NOTE: If the RAID level of the disk group is RAID level 5, or RAID level 6, and the expansion enclosure has enclosure loss protection, Display only physical disks that ensures enclosure loss protection is displayed and is selected by default.

4in the Available physical disks area, select physical disks up to the allowed maximum number of physical disks.

NOTE: You cannot mix different media types or different interface types within a single disk group or virtual disk.

5Click Add.

A message prompts you to confirm your selection.

6To add the capacity to the disk group, click Yes.

You can also use the Command Line Interface (CLI) on both Windows and Linux hosts to add free capacity to a disk group.

After the capacity expansion is completed, additional free capacity is available in the disk group for creation of new virtual disks or expansion of existing virtual disks.

Virtual Disk Expansion

Virtual disk expansion is a dynamic modification operation that increases the capacity of standard virtual disks.

NOTE: Snapshot repository virtual disks can be expanded from the CLI or from MDSM. All other virtual disk types are expandable only from the CLI.

If you receive a warning that the snapshot repository virtual disk is becoming full, you may expand the snapshot repository virtual disk from MDSM. See "Snapshot Repository Capacity" on page 159 for step-by-step instructions.

Using Free Capacity

You can increase the capacity of a virtual disk using the free capacity on the disk group of the standard virtual disk or the snapshot repository virtual disk.

The Free Capacity node, shown in the Logical pane, is a contiguous region of unassigned capacity on a defined disk group. When increasing virtual disk capacity, some or all of the free capacity may be used to achieve the required final capacity. Data on the selected virtual disk remains accessible while the process for increasing virtual disk capacity is in progress.

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks

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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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