Dell PowerVault MD3600f/MD3620f Remote Replication Functional Guide

virtual disk to a primary role. Hosts will then be able to read and write to the newly promoted virtual disk and business operations can continue.

Replication Repository

A replication repository is a special virtual disk in the storage array created as a resource for the primary MD36X0f storage array whenever Remote Replication is used. The MD36X0f stores replication information in this repository, including information about remote writes that are not yet complete. The MD36X0f uses this information to recover from controller resets, temporary network outages, and accidental powering-down of arrays. When you activate the Remote Replication premium feature on the array, two replication repository virtual disks are created, one for each controller in the MD36X0f. An individual replication repository virtual disk is not needed for each replication pair. When you create the replication repository virtual disks, you specify the location of the virtual disks. Either you can use existing free capacity, or you can create a disk group for the virtual disks from unconfigured capacity and then specify the RAID level.

Because of the critical nature of the data being stored, the RAID level of replication repository virtual disks cannot be RAID 0 (for data striping). The required size of each virtual disk is 128 MB, or 256 MB total for both replication repository virtual disks of a dual controller storage array.

Replication Relationships

Prior to creating a replication relationship, the Remote Replication premium feature must be enabled and activated on both the primary and secondary storage arrays. The Remote Replication premium feature enables the creation of up to 16 virtual disks in a replication relationship with virtual disks in other Remote Replication enabled MD36X0f arrays. Each virtual disk within the array is replicated in a 1:1 relationship with its corresponding virtual disk and can be either in a primary or secondary role.

The following steps outline the creation of a remote relationship.

1.For use as secondary virtual disks, virtual disks on the secondary storage array must be created on the secondary site if they do not already exist and secondary virtual disk must be a standard virtual disk.

2.The secondary virtual disk candidates must be configured with equal or greater capacity than the associated primary virtual disk.

3.Secondary virtual disk candidates may be of different RAID configurations – it is not required to have the same RAID configuration for both virtual disks in a replicated pair relationship. But, the available capacity must meet the step 2 requirements.

4.When secondary virtual disk candidates are available, a replication relationship can be established in the storage management software (MDSM) by identifying the array containing the primary virtual disk and the array containing the secondary virtual disk, then choosing the specific virtual disk as the secondary virtual disk.

5.The replication relationships can be any of the replication relationships defined in Figure 1.

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Dell MD3620F, MD3600f manual Replication Repository, Replication Relationships
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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.
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