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Appendix — Load Balancing

Windows Load Balance Policy

Multi-path drivers select the I/O path to a virtual disk through a specific RAID controller module. When the multi-path driver receives a new I/O, the driver tries to find a path to the current RAID controller module that owns the virtual disk. If that path cannot be found, the multi-path driver migrates the virtual disk ownership to the secondary RAID controller module. When multiple paths to the RAID controller module that owns the virtual disk exist, you can choose a load balance policy to determine which path is used to process I/O. Multiple options for setting the load balance policies let you optimize I/O performance when mixed host interfaces are configured.

You can choose one of the following對 load balance policies to optimize I對/O performanc

•Round robin with subset

•Least queue depth with subset

Round Robin With Subset

The round-robin with subset I/O load balance policy routes I/O requests, in rotation, to each available data path to the RAID controller module that owns th對e virtual disks. This policy treats 對all paths to the RAID controller mod對ule that ow the virtual disk equally for I/O activity. Paths to the secondary RAID controller module are ignored until ownership changes. The basic assumption for t對he round-robin policy is that the da對ta paths are equal. With mixed host 對support, t data paths may have different bandw對idths or different data transfer spe對ed

Changing Load Balance Policies In Windows Sever 2008

Load balancing with the PowerVault MD3260 series is only available for Windows Server 2008 or later versions of the operating system. You can change the load balance policies from the default round robin with subset by using one of the following:

•Device Manager options

•Disk Management options

Least Queue Depth With Subset

The least queue depth with subset policy is also known as the least I/Os, or least requests policy. This policy routes the next I/O request to a data path that has the least outstanding I/O requests queued. For this policy, an I/O request is simply a command in the queue. The type of command or the number of blocks that are associated with the command are not considered. The least queue depth with subset policy treats large block requests and small block requests equally. The data path selected is in the path group of the RAID controller module that owns the virtual disk.

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Dell MD3260 Appendix Load Balancing, Windows Load Balance Policy, Round Robin With Subset, Least Queue Depth With Subset
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MD3260 specifications

The Dell MD3260, MD3060e, MD3260i, MD3660i, and MD3660f are part of Dell's robust and versatile storage solutions designed to meet the demands of modern data centers. Each model is tailored for specific use cases, offering unique features, technologies, and characteristics that aim to ensure performance, reliability, and scalability.

The MD3260 is designed with an emphasis on mid-tier storage performance. It features a 2U rack form factor and offers support for up to 60 drives, which can be a mix of SSDs and HDDs. This flexibility allows businesses to optimize performance and capacity according to their specific needs. The MD3260 is equipped with advanced storage management tools, including the Dell Storage Manager, enabling efficient provisioning and monitoring.

The MD3060e is an expansion storage solution that complements the MD3 series. It allows organizations to scale their storage capacity significantly, supporting up to 60 additional drives. With this extensible architecture, the MD3060e delivers an ideal solution for businesses expecting rapid data growth while providing a cost-effective means to expand storage without the need for a complete system overhaul.

The MD3260i incorporates iSCSI technology, providing storage area network (SAN) capabilities via standard Ethernet. This feature is particularly beneficial for organizations looking to leverage existing networking infrastructure. The MD3260i supports high availability and provides unified management, making it suitable for virtualized environments that require quick data access and reliability.

The MD3660i takes network connectivity a step further by supporting both iSCSI and Fibre Channel options, allowing for flexibility in deployment. It is engineered for performance and scalability and can handle heavy workloads with ease. The MD3660i is also optimized for use with VMware environments, enhancing its functionality in virtual deployment scenarios.

Finally, the MD3660f introduces all-flash storage technology, targeting businesses with high-performance computing needs. With low latency and high IOPS capabilities, the MD3660f is designed for mission-critical applications. The system is easy to manage and integrate into existing workflows, making it an ideal choice for organizations prioritizing speed and efficiency.

In summary, the Dell MD series offers a range of models that cater to various storage requirements, from mid-tier to high-performance all-flash solutions. Each model brings unique features, ensuring that businesses can find the right balance of performance, capacity, and innovation to support their data-centric operations.
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