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Configuration: About Your Storage Array

You can manage a storage array in two ways:

•Out-of-band management

•In-band management

Out-of-Band Management

Using the out-of-band management method, data is separated from commands and events. Data travels through the host-to-controller interface, while commands and events travel through the management port Ethernet cables.

This management method lets you configure the maximum number of virtual disks that are supported by your operating system and host adapters. A maximum of eight storage management stations can concurrently monitor an out-of-band managed storage array. This limit does not apply to systems that manage the storage array through the in-band management method.

When you use out-of-band management, you must set the network configuration for each RAID controller module’s management Ethernet port. This includes the Internet Protocol (IP) address, subnetwork mask (subnet mask), and gateway. If you are using a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, you can enable automatic network configuration, but if you are not using a DHCP server, you must enter the network configuration manually.

NOTE: RAID controller module network configurations can be assigned using a DHCP server (the default setting). However, if a DHCP server is not available for 150 seconds, the RAID controller modules assign static IP addresses. The addresses assigned are 192.168.128.101 for controller 0 and 192.168.128.102 for controller 1.

In-Band Management

Using in-band management, commands, events, and data travel through the host-to-controller interface. Unlike out-of-band management, commands and events are mixed with data.

NOTE: For detailed information on setting up in-band and out-of-band management see the Deployment Guide.

Configuration: About Your Storage Array

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Dell MD3620F, MD3600f owner manual Out-of-Band Management, In-Band Management
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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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