19

Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software

Start-Up Routine

Look and listen during the array’s start-up routine for the indications described in Table 19-1. For a description of the front- and back-panel indicators, see "Planning: About Your Storage Array" on page 23.

Table 19-1. Start-Up Routine Indications

Look/listen for

Action

 

 

Alert messages.

See your storage management

 

documentation.

An unfamiliar constant scraping or grinding

See "Getting Help" on page 259.

sound when you access a physical disk.

 

 

 

NOTE: At least two physical disks must be installed in the array.

Device Health Conditions

When you open the Enterprise Management Window (EMW), the Dell™ PowerVault™ Modular Disk Storage Management software (MDSM) establishes communication with each managed storage array and determines the current storage array status. The current status is represented by icons next to the managed storage array.

The status icons shown in the Tree view in the EMW represent a summary status for each storage array. If a storage array has a status of Needs Attention or a status of Fixing, you must determine the condition that is causing this status before attempting any management actions. You can determine the condition causing the Needs Attention status or the Fixing status by selecting the storage array and launching its Array Management Window (AMW). To launch the AMW, perform one of these actions:

Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software

225

Page 225
Image 225
Dell MD3200i, MD3220i Troubleshooting Your Storage Array Software, Start-Up Routine, Device Health Conditions, 225

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.