Pre-Installation Requirements

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you configure redundant paths to the target from all hosts that are configured with boot from iSCSI. The following instructions incorporate Multi-path I/O (MPIO) configuration. Misconfigured networks or networks under heavy load may interfere with critical communication between the host and the associated boot LUN on the target, causing the system to hang or display a bluescreen. To work-around this issue, configure multiple paths between the host and target. For best practices, configure a redundant iSCSI network on a separate subnets and monitor the network performance. For more information , see the whitepaper Creating Multipath Connections to Dell iSCSI Storage Arrays available on the Dell Techcenter website at www.dell.com/TechCenter.

Before configuring your system for BFi, read this document completely, complete the "Configuration Worksheet" on page 77 and ensure that you have the following:

A PowerEdge system with the latest PowerEdge BIOS version found on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com

Local hard drive for initial operating system installation

Either local FAT32 partition or network share to store initial boot image

Broadcom NetXtreme Network adapter drivers and firmware from the Dell support website at support.dell.com. For the supported versions of drivers and firmware, see the Dell PowerVault MD3000i Support Matrix located on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

Broadcom NetExtreme and NetExtreme II User’s Guide located on the Broadcom LOM media or on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

Microsoft® iSCSI Software Initiator with boot support version as mentioned in the Dell PowerVault MD3000i Support Matrix located on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

Media of the supported Microsoft Windows® operating system or a copy of the Sysprep utility.

Any disk imaging software such as Symantec™ Ghost.

NOTE: If deploying a base image to multiple systems, ensure that all systems that use the operating system base image are of the same hardware configuration.

NOTE: For the latest supported firmware and driver versions, see the Dell PowerVault MD3000i Systems Support Matrix located on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

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Instructions to Configure BFi for Broadcom NIC

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Dell MD3000I manual Pre-Installation Requirements

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.