Dell Complete Guide to MD3460 and PowerVault Storage Solutions
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Hardware Installation

Before using this guide, ensure that you review the instructions in the:

•Dell PowerVault MD3460/MD3860i/MD3860f Storage Arrays Getting Started Guide — The Getting Started Guide that is shipped with the storage array provides information to configure the initial setup of the system.

•Dell PowerVault MD Series Storage Arrays Administrator's Guide — The Administrator's Guide provides information about important concepts you must know before setting up your storage solution. For more information, see dell.com/powervaultmanuals.

•The Rack Installation instructions — Provides information on how to rack your system. This document is shipped with your system.

Planning The Storage Configuration

Consider the following before installing your storage array:

•Evaluate data storage needs and administrative requirements.

•Calculate availability requirements.

•Decide the frequency and level of backups, such as weekly full backups with daily partial backups.

•Consider storage array options, such as password protection and e-mail alert notifications for error conditions.

•Design the configuration of virtual disks, disk groups, and DDP according to a data organization plan. For example, use one virtual disk for inventory, a second for financial and tax information, and a third for customer information.

•Decide whether to allow space for hot spares, which automatically replace failed physical disks.

Connecting The Storage Array

The storage array is connected to a host using two hot-swappable RAID controller modules. The RAID controller modules are identified as RAID controller module 0 and RAID controller module 1. The ports on the RAID controller module and their functions are listed:

•12 Gbps SAS Host Ports (4) — Allows you to connect host servers to the storage array.

NOTE: When you connect a host server to a storage array SAS IN port connector, any OUT port connector of the host bus adapter (HBA) of the server can be used.

•1 Gbps Ethernet Management (MGMT) Port (1) — Management port allows for out of band management of storage array.

•Reserved Ethernet Port (1) — Reserved port.

•SAS Expansion Ports (2) — Allows you to connect the storage array to an optional PowerVault MD3060e expansion enclosure for additional storage capacity. Only one SAS OUT expansion port can be used at a time and the recommended expansion port is 0.

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Contents Page Page Contents Load Balancing Introduction System RequirementsIntroduction To Storage Arrays Management Station RequirementsRelated Documentation Contacting Dell Documentation feedbackConnecting The Storage Array Hardware InstallationPlanning The Storage Configuration Cabling The Storage Array Redundant And Non-Redundant ConfigurationsDual Controller Configurations Two Hosts Connected to Two Controllers Four Hosts Connected to Two Controllers Four Hosts Connected to Two Controllers Eight Hosts Connected to Two Controllers Four Cluster Nodes Connected to Two Controllers Cabling PowerVault MD3060e Expansion Enclosures MD3060e Expansion cabling diagrams Single Expansion cabling diagramExpanding With New PowerVault MD3060e Expansion Enclosures Dual expansion cabling diagramPage Installing MD Storage Manager Installing Host Bus Adapters And Drivers Graphical Installation RecommendedConsole Installation Silent InstallationSilent Installation On Windows Silent Installation On LinuxEnabling Premium Features Optional Upgrading PowerVault MD Storage ManagerPost Installation Tasks Verifying Storage Array DiscoveryInitial Setup Tasks Uninstalling MD Storage Manager Uninstalling MD Storage Manager From WindowsUninstalling MD Storage Manager From Linux Least Path Weight Load BalancingLoad Balance Policy Round Robin With SubsetSetting Load Balance Policies in Linux Setting Load Balance Policies in VMware
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Manual 28 pages 2.45 Kb

MD3460 specifications

The Dell MD3460 is a high-performance storage array that offers a blend of efficiency, scalability, and reliability, making it an ideal solution for businesses looking to optimize their data management. This storage system is particularly well-suited for medium to large enterprises that require robust storage capabilities for diverse workloads.

One of the standout features of the Dell MD3460 is its ability to support a large capacity, allowing organizations to store vast amounts of data. The system can house up to 60 drives, which can be a mix of HDDs and SSDs, catering to different performance and cost needs. This flexibility ensures that businesses can customize their storage solutions according to their specific requirements.

The MD3460 also includes advanced RAID technology, offering various RAID levels to protect against data loss while maximizing performance. This capability is critical for businesses that deal with sensitive or mission-critical data, ensuring data integrity and availability.

Another key characteristic of the MD3460 is its scalability. Organizations can easily expand their storage environment without major disruptions, thanks to the system's modular design. This scalability is further enhanced by support for both iSCSI and Fibre Channel connectivity, allowing seamless integration with existing infrastructure.

Performance is a fundamental attribute of the Dell MD3460, as it is designed to deliver high throughput and low latency, making it suitable for applications requiring rapid data access. The system supports multiple 10GbE ports, enabling fast data transfer rates that can accommodate demanding workloads efficiently.

In terms of management, the MD3460 features a user-friendly interface that simplifies configuration and monitoring. The intuitive dashboards provide insights into storage performance, capacity utilization, and health status, making it easier for IT administrators to manage resources effectively.

Furthermore, the Dell MD3460 supports advanced data protection features, including snapshots and cloning, which enable quick recovery from failures or accidental deletions. This capability ensures business continuity and minimizes downtime.

In summary, the Dell MD3460 is an advanced storage solution that combines capacity, performance, and scalability into a single platform. Its modular architecture, RAID support, and user-friendly management tools make it a powerful choice for organizations seeking to enhance their data management strategies while ensuring reliability and efficiency.
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