5Click Add.

A message prompts you to confirm your selection.

6To add the capacity to the disk group, click Yes.

You can also use the Command Line Interface (CLI) on both Windows and Linux hosts to add free capacity to a disk group. See the CLI Guide for more information.

After the capacity expansion is completed, additional free capacity is available in the disk group for creation of new virtual disks or expansion of existing virtual disks.

Virtual Disk Expansion

Virtual disk expansion is a dynamic modification operation that increases the capacity of standard virtual disks.

NOTE: Snapshot repository virtual disks can be expanded from the CLI or from MDSM. All other virtual disk types are expandable only from the CLI.

If you receive a warning that the snapshot repository virtual disk is becoming full, you may expand the snapshot repository virtual disk from MDSM. See "Snapshot Repository Capacity" on page 156 for step-by-step instructions.

Using Free Capacity

You can increase the capacity of a virtual disk using the free capacity on the disk group of the standard virtual disk or the snapshot repository virtual disk.

The Free Capacity node, shown in the Logical pane, is a contiguous region of unassigned capacity on a defined disk group. When increasing virtual disk capacity, some or all of the free capacity might be used to achieve the required final capacity. Data on the selected virtual disk remains accessible while the process for increasing virtual disk capacity is in progress.

Using Unconfigured Capacity

You can increase the capacity of a standard virtual disk or a snapshot repository virtual disk using the unconfigured capacity when no free capacity exists on a disk group. An increase is achieved by adding unconfigured capacity, in the form of unassigned physical disks, to the disk group of the standard virtual disk or the snapshot repository virtual disk. See "Disk Group Expansion" on page 137.

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Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks

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Dell MD3220i, MD3200i owner manual Virtual Disk Expansion, Using Free Capacity, Using Unconfigured Capacity, 138
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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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