About Your Storage Array

This chapter covers basic information about how to manage storage arrays from MD Storage Manager, including adding and removing arrays from the software, performing initial setup tasks, setting passwords on an array, and configuring alert notifications. For information on planning your storage array, see the Installation Guide.

Following is a list of terms that are used throughout this chapter:

Physical Disk — Non-volatile, randomly-addressable device for storing data.

Host — System that accesses a storage array and is mapped to virtual disks.

Host Group — Hosts that are logically associated and share access to the same virtual disks.

Host-Agent Software — Software installed on the host that provides in- band management and topology discovery.

Logical Unit Number (LUN) — Address that identifies individual virtual disks within a storage array.

Event Monitor — A feature that, when enabled, monitors activity on managed storage arrays and notifies a host or remote system when critical problems occur.

SNMP Alert — Alert (SNMP trap) that is sent from the event monitor to an SNMP-enabled host.

Access Virtual Disk

Each RAID controller in an MD Storage Array maintains an access virtual disk. The host-agent software uses the access virtual disk to communicate management requests and event information between the storage management station and the RAID controller module in an in-band–managed storage array. The access virtual disk is not available for application data storage. The default LUN is 31.

Storage Array

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Dell Computer Drive manual About Your Storage Array, Access Virtual Disk

Computer Drive specifications

Dell Computer drives are a crucial component of the brand's range of products, delivering reliable storage solutions tailored for various user needs. Dell offers a diverse lineup of drives, including solid-state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), and hybrid drives, each featuring distinct characteristics that cater to different performance requirements.

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Dell's HDDs, on the other hand, remain a popular choice for users who prioritize storage capacity over speed. With options available in sizes from 500GB to 10TB, these drives offer users ample space to store large files, such as videos, music libraries, and software applications. Dell's enterprise-grade HDDs are known for their durability and reliability, making them suitable for server environments where data integrity is paramount.

Incorporating hybrid drives, Dell brings the best of both worlds. By combining the speed of SSDs with the capacity of HDDs, hybrid drives offer a balanced solution for users seeking improved performance without sacrificing storage space. These drives utilize a small amount of SSD storage as a cache to speed up frequently accessed files, enhancing overall system responsiveness.

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In conclusion, Dell Computer drives encompass a comprehensive range of features and technologies that meet the needs of diverse users. With their emphasis on speed, capacity, durability, and security, Dell drives are a trusted choice for anyone seeking reliable storage solutions. Whether in personal computing or enterprise environments, Dell stands at the forefront of storage technology, continually evolving to meet user demands.