Configuring the PowerVault MD3000i Storage Array

1Perform the following procedure to manually register a host:

a Open the PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Manager, and connect to the PowerVault MD3000i storage array to be used by the host for booting.

b Select the Configure tab, and then click Configure Host Access (Manual).

c In the host field, enter the host name, select the host type from the drop down list, and then click Next.

d In the Selected iSCSI initiators field, click the New button.

e In the iSCSI initiator name field, enter the iSCSI Qualified Name (IQN) of the host initiator and leave the iSCSI Initiator label to the default. Fully qualified IQN format is

<iqn><yyyy-mm>.com<company name>:<server name>. Example: iqn.1984-04.com.dell:server-name.

Record the IQN of the host initiator in the "Configuration Worksheet" on page 77. The IQN of the host initiator is required to configure Intel iSCSI boot BIOS.

f Click Add and then click Next.

g Ensure that the option No,This host will NOT share access to the same virtual disks with other hosts is selected and then click Next.

h In the Confirm Host Definition page, click Finish.

2Create a virtual disk and assign it to the host:

a Select the Configure tab and click Create Virtual Disks. b Enter the virtual disk capacity.

NOTE: It is recommended that the capacity you allocate to the virtual disk be equal to or more than the boot partition capacity.

cEnter a Name for the virtual disk.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the service tag of the PowerEdge system and the term boot-LUN in the description field.

dIn the Virtual Disk I/O characteristics field, select File system, and click Next.

eSelect Map now and the host you are preparing to boot, and then click

Finish.

Instructions to Configure BFi for Broadcom NIC

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Dell MD3000I manual Configuring the PowerVault MD3000i Storage Array

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.