You plan to have all attached hosts share access to all virtual disks on the storage array. When you choose this type of configuration, all of the hosts must have the same operating system and must have special software (such as clustering software) to manage virtual disk sharing and accessibility.

If either of the following is true, you must use more than one storage partition:

You want specific hosts to access specific virtual disks in the storage array.

You have hosts with different operating systems attached to the same storage array.

NOTE: The storage array can support up to four storage partitions.

Host-to-Virtual Disk Mapping

The host server attached to a storage array accesses various virtual disks on the storage array through its host ports. Specific virtual disk-to-LUN mappings to an individual host can be defined. In addition, the host can be part of a host group that shares access to one or more virtual disks.

You can manually configure a host-to-virtual disk mapping. When you configure host-to-virtual disk mapping, consider these guidelines:

You can define one host-to-virtual disk mapping for each virtual disk in the storage array.

Host-to-virtual disk mappings are shared between RAID controller modules in the storage array.

A unique LUN must be used by a host group or host to access a virtual disk.

Not every operating system will have the same number of LUNs available for use.

Host Types

Generally, a host is a server that accesses a storage array, is mapped to the virtual disks, and uses one or more HBA ports. In general, hosts have the following attributes:

Host name — A name that uniquely identifies the host.

Host group (used in Cluster solutions only) — Two or more hosts associated together to share access to the same virtual disks.

A host group is a group of two or more hosts that share access to specific virtual disks on the storage array. This is a logical entity you can create in MD Storage Manager. All hosts in a host group must be running the same operating system.

Host type — The operating system running on the host.

HBA host port — A physical connection on the host base adapter installed in the host.

HBA host ports are automatically detected by the host agent and can be identified by an alias assigned by the user.

Using Your RAID Enclosure

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Dell MD3000 owner manual Host Types

MD3000 specifications

The Dell MD3000 is a renowned storage area network (SAN) solution recognized for its flexibility, scalability, and high performance. Designed to meet the demands of small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprise environments, the MD3000 offers a plethora of features that enhance data management and storage capabilities.

One of the standout features of the MD3000 is its modular design. This allows users to start with a basic configuration and expand their storage capacity as their needs grow. The system can support up to 30 drives, including both SATA and SAS drives, giving users the ability to optimize cost and performance based on their specific requirements. With support for a diverse range of drive types, the MD3000 ensures that businesses can implement a storage solution that aligns perfectly with their performance and budgetary needs.

The MD3000 leverages advanced technologies to deliver exceptional performance and reliability. It is equipped with Intelligent Disk Pools that optimize the allocation of data across drives, ensuring improved access speeds and overall system efficiency. This dynamic management of data not only enhances performance but also extends the lifespan of the storage devices.

Data protection is another critical component of the MD3000. The system features various RAID configurations, allowing users to choose the level of redundancy that suits their operational requirements. Additionally, robust snapshot capabilities help businesses create point-in-time copies of their data, enabling quick recovery in case of data loss or corruption.

Connectivity options are abundant with the MD3000. It supports both iSCSI and Fibre Channel, providing users the flexibility to integrate it seamlessly into existing network infrastructures. This adaptability makes it an attractive option for organizations looking to modernize their storage systems without overhauling their entire architecture.

Furthermore, the MD3000 is equipped with a user-friendly management interface. The GUI enables quick provisioning and monitoring of storage resources while providing insightful analytics and alerts, allowing IT teams to maintain optimal performance with ease.

In summary, the Dell MD3000 is a highly versatile and efficient storage solution that meets diverse organizational needs. Its scalable architecture, advanced features, and strong support for data protection and management make it an ideal choice for businesses aiming to enhance their storage capabilities while ensuring reliability and performance. Whether for virtualization, database management, or general storage needs, the MD3000 stands out as an excellent investment in enterprise storage technology.