Enclosure loss protection is achieved when you create a disk group where all of the physical disks that comprise the disk group are located in different expansion enclosures. This distinction depends on the RAID level. If you choose to create a disk group by using the Automatic method, the software attempts to choose physical disks that provide enclosure loss protection. If you choose to create a disk group by using the Manual method, you must use the criteria specified in Table 10-2.

Table 10-2. Criteria for Enclosure Loss Protection

RAID Level

Criteria for Enclosure Loss Protection

RAID level 5 Ensure that all the physical disks in the disk group are located in or RAID level different expansion enclosures.

6Because a RAID level 5 requires a minimum of three physical disks, enclosure loss protections cannot be achieved if your storage array has less than three expansion enclosures. Because a RAID level 6requires a minimum of five physical disks, enclosure loss protections cannot be achieved if your storage array has less than five expansion enclosures.

RAID level 1 Ensure that each physical disk in a mirrored pair is located in a different expansion enclosure. This enables you to have more than two physical disks in the disk group within the same expansion enclosure.

For example, if you are creating a six physical disk, disk group (three- mirrored pairs), you could achieve enclosure loss protection with only two expansion enclosures by specifying that the physical disk in each mirrored pair are located in separate expansion enclosures. This example shows this concept:

•Mirror pair 1—Physical disk in enclosure 1 slot 1 and physical disk in enclosure 2 slot 1.

•Mirror pair 2—Physical disk in enclosure 1 slot 2and physical disk in enclosure 2 slot 2.

•Mirror pair 3—Physical disk in enclosure 1 slot 3and physical disk in enclosure 2 slot 3.

Because a RAID level 1 disk group requires a minimum of two physical disks, enclosure loss protections cannot be achieved if your storage array has less than two expansion enclosures.

RAID level 0 RAID level 0 does not have consistency, you cannot achieve enclosure loss protection.

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks

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MD3200i, MD3220i specifications

The Dell MD3220i and MD3200i are part of Dell's extensive line of modular storage solutions, designed to support organizations in optimizing their data management and scalability requirements. These models offer reliable performance and flexible features, making them suitable for various workloads including virtualization, cloud storage, and disaster recovery.

One of the standout features of the MD3220i and MD3200i is their support for iSCSI storage networking. By utilizing the Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI) protocol, these systems provide organizations with a cost-effective way to connect their storage over existing network infrastructure, enabling efficient data transfers and management.

Both models are equipped with dual controllers that ensure high availability and failover capabilities, which are crucial for meeting uptime requirements in mission-critical environments. The dual controllers also facilitate load balancing and increase overall system performance, as they allow multiple paths to the storage, enhancing I/O performance.

Scalability is another key characteristic of the MD3220i and MD3200i. These storage arrays can be expanded to meet growing storage demands, supporting up to 240TB of raw capacity with up to 16 additional expansion enclosures. This flexibility allows organizations to start with a smaller configuration and grow their storage capabilities without a complete overhaul of the existing infrastructure.

The units also support multiple disk types, including traditional spinning disks, solid-state drives (SSDs), and a combination of both. This versatility enables users to tailor storage configurations to their specific performance and budgetary needs. Furthermore, the systems feature advanced data management technologies such as snapshots and remote replication, providing essential tools for data protection.

With their ease of management, the MD3220i and MD3200i are designed for straightforward configuration and operation. The intuitive management interfaces allow IT professionals to monitor performance, configure storage, and manage data effectively, ensuring businesses can maintain optimal system availability.

In summary, the Dell MD3220i and MD3200i are robust, scalable, and versatile storage solutions that cater to diverse organizational needs. Their integrated technologies, such as iSCSI support, dual controller architecture, and advanced data management features, make them an ideal choice for modern data centers looking to enhance storage capabilities while ensuring reliability and performance.
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