Dell PowerVault MD3600f/MD3620f Remote Replication Functional Guide

Figure 4: Asynchronous Mode with Write Order Consistency

A second feature of AWOC is that if a single replicated pair goes out of synchronization due to a failure to write to the remote virtual disk, remote write I/Os of the entire consistency group are suspended. This preserves the consistency as of the last remote write. In turn, this guarantees that the virtual disks that constitute the database will be able to be recovered for subsequent use by the remote site applications and servers.

All databases will have this requirement to have inter-virtual disk and intra-virtual disk write I/Os be in absolute primary sequence when remote replication is used.

Switching Replication Modes

RRprovides the ability to dynamically switching replication modes. Synchronous replication can be switched to Asynchronous Replication and then to Asynchronous Write Order Consistency replication mode. This order can be reversed and in the specific reverse order. Applications may find this useful to enhance data protection by switching to synchronous mode or to increase IOPs throughput by switching away from synchronous replication mode.

An additional requirement if the remote replication communications is bridged to TCP/IP is that all equipment from one end to the other must have the in-order packet delivery option turned on. Due to the nature of TCP/IP networks being routable, it is entirely possible that two sequential I/Os arrive out- of-order. In order to eliminate this possibility, the in-order-packet delivery must be turned on for all bridges, routers, and switches that are configured for RR using AWOC.

With throughput and latency being critical factors in meeting peak period I/O requirements, it is also recommended that the jumbo packets option, if available, be turned on for all equipment end-to-end. This increases the communications link utilization by using larger Ethernet packets to contain the fibre channel data payloads.

Page 9

Page 11 Page 13
Page 12
Image 12
Dell MD3600f, MD3620F manual Asynchronous Mode with Write Order Consistency, Switching Replication Modes
Page 11 Page 13

MD3620F, MD3600f specifications

Dell's MD3620F and MD3600F storage arrays are designed for businesses seeking dependable, high-performance storage solutions tailored to meet the demands of modern data management. These models offer a blend of scalability, efficiency, and advanced features, making them well-suited for a range of applications, from virtual environments to critical database operations.

One of the primary features of the MD3620F and MD3600F is their support for a hybrid storage architecture. This approach allows organizations to combine flash storage with traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) to optimize performance and cost. The MD3620F focuses heavily on all-flash configurations, delivering exceptional speed and lower latency, ideal for I/O-intensive workloads.

Scalability is another hallmark of these storage solutions. The MD3600F allows users to scale up to 120 drives, providing robust capacity to meet growing data needs. The MD3620F is engineered for environments where data availability and speed are paramount, with support for high IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) and consistent performance under stress.

In terms of data management, both systems integrate with Dell’s proprietary software, which enhances operational efficiency through features like automated tiering. This technology optimizes data placement between different storage types based on access frequency, ensuring that hot data is readily available while reducing costs associated with less critical data.

Reliability is crucial for businesses that depend on their storage systems. The MD3620F and MD3600F come equipped with advanced data protection mechanisms, such as RAID support, which safeguards against data loss, and snapshot capabilities that provide point-in-time copies of data. Moreover, these solutions include hot-swappable components, ensuring minimal downtime for maintenance and repairs.

Connectivity is also a strong suit of these storage arrays. They support multiple connectivity options, including SAS and iSCSI, allowing for flexible integration into existing IT infrastructures. This adaptability enhances their appeal to a wide range of enterprise environments.

In summary, the Dell MD3620F and MD3600F stand out as robust storage solutions with a combination of hybrid and all-flash configurations, scalability, advanced data management tools, and enhanced reliability features. These characteristics make them ideal for organizations looking to enhance their data storage capabilities while maintaining high performance and efficiency.
Top Page Image Contents