Dell FE500-IA64 SYSTEMS instruction

Table 1-4. Direct-Attached Clusters Rules and Guidelines (continued)

Rule/Guideline	Description

Dell EMC CX700	2.06.700 or later; however, Access Logix™ Option 01.01.5 or later must be
core software	installed and enabled if two clusters or a mix of clustered and nonclustered
	hosts are direct-attached to the CX700.

Additional software application programs

EMC Navisphere Agent 6.6 or later.

EMC Navisphere Manager 6.6 or later.

EMC PowerPath® 3.0.6 or later.

EMC AdminSnap version 2.10.06 or later (not supported on the Dell EMC CX300).

QLogic SANsurfer SANblade Manager for Windows version 2.0.29 or later.

Attaching Your Cluster Shared Storage System to a SAN

This section provides the rules and guidelines for attaching your PowerEdge cluster nodes to the shared storage systems through a Dell EMC SAN using redundant Fibre Channel switch fabrics.

Rules and Guidelines

The rules and guidelines described in Table 1-5 apply to SAN-attached clusters.

Table 1-5. SAN-Attached Clusters Rules and Guidelines

Rule/Guideline	Description

Primary storage	Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for 64-bit Itanium-based Systems
	can support more than 22 shared logical drives through mount points.
	Up to four Dell EMC Fibre Channel disk arrays are supported per cluster
	in a SAN environment.
Fibre Channel	Redundant switch fabrics required.
switch configuration
Fibre Channel	Single-initiator zoning.
switch zoning
Fibre Channel	Dell EMC DS-16B2 (Brocade SilkWorm 3800), Brocade SilkWorm 3200.
switches supported
Fibre Channel	Version 3.1.2a or later.
switch firmware
Fibre Channel	QLogic QLA2340.
HBAs supported
QLogic driver version	Storport driver 9.00.17 or later.

Platform Guide

FE500-IA64 SYSTEMS specifications

The Dell FE500-IA64 systems are designed to deliver unparalleled performance, reliability, and scalability, making them an ideal choice for enterprise-level applications and demanding workloads. Targeted primarily at data centers and high-performance computing environments, these systems integrate cutting-edge technologies to provide robust computing capabilities.

One of the standout features of the Dell FE500-IA64 is its advanced processing power. Equipped with the latest Intel Xeon processors, these systems support multiple cores and threads, enabling efficient multitasking and the ability to handle complex computing tasks. This architecture is ideal for virtualization, high-performance computing (HPC), and other resource-intensive applications.

In terms of memory, the FE500-IA64 systems support a substantial amount of RAM, with configurations that can accommodate up to several terabytes. Utilizing DDR4 memory modules, these systems ensure high bandwidth and improved data transfer rates, which are crucial for applications that require fast processing and real-time data manipulation.

Storage options in the Dell FE500-IA64 are versatile and robust. The systems support various storage types, including SSDs and HDDs, allowing organizations to customize their storage solutions based on performance needs and budget constraints. Advanced RAID configurations are also supported, providing enhanced data redundancy and performance optimization.

Networking capabilities are another key characteristic of the FE500-IA64 systems. With multiple 10G Ethernet and InfiniBand connectivity options, these systems ensure high-speed data transfer and seamless connectivity within complex network environments. This makes the FE500-IA64 an excellent choice for organizations requiring reliable and fast networking solutions.

Security is essential in today's digital landscape, and the Dell FE500-IA64 incorporates several robust security features. These include support for Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT), which helps protect against malware attacks by ensuring that the operating system and applications are running in a secure environment.

Scalability is a crucial factor for organizations looking to future-proof their investments, and the Dell FE500-IA64 systems excel in this area. With modular designs and support for various expansion cards, these systems allow for easy upgrades and expansions as workloads grow or change over time.

In conclusion, the Dell FE500-IA64 systems are a powerful and flexible solution for enterprises seeking reliable performance in demanding environments. With advanced processing capabilities, substantial memory capacity, versatile storage options, robust networking, and strong security features, these systems stand out as a leader in enterprise computing technology. Organizations looking to invest in a dependable, high-capacity system will find the Dell FE500-IA64 to be an excellent choice.