Dell MD3620F, MD3600f manual Hardware Installation, Planning the Storage Configuration

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Hardware Installation

Before using this guide, ensure that you review the instructions in the:

•Getting Started Guide—TheGetting Started Guide that shipped with the storage array provides information to configure the initial setup of the system.

•Planning section of the Owner’s Manual—The planning section provides information about important concepts you should know before setting up your storage solution. See the Owner’s Manual at support.dell.com/manuals.

•Configuring Fibre Channel With the Dell PowerVault MD3600f Series Storage Array—This document provides information about configurations, host bus adapter (HBA) installation, and zoning. See support.dell.com/manuals.

Planning the Storage Configuration

Consider the following before installing your storage array:

•Evaluate data storage needs and administrative requirements.

•Calculate availability requirements.

•Decide the frequency and level of backups, such as weekly full backups with daily partial backups.

•Consider storage array options, such as password protection and e-mail alert notifications for error conditions.

•Design the configuration of virtual disks and disk groups according to a data organization plan. For example, use one virtual disk for inventory, a second for financial and tax information, and a third for customer information.

•Decide whether to allow space for hot spares, which automatically replace failed physical disks.

Hardware Installation

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