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Preparing Host Servers to Create the Snapshot Using the Advanced Path

NOTE: Before using the Snapshot Virtual Disks Premium Feature in a Microsoft Windows clustered configuration, you must first map the snapshot virtual disk to the cluster node that owns the source virtual disk. This ensures that the cluster nodes correctly recognize the snapshot virtual disk.

NOTE: Mapping the snapshot virtual disk to the node that does not own the source virtual disk before the Snapshot enabling process is completed can result in the operating system mis-identifying the snapshot virtual disk. This, in turn, can result in data loss on the source virtual disk or an inaccessible snapshot.

NOTE: For more information on mapping the snapshot virtual disk to the secondary node, see the Dell PowerVault MD3200 and MD3220 Storage Arrays With Microsoft Windows Server Failover Clusters at dell.com/support/manuals.

The destination of a snapshot repository virtual disk is determined based on the free capacity available in the disk group. A snapshot repository virtual disk requires a minimum 8 MB of free capacity. You can choose your preferred creation path—simple or advanced—if the disk group of the source virtual disk has the required amount of free space.

If 8 MB of free capacity is not available in the disk group of the source virtual disk, the Create Snapshot Virtual Disks feature defaults to the advanced path see "Creating a Snapshot Virtual Disk Using the Advanced Path" on page 152. In the advanced path option, you can choose to place the snapshot repository virtual disk in another disk group or you can use unconfigured capacity on the storage array to create a new disk group.

NOTE: You can create concurrent snapshots of a source virtual disk on both the source disk group and on another disk group.

Remember the following guidelines before creating a Snapshot Virtual Disk:

•The following types of virtual disks are not valid source virtual disks:

–Snapshot repository virtual disks.

–Snapshot virtual disks.

–Replication repository virtual disks.

–Target virtual disks that are participating in a virtual disk copy.

NOTE: Virtual Disk Copy is an Advanced (Premium) feature.

•You cannot create a snapshot of a virtual disk that contains unreadable sectors.

Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks

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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Models: MD3620F MD3600f

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MD3620F, MD3600f specifications