Dell MD3600f, MD3620F manual Connecting the Storage Array, Cabling the Storage Array

Connecting the Storage Array

The storage array is connected to a host using two hot-swappable RAID controller modules. The RAID controller modules are identified as RAID controller module 0 and RAID controller module 1.

Each RAID controller module has four FCIN (host) port connectors that provide FC connections to the host or node. Each RAID controller module also contains an Ethernet management port and a SAS Out port connector. The Ethernet management port allows you to install a dedicated management station (server or stand-alone system). The SAS Out port allows you to connect the storage array to optional expansion enclosures for additional storage capacity.

For more information, see the Getting Started Guide at support.dell.com/manuals.

NOTE: When you connect a host server to a storage array FCIN port connector, any Out port connector of the host bus adapter (HBA) of the server can be used.

Cabling the Storage Array

You can cable the storage array to host servers with:

•Single path data configuration—A single path configuration allows you to connect a maximum of eight hosts. This is a non-redundant configuration.

•Dual path data configuration—A dual path configuration allows you to connect a maximum of four hosts.

You choose the data configuration based on:

•Number of hosts required

•Level of data redundancy required

Redundant and Non-Redundant Configurations

Non-redundant configurations are configurations that provide only a single data path from a host to the storage array. This type of configuration is only recommended for non-critical data storage. Path failure from a failed or removed cable, a failed HBA, or a failed or removed RAID controller module results in loss of host access to storage on the storage array.

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Hardware Installation