NOTE: The MD3200i storage enclosure must contain at least two physical disks for proper operation. This is necessary because the physical disks are used to store configuration information.

Physical Disk States

The storage array recognizes the physical disk states. Mode and status of physical disks are reported in the MDSM application. Possible values for mode and status or described in Table 4-1.

Table 4-1. RAID Controller Physical Disk States

Status

Mode

Description

Physical Disk

 

 

 

Status LED

 

 

 

 

Optimal

Assigned

The physical disk in the indicated slot

Steady Green

 

 

is configured as part of a disk group.

 

Optimal

Unassigned

The physical disk in the indicated slot

Steady Green

 

 

is unused and available to be

 

 

 

configured.

 

Optimal

Hot Spare

The physical disk in the indicated slot

Steady Green

 

standby

is configured as a hot spare.

 

Optimal

Hot Spare in

The physical disk in the indicated slot

Steady Green

 

use

is in use as a hot spare within a disk

 

 

 

group.

 

Failed

Assigned,

The physical disk in the indicated slot

Amber flashing

 

Unassigned,

has failed because of an unrecoverable

(150 ms)

 

Hot Spare in

error, an incorrect drive type or drive

 

 

use, or Hot

size, or by its operational state being

 

 

Spare standby

set to failed.

 

Replaced

Assigned

The physical disk in the indicated slot

Green flashing

 

 

has been replaced and is ready to be,

(On 400 ms, Off

 

 

or is actively being, configured into a

100 ms)

 

 

disk group.

 

Pending

Assigned,

A Self-Monitoring Analysis and

Flashing Green

Failure

Unassigned,

Reporting Technology (SMART) error

(500 ms), Amber

 

Hot spare in

has been detected on the physical disk

(500 ms), and off

 

use, or Hot

in the indicated slot.

(1000ms)

 

Spare standby

 

 

38

Planning: MD3200i Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts

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Dell MD3220i, MD3200i owner manual Physical Disk States

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.