•Host server — On a host server system, MD Storage Manager and the storage array communicate management requests and event information using in-band or out-of-band connections.

•Management station — On a management station, MD Storage Manager communicates with the storage array either through an Ethernet connection to the storage array management port or through an Ethernet connection to a host server. The Ethernet connection passes management information between the management station and the storage array using array connectivity.

Using MD Storage Manager, you can configure the physical disks in the storage array into logical components called disk groups and Dynamic Disk Pool (DDP), then divide the disk groups into virtual disks. Disk groups are created in the unconfigured capacity of a storage array. Virtual disks are created in the free capacity of a disk group.

Unconfigured capacity comprises physical disks not already assigned to a disk group or DDP. When a virtual disk is created using unconfigured capacity, a disk group is automatically created. If the only virtual disk in a disk group is deleted, the disk group is also deleted. Free capacity is space in a disk group that is not assigned to any virtual disk.

Data is written to the physical disks in the storage array using RAID technology. RAID levels define the way in which data is written to physical disks. Different RAID levels offer different levels of accessibility, redundancy, and capacity. You can set a specified RAID level for each disk group and virtual disk on your storage array. For more information about using RAID and managing data in your storage solution, see

the Dell PowerVault MD Series Storage Arrays Administrator's Guide at dell.com/powervaultmanuals.

Related Documentation

NOTE: For all PowerVault documentation, go to dell.com/powervaultmanuals and enter the system Service Tag to get your system documentation.

NOTE: For all Dell OpenManage documents, go to dell.com/openmanagemanuals.

NOTE: For all storage controller documents, go to dell.com/storagecontrollermanuals.

Your product documentation includes:

•Dell PowerVault MD3460/MD3860i/MD3860f Storage Arrays Getting Started Guide — Provides an overview of system features, setting up your system, and technical specifications. This document is also shipped with your system.

•Dell PowerVault MD3460 Storage Arrays Owner’s Manual — Provides information about system features and describes how to troubleshoot the system and install or replace system components.

•Rack Installation Instructions — Describes how to install your system into a rack. This document is also shipped with your rack solution.

•Dell PowerVault MD Series Storage Arrays Administrator's Guide — Provides information about configuring and managing the system using the MDSM GUI.

•Dell PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Arrays CLI Guide — Provides information about configuring and managing the system using the MDSM CLI.

•Dell PowerVault MD3460 Storage Arrays Deployment Guide — Provides information about deploying the storage system in the SAN architecture.

•Dell PowerVault MD Series Support Matrix — Provides information about the software and hardware compatibility matrices for the storage array.

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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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