3Boot your system from the bootable device.

4Save the configuration to a file using the iscsiutil program and save the configuration by typing the following command:

ISCSIUTL -SAVE -FILE <FILENAME> -NIC <#>

where FILENAME is the name of the iSCSI boot configuration file and # is the NIC number.

NOTE: It is recommended that you include the NIC number in the filename.

NOTE: The iscsiutl program identifies dual-port NICs as separate cards. If both ports on the card are dedicated to BFi, run the command in step 4 for each single port.

NOTE: For a list applicable MS-DOS commands/parameters, see "iSCSI Utility MS-DOS Commands" on page 59.

Manually Entering Boot Settings from the iSCSI Boot Menu

In the event that you cannot restore the boot configuration from a backup file or cannot save the configuration from the failed NIC’s NVRAM, you must manually configure the iSCSI boot configuration settings from the iSCSI Boot menu.

Configuring the Intel iSCSI Boot Menu

1Use the iSCSI DOS utility located in the iSCSI\DOS directory on the media that shipped with the Intel NIC to flash the Intel NIC with the iSCSI Boot PROM. For more instructions, see the Intel iSCSI Boot User Guide.

Boot to a bootable MS-DOS diskette drive or a bootable USB key and run the iSCSI DOS utility using the following commands:

ISCSIUTL -ALL -FLASHENABLE ISCSIUTL -ALL –UP

For additional help, type ISCSIUTL -?at a command prompt.

2Boot into the Intel iSCSI Boot Setup menu. For more information, see the section titled “Firmware Setup” in the Intel iSCSI Boot User Guide.

a Configure one NIC as primary.

b Enter the host’s initiator name, IP address, subnet, and gateway that you recorded in step 3 of "Retrieving iSCSI Boot Configuration Settings From the Dell PowerVault MD3000i Storage Array" on page 58.

Replacing Intel NIC Configured for BFi

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Image 59
Dell MD3000I manual Manually Entering Boot Settings from the iSCSI Boot Menu, Configuring the Intel iSCSI Boot Menu

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.