Connecting the Enclosure

Dell MD1000 owner manual Connecting the Enclosure

•A split-mode configuration is one in which your storage enclosure is connected to either two host controllers, or two ports on a single host controller. In this configuration, the drives are split into two groups with eight drives controlled by one host controller and seven drives controlled by the other host controller. See Figure 2-1for a cabling diagram of a split mode configuration.

NOTE: Daisy-chaining storage enclosures is not supported in split mode.

NOTE: Clustering is not supported in the MD1000 host-based RAID solution.

Selection of the configuration mode is done via the enclosure mode switch on the front enclosure panel (see Figure 1-7).

NOTE: The enclosure mode switch must be set to the mode you want to use before the enclosure is powered on. Changing the configuration selection after the enclosure is powered on has no effect on enclosure operation until it is rebooted.

1Confirm that the latest version of Server Administrator is installed. For installation instructions and supported operating systems, see your Server Administrator documentation.

2Turn off the host system and all attached devices.

3Connect the external SAS cable(s) to the EMM SAS connector on the storage enclosure (see Figure 1-5and Figure 2-1) and to the RAID controller on the host system. (See your RAID controller documentation to ensure that the controller is properly installed.)

•If you are configuring your enclosure in unified mode, connect the external SAS cable from the host controller to the In port on the EMM module of the first enclosure in the daisy chain (see Figure 2-1). Attach subsequent storage enclosures in the daisy chain to the Out port on the first upchain storage enclosure. The last enclosure in the chain will not have a connecting cable in its Out EMM port.

•If you are configuring your enclosure in split mode, attach the external SAS cable from the first host controller to the In port on the primary EMM module and the SAS cable from the second host controller or port to the In port on the secondary EMM (see Figure 2-1). In this configuration, the server attached to the In port on the primary EMM will control eight drives (slots 7 through 14); the server or controller port attached to the In port on the secondary EMM will control seven drives (slots 0 through 6).

NOTE: In split mode, you can cable the enclosure to operate in either a two-host or single-host configuration. See Figure 2-1.In single-host configuration, you can cable both EMMs to either the same host controller, or to a separate host controller.

Operating Your Storage Enclosure

MD1000 specifications

The Dell MD1000 is a storage enclosure designed to provide a scalable and reliable solution for enterprises seeking efficient data storage management. Recognized for its robust performance and versatility, the MD1000 supports a variety of applications, making it a popular choice among organizations that demand high-capacity storage solutions.

One of the standout features of the MD1000 is its modular design, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with various Dell server systems. It provides efficient data storage through its 3.5-inch drive bays, accommodating up to 15 hard drives or solid-state drives. This configuration not only facilitates higher storage density but also supports SATA and SAS drives, offering the flexibility to choose different types of storage media based on organizational needs.

The MD1000 features advanced RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology, which enhances data protection and system performance. It supports multiple RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, providing users with different options for balancing performance and redundancy. By leveraging RAID, the MD1000 ensures that data remains safe and accessible even in the event of hardware failure, significantly reducing downtime and risk.

Connectivity is another strength of the MD1000. It typically interfaces with a server through a variety of host interface options including iSCSI and Fibre Channel, making it adaptable to different network configurations. This connectivity flexibility supports various environments, ensuring organizations can scale their storage without significant infrastructure overhauls.

Cooling and power efficiency are also critical characteristics of the MD1000. It includes dual-redundant power supplies and cooling fans that not only enhance reliability but also lower operational costs. These components can function independently, ensuring that power loss in one does not affect overall system performance.

Management and monitoring capabilities of the MD1000 are empowered by the Dell OpenManage software, which provides a user-friendly interface to manage the storage subsystem. Users can easily monitor drive health, configure RAID settings, and receive alerts on potential issues, simplifying the administration of large storage networks.

Overall, the Dell MD1000 is built to accommodate growing storage needs while ensuring reliability, performance, and ease of use. With its modular design, support for various drive types, robust RAID capabilities, versatile connectivity options, and efficient power management, it represents an excellent choice for businesses looking to enhance their data storage infrastructure.