17Press <Esc> and <F4> to save and exit from the Broadcom MBA configuration menu.

NOTE: It is recommended that you save the iSCSI boot configuration to a file to enable faster recovery if you need to replace the NIC.

18To save the iSCSI boot configuration to a file:

aBoot your system to a bootable device.

bSave the configuration to a file using the ibcfg.exe program by typing the following command at the command prompt:

IBCFG -get <FILENAME> -dev <MAC address>

NOTE: It is recommended that you include the NIC number in the file name. For example, to name the iSCSI boot configuration file of the NIC-enabled for iSCSI boot, use the following command where 00:18:8B:FD:F9:1A is the MAC address of the iSCSI boot NIC.

IBCFG -get dell1 –dev 00:18:8B:FD:F9:1A

Preparing the Host and Operating System Boot Image

1In the host’s BIOS, confirm that the boot order lists the Broadcom Embedded NIC 1 before the local hard drive.

2Press <Esc> twice and select Save changes and exit to exit from BIOS.

3BIOS reboots the system and boot into the operating system in local hard drive.

4Log in to the operating system. Open the Disk Management Console and verify that the iSCSI LUN is recognized.

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you do not login to the iSCSI target manually. The iSCSI Software Initiator automatically retrieves the iSCSI boot configuration from the Intel PRO/1000 adapter iSCSI Boot firmware. If you manually add connections in the initiator with the same paths as configured in the iSCSI boot firmware, the system may hang, display a blue screen or reboot during failover.

5Create a new FAT32 partition on the local hard drive using the disk management console.

NOTE: You can skip step 5 if you have saved the image to a network share.

6Boot to a bootable device such as a diskette drive, media, or USB key and run a disk imaging software such as Symantec Ghost.

Instructions to Configure BFi for Broadcom NIC

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Dell MD3000I manual Preparing the Host and Operating System Boot Image

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.