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Hardware Installation
Before using this guide, ensure that you review the instructions in the:
•Dell PowerVault MD3460/MD3860i/MD3860f Storage Arrays Getting Started Guide — The Getting Started Guide that is shipped with the storage array provides information to configure the initial setup of the system.
•Dell PowerVault MD Series Storage Arrays Administrator's Guide — The Administrator's Guide provides information about important concepts you must know before setting up your storage solution. For more information, see dell.com/powervaultmanuals.
•The Rack Installation instructions — Provides information on how to rack your system. This document is shipped with your system.
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
•Design the configuration of virtual disks, disk groups, and DDP 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.
Connecting The Storage Array
The storage array is connected to a host using two
•16 Gbps Fibre channel Host Ports (4) – Provides FC connection to the host or node.
NOTE: When you connect a host server to a storage array FC IN port connector, any OUT port connector of the host bus adapter (HBA) of the server can be used.
•1 Gbps Ethernet Management (MGMT) Port (1) – Management port allows for
•Reserved Ethernet Port (1) – Reserved port.
•12 Gbps SAS host Ports (2) – Additional SAS Host ports.
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