Changing Your Enclosure’s Operating Mode

If you decide to change the operating mode of your enclosure after initial configuration, you must:

1Back up all data contained in the enclosure and store the data in a secure location.

2When changing the operating mode from:

Unified mode to split mode—If existing virtual disks span physical disks that are split by changing from unified to split mode, remove the virtual disk configuration.

Split mode to unified mode—Some virtual disks may appear as foreign if the configuration is not deleted before turning the enclosure back on. These disks must be imported or cleared using either Server Administrator or the BIOS configuration utility before they can be used.

NOTE: Split-mode configurations do not support daisy-chaining of enclosures and redundant paths.

3Turn off the host system.

4Turn off the enclosure by turning off both power supply/cooling fan modules.

5Change the position of the enclosure mode switch.

6Rearrange the disks in the enclosure as necessary.

7Turn on the enclosure by turning on both power supply/cooling fan modules.

8Turn on the host system.

9If required, recreate virtual disks in the enclosure.

Operating Your Storage Enclosure

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Dell MD1220, MD1200 manual Changing Your Enclosure’s Operating Mode

MD1200, MD1220 specifications

The Dell MD1200 and MD1220 are robust direct-attached storage solutions designed to enhance data management and storage capabilities in enterprise environments. Both systems are characterized by their scalability, performance, and ease of integration, making them ideal for businesses with evolving storage requirements.

The Dell MD1200 supports up to 12 drives, while the MD1220 scales up to 24 drives, providing ample capacity for various workloads. These storage arrays are equipped with a mix of SAS and SATA drive options, allowing organizations to balance performance and cost based on their unique needs. The flexibility in drive choice facilitates effective data tiering; users can deploy high-speed SSDs for critical applications alongside cost-effective HDDs for archival data.

One of the key features of both models is their adherence to the latest SAS technology standards. The MD1200 and MD1220 utilize Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) 6Gb/s interface, ensuring high-speed data transfer rates and low latency. This technology is integral for businesses dealing with data-intensive applications such as databases, virtualization, and backup operations.

The systems also come equipped with advanced data management features. They support RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, enabling users to choose the right level of redundancy and performance. RAID ensures data integrity and availability, which is crucial for mission-critical applications.

Additionally, the MD1200 and MD1220 support hot-swappable drives, allowing users to replace malfunctioning units without shutting down the system. This capability minimizes downtime and boosts overall productivity. Coupled with built-in battery backup units, these storage solutions provide a layer of data protection in case of power failures.

Both models feature a user-friendly management interface, which simplifies the deployment and monitoring of storage resources. This web-based console offers a centralized view, enabling IT administrators to manage alerts, configure settings, and analyze performance metrics easily.

In conclusion, the Dell MD1200 and MD1220 storage systems stand out in the market due to their blend of scalability, performance, and user-centric features. They are designed to meet the demanding storage needs of modern enterprises, ensuring reliable data management and operational efficiency. With their flexibility and advanced technology, both models are solid choices for businesses seeking to optimize their storage infrastructure.