13

Configuration: Premium Feature— Upgrading to High-Performance- Tier

The High Performance Tier premium feature on an MD3200i Series array increases the performance of the system beyond that of a MD3200i Series array operating at the standard performance level.

If this feature is ordered, a Premium Feature Activation card is placed in the box with the storage array. After reading the information below, follow the directions on the card to obtain a key file and to enable the feature.

CAUTION: Loss of data access – The storage array automatically restarts when the High-Performance-Tier feature is enabled or disabled. During the restart data is unavailable. Data availability is restored when the array restarts.

To upgrade from a standard-performance-tier storage array to a high- performance-tier storage array, you enable the high-performance-tier premium feature, using the Dell™ PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Management (MDSM) software.

When the high performance tier feature is enabled or disabled the array restarts. During this time data access and management access to the controller will be temporarily lost.

It is recommended that all I/O to the array be stopped before this feature is enabled or disabled.

While the array is restarting the state of the array in the MDSM application may change from Optimal to Unresponsive. When the restart completes the status will return to Optimal.

When the array status returns to Optimal verify that all communication sessions have been reestablished. If any sessions are not automatically reestablished you must reestablished the sessions manually.

When all communication sessions to the array are ready, I/O to the array can be restarted.

Configuration: Premium Feature—Upgrading to High-Performance-Tier

175

Page 175
Image 175
Dell MD3200i, MD3220i owner manual 175

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.