to attach new MD1000 expansion enclosures to the MD3000:

1Before 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.