You can clone additional iSCSI LUNs so that they can be used to boot additional hosts. The following section describes various methods that you can use to clone one iSCSI LUN to additional iSCSI LUNs.

NOTE: After you have created the clone(s), boot the new systems from their respective LUNs by following the steps in "Instructions for Booting a New Host From an Operating System Image using Intel Network Adapters" on page 63.

Method 1—Using Snapshot Virtual Disks and Virtual Disk Copy (Preferred Method)

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

2Turn off the system

3Use the PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Manager to create a snapshot virtual disk of the source virtual disk.

4Configure a different system to boot from the snapshot virtual disk. For instructions, see"Instructions for Booting a New Host From an Operating System Image using Intel Network Adapters" on page 63.

5Run Sysprep and turn off the system.

6Use the PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Manager to create a virtual disk copy of the snapshot virtual disk.

7After the virtual disk copy is created, remove the copy pair using the

PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Manager.

8Configure the system to boot from the new iSCSI LUN. For 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 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.

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Instructions to Configure BFi for Broadcom NIC

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Dell MD3000I manual Method 2-Using Virtual Disk Copy Premium Feature

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.