Operating Your Storage Enclosure

Dell MD1000 owner manual Operating Your Storage Enclosure

5Power on the systems in the following order:

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

•If the status LED is solid amber, the MD3000 is still coming online.

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

•If the status LED is solid blue, the MD3000 enclosure is ready.

cAfter the MD3000 enclosure is online and ready, turn on any attached hosts.

NOTICE: If an MD1000 or MD3000 status LED is either blinking or solid amber, follow the troubleshooting steps in the Modular Disk Storage Manager.

Expanding a New MD3000 Enclosure with a Previously Configured MD1000 Enclosure

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

NOTICE: If an MD1000 enclosure that was previously attached to a PERC 5 SAS controller is used as an expansion enclosure for an MD3000 enclosure, the physical disks of the MD1000 enclosure are reinitialized and the data is lost. You must back up all MD1000 enclosure data before attempting the expansion.

1While the MD1000 expansion enclosure is still attached to the PERC 5/E controller, upgrade the EMM firmware to version A03 or later.

NOTICE: You cannot upgrade the firmware on an MD1000 expansion enclosure from A00 to A03 while the MD1000 enclosure is connected to an MD3000 enclosure. The MD3000 enclosure will not recognize the MD1000 enclosure as a supported device.

2Shut down the host connected to the MD1000 expansion enclosure via the PERC 5/E.

3Turn off the MD1000 expansion enclosure and disconnect all cables between the PERC 5/E and the MD1000 enclosure.

4Upgrade components on the host(s) and on the MD3000 enclosure, in the following order:

a Upgrade the SAS 5/E adapter driver and firmware. For Windows hosts, use the update package. For Linux hosts, use the DKMS package.

b Upgrade the MD Storage Manager on each host (the latest version is available from support.dell.com). Refer to the PowerVault MD3000 Installation Guide for detailed information.

cUpgrade the multipath drivers on each host (the latest versions are available from support.dell.com). The multipath drivers are bundled with MD Storage Management install.

On Windows hosts, the drivers are installed automatically when you install MD Storage Manager in Full or Host mode. On Linux hosts, you must install the multipath driver manually.

5Stop all I/O and turn off the host(s) connected to the MD3000 enclosure.

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.