Method 2—Using Virtual Disk Copy Premium Feature

1Configure the host system to boot from an iSCSI LUN.

2Run Sysprep and turn off the system.

3Using the PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Manager create a virtual disk copy of the snapshot virtual disk.

4After the virtual disk copy is created, remove the copy pair using the

Dell PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Manager.

5Configure each system to boot from the assigned iSCSI LUN. For more instructions, see "Instructions for Booting a New Host From an Operating System Image using Intel Network Adapters" on page 63.

NOTE: For more information about creating snapshot virtual disks and virtual disk copy, see the PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Manager User’s Guide located on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

Method 3—Using an Imaging Server

This procedure uses an imaging server to clone the boot image of one system (that boots from an iSCSI LUN) to multiple iSCSI LUNs. The images on the multiple iSCSI LUNs can then be used to configure BFi on multiple systems. Perform the following steps to clone the boot image:

NOTE: Before you perform the following steps, ensure that the imaging server is configured with an iSCSI connection to the iSCSI target.

1Configure the host system to Boot from an iSCSI LUN.

2Run Sysprep and turn off the system.

3Unassign the iSCSI LUN from the original host system and assign the iSCSI boot LUN to the imaging server.

4Execute the imaging software (such as Ghost32) and create an image file of the iSCSI LUN (disk to image).

5Unassign the original iSCSI LUN from the imaging server.

6Assign the iSCSI LUN(s) on which you are creating clone(s) to the imaging server.

Instructions to Configure BFi for Intel NIC

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Dell MD3000I manual Method 2-Using Virtual Disk Copy Premium Feature, Method 3-Using an Imaging Server

MD3000I specifications

The Dell MD3000i is a high-performance storage solution designed to meet the demanding needs of businesses requiring reliable and scalable storage systems. Part of the Dell PowerVault series, the MD3000i offers a robust platform that supports both iSCSI and direct-attach connectivity options, making it versatile enough to fit various IT environments.

One of the primary features of the MD3000i is its ability to support multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, 50, and 60, which ensures data protection and performance optimization. This flexibility allows organizations to tailor their storage setup based on their specific needs, whether prioritizing speed or redundancy.

The system supports up to 15 expansion enclosures, which allows users to scale their storage capacity significantly. The MD3000i can accommodate up to 192TB of raw storage when fully configured, making it suitable for environments with large amounts of data. Additionally, the modular design of the MD3000i means that businesses can easily add drives as needed, thereby reducing upfront costs.

In terms of performance, the MD3000i features hot-swappable drives, helping minimize downtime during maintenance and upgrades. This design philosophy extends to other components as well, allowing for easier management and greater efficiency. The system is also equipped with dual active controllers that provide failover capabilities, ensuring high availability for mission-critical applications.

Another significant aspect of the Dell MD3000i is its integration with various storage management software options, which allow for simplified administration and monitoring. Features such as snapshots and volume cloning aid in data protection and recovery processes, providing additional layers of security for critical information.

Moreover, the MD3000i supports seamless integration with existing server infrastructures and virtualization platforms, enhancing its appeal for organizations looking to modernize their data storage without complete overhauls of their systems. Its compatibility with multiple operating systems and environments makes it a flexible choice for companies of all sizes.

In summary, the Dell MD3000i stands out for its scalability, performance, and reliability in data storage. With features that promote ease of management and strong data protection mechanisms, it is an excellent choice for businesses looking to enhance their storage solutions in a cost-effective manner.