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Load Balancing

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 to process, the driver tries to find a path to the current RAID controller module that owns the virtual disk. If the path to the current RAID controller module that owns the virtual disk 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.

NOTE: For more information on Load Balance Policy, see your operating system’s manual and updates.

You can choose one of the following load balance policies to optimize I/O performance:

•Round robin

•Least queue depth

•Least path weight (Microsoft Windows operating systems only)

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 the virtual disks. This policy treats all paths to the RAID controller module that owns the virtual disk equally for I/O activity. Paths to the secondary RAID controller module are ignored until ownership changes. The basic assumption for the round-robin policy is that the data paths are equal. With mixed host support, the data paths might have different bandwidths or different data transfer speeds.

Least Queue Depth

The least queue depth 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 policy treats large block requests and small block requests equally. The data path selected is one of the paths in the path group of the RAID controller module that owns the virtual disk.

Least Path Weight

The least path weight policy assigns a weight factor to each data path to a virtual disk. An I/O request is routed to the path with the lowest weight value to the RAID controller module that owns the virtual disk.

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Dell MD3460 manual Load Balancing, Load Balance Policy, Round Robin With Subset, Least Queue Depth, Least Path Weight
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MD3460 specifications

The Dell MD3460 is a high-performance storage array that offers a blend of efficiency, scalability, and reliability, making it an ideal solution for businesses looking to optimize their data management. This storage system is particularly well-suited for medium to large enterprises that require robust storage capabilities for diverse workloads.

One of the standout features of the Dell MD3460 is its ability to support a large capacity, allowing organizations to store vast amounts of data. The system can house up to 60 drives, which can be a mix of HDDs and SSDs, catering to different performance and cost needs. This flexibility ensures that businesses can customize their storage solutions according to their specific requirements.

The MD3460 also includes advanced RAID technology, offering various RAID levels to protect against data loss while maximizing performance. This capability is critical for businesses that deal with sensitive or mission-critical data, ensuring data integrity and availability.

Another key characteristic of the MD3460 is its scalability. Organizations can easily expand their storage environment without major disruptions, thanks to the system's modular design. This scalability is further enhanced by support for both iSCSI and Fibre Channel connectivity, allowing seamless integration with existing infrastructure.

Performance is a fundamental attribute of the Dell MD3460, as it is designed to deliver high throughput and low latency, making it suitable for applications requiring rapid data access. The system supports multiple 10GbE ports, enabling fast data transfer rates that can accommodate demanding workloads efficiently.

In terms of management, the MD3460 features a user-friendly interface that simplifies configuration and monitoring. The intuitive dashboards provide insights into storage performance, capacity utilization, and health status, making it easier for IT administrators to manage resources effectively.

Furthermore, the Dell MD3460 supports advanced data protection features, including snapshots and cloning, which enable quick recovery from failures or accidental deletions. This capability ensures business continuity and minimizes downtime.

In summary, the Dell MD3460 is an advanced storage solution that combines capacity, performance, and scalability into a single platform. Its modular architecture, RAID support, and user-friendly management tools make it a powerful choice for organizations seeking to enhance their data management strategies while ensuring reliability and efficiency.
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