Before You Begin

NOTE: Throughout the document, Dell PowerVault MD3600f series storage array refers to both Dell PowerVault MD3600f and Dell PowerVault MD3620f. Dell PowerVault MD1200 series expansion enclosure refers to both

Dell PowerVault MD1200 and Dell PowerVault MD1220.

Before setting up your PowerVault MD3600f series storage array, you must consider certain best practices to ensure that your storage array operates at maximum efficiency and offers full redundancy (if required).

To enable redundancy, two Fibre Channel (FC) host bus adapters (HBA) must be connected from the host system to the storage array. If redundancy is not required, only one FC HBA is connected to the storage array. See the Support Matrix for a list of supported HBAs and Configuring Fibre Channel With the Dell MD3600f Series Storage Array for information about installing HBA drivers. You can download both documents from support.dell.com/manuals.

Before connecting any cables between the host server and storage array, physically label each port and connector.

Always follow proper power-up and power-down procedures when cycling power across the network. You must also ensure that critical network components are on separate power circuits.

Working With SFP Modules and Fiber Optic Cables

NOTE: SFP+ modules are supported for 8 GB Fibre Channel connections. This document refers to SFP generically.

Each storage controller can have up to four FC host ports. A small-form-factor pluggable (SFP) module is used to connect a host port to a host or switch. The SFP module is inserted into the port, and then a fiber optic cable is inserted into the SFP module. The other end of the fiber optic cable is connected to an optical interface connector either in a FC HBA on a host or a switch. SFP modules are laser products.

WARNING: Data processing environments can contain equipment transmitting on system links with laser modules that operate at greater than Class 1 power levels. Never look into the end of an optical fiber cable or open receptacle.

Getting Started With Your System

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Dell MD3620F, MD3600f Before You Begin, Working With SFP Modules and Fiber Optic Cables, Getting Started With Your System

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.