The Secure Physical Disks option is inactive with a check mark to the left if the disk group is already security enabled.

The Create a secure disk group option appears in the Create Disk Group Wizard - Disk Group Name and Physical Disk Selection dialog. The Create a secure disk group option is active only when these conditions are met:

A security key is installed in the storage array.

At least one security capable physical disk is installed in the storage array.

All of the physical disks that you selected on the Physical tab are security capable physical disks.

You can erase security-enabled physical disks so that you can reuse the drives in another disk group or in another storage array. When you erase security- enabled physical disks, ensure that the data cannot be read. When all of the physical disks that you have selected in the Physical pane are security enabled, and none of the selected physical disks is part of a disk group, the Secure Erase option appears in the Physical Disk menu.

The storage array password protects a storage array from potentially destructive operations by unauthorized users. The storage array password is independent from self encrypting disk, and should not be confused with the pass phrase that is used to protect copies of a security key. However, it is good practice to set a storage array password.

Creating a Security Key

When you create a security key, it is generated by and securely stored by the array. You cannot read or view the security key.

NOTE: A copy of the security key must be kept on some other storage medium for backup in case of system failure or for transfer to another storage array.

A pass phrase that you provide is used to encrypt and decrypt the security key for storage on other media. When you create a security key, you also provide information to create a security key identifier. Unlike the security key, you can read or view the security key identifier. The security key identifier is also stored on a physical disk or transportable media. The security key identifier is used to identify which key the storage array is using.

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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.