1-2 Introduction
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This chapter provides an overview of the Dell™ PowerVault™ 750N and 755N network
attached storage (NAS) appliances features, as well as the information necessary to perform
the initial configuration of the system.
These systems are “headless” systems that are managed through the onboard Ethernet
connection; they operate without a keyboard, monitor, or mouse. While it is possible to
connect these peripherals to a system, it is generally not necessary unless you are
troubleshooting the system. These systems are managed and monitored via a Web-based
user interface, the NAS Manager. You can also manage these systems remotely from a client
computer attached to the network.
The Boot Process
The internal drives in your NAS appliance are logical small computer system interface
(SCSI) drives that are controlled by a hardware redundant array of independent disks
(RAID) controller. The Microsoft® Windows® Powered operating system and boot sectors
are installed on two RAID 1 (mirrored) hard-disk drives.
The PowerVault 755N NAS appliance, which is a rack mounted system, uses a split bus and
has five drives. One drive is in the drive media bay and four drives are in the standard bay.
The operating system is installed on two mirrored RAID 1 drives. Data is stored on the
remaining three drives that are configured as RAID 5 drives.
The PowerVault 750N NAS appliance, which can be a tower or rack mounted system, uses a
split bus and has eight drives. Two drives are in the drive media bay and six drives are in the
drive internal bay. The operating system is installed on the two drives in the media bay,
which are configured as mirrored RAID 1 drives. Data is stored on the remaining six drives
that are configured as RAID 5 drives.
The boot sequence is as follows:
•CD-ROM drive
• Diskette drive
• Operating system hard-disk drive