Storage Array Performance During Virtual Disk Copy

The following factors contribute to the overall performance of the storage array:

I/O activity

Virtual disk RAID level

Virtual disk configuration—Number of drives in the virtual disk groups

Virtual disk type—Snapshot virtual disks might take more time to copy than standard virtual disks

During a virtual disk copy, resources for the storage array are diverted from processing I/O activity to completing a virtual disk copy. This affects the overall performance of the storage array. When you create a new virtual disk copy, you define the copy priority to determine how much controller processing time is diverted from I/O activity to a virtual disk copy operation.

Setting Copy Priority

You can use the Copy Manager to select the rate at which a virtual disk copy completes for a selected copy pair. You can change the copy priority for a copy pair at any of these times:

Before the virtual disk copy begins

While the virtual disk copy has a status of In Progress

When you re-create a virtual disk copy

To set copy priority:

1In the AMW, select Virtual DiskCopyCopy Manager. The Copy Manager window is displayed.

2In the table, select one or more copy pairs.

Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk Copy

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Dell MD3620F, MD3600f owner manual Storage Array Performance During Virtual Disk Copy, Setting Copy Priority, 169

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.