Blacklist Local Drive in Multi-path Driver

If your multipath drivers are connecting to storage area networks (SANs), it may be useful to be able to exclude or "blacklist" certain devices in your /etc/multipath.conf file. Blacklisting prevents the multipath driver from attempting to use those local devices.

To blacklist a local drive or device:

1Run the multipath -lcommand to determine the local drive or device WWID (World-Wide Identifier) or vendor/model string.

2Edit the /etc/multipath.conf file as follows: blacklist {

wwid drive_wwid

…

}

or

blacklist { device {

vendor vendor_string model model_string

};

NOTE: RedHat version 6.0 and 6.1 users must rebuild the initramfs root file image to include the updated configuration file by running the #dracut - force command.

3Reboot the host.

Important Information About Special Partitions

When using Device Mapper with the MD3600f Series array, all physical disks are assigned a disk device node. This includes a special device type used for in-band management of the MD3600f Series array, known as the Access Disk or Universal Xport device.

Configuration: Device Mapper Multipath for Linux

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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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