Dell MD3620F, MD3600f owner manual Online Copy, 171

Models: MD3620F MD3600f

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formatted with a journaling file system, any attempt to issue a read request to the source virtual disk may be rejected by the storage array RAID controller modules and result in an error message. Make sure that the Read-Only attribute for the target virtual disk is disabled after the virtual disk copy is complete to prevent error messages from being displayed.

Online Copy

An online copy creates a point-in-time snapshot copy of any virtual disk within a storage array, while still allowing writes to the virtual disk when the copy is in progress. This is achieved by creating a snapshot of the virtual disk and using that snapshot as the actual source virtual disk for the copy. In an online virtual disk copy, the relationship is between a snapshot virtual disk and a target virtual disk. The virtual disk for which the point-in-time image is created (the source virtual disk) must be a standard virtual disk in the storage array.

A snapshot virtual disk and a snapshot repository virtual disk are created during the online copy operation. The snapshot virtual disk is not an actual virtual disk containing data; instead, it is a reference to the data contained on the virtual disk at a specific time. For each snapshot taken, a snapshot repository virtual disk is created to hold the copy-on-write data for the snapshot. The snapshot repository virtual disk is used only to manage the snapshot image.

Before a data block on the source virtual disk is modified, the contents of the block to be modified are copied to the snapshot repository virtual disk. Because the snapshot repository virtual disk stores copies of the original data in those data blocks, further changes to those data blocks write only to the source virtual disk.

NOTE: If the snapshot virtual disk that is used as the copy source is active, the source virtual disk performance degrades due to copy-on-write operations. When the copy is complete, the snapshot is disabled and the source virtual disk performance is restored. Although the snapshot is disabled, the repository infrastructure and copy relationship remain intact.

Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk Copy

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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.