Dell MD3220, MD3200 Redundant and Non-Redundant Configurations, Single Controller Configurations

Redundant and Non-Redundant Configurations

Non-redundant configurations are configurations that provide only a single data path from a host to the storage array. This type of configuration is only recommended for non-critical data storage. Path failure from a failed or removed cable, a failed HBA, or a failed or removed RAID controller module results in loss of host access to storage on the storage array.

Redundancy is established by installing separate data paths between the host and the storage array, in which each path is set to one of the two RAID controller modules installed in the storage array. Redundancy protects the host from losing access to data in the event of path failure, because both RAID controller modules can access all the disks in the storage array.

Single Controller Configurations

Figure 2-1 through Figure 2-3 show two and four hosts, each connected to only one RAID controller module. The hosts can share storage space but without redundant paths, if one path were to fail, the server on that path would be disconnected from the storage array.

Figure 2-1. Two Hosts Connected to a Single Controller

Server 1 Server 2

Storage array

Corporate, public, or private network

Hardware Installation

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