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Introduction

The Dell Fluid File System (FluidFS) network attached storage (NAS) solution is a highly-available file storage solution. The solution aggregates multiple NAS controllers into one system and presents them to UNIX, Linux, and Microsoft Windows clients as one virtual file server.

How PowerVault FluidFS NAS Works

PowerVault FluidFS NAS leverages the PowerVault FluidFS appliances and the Dell PowerVault MD storage to provide scaleout file storage to Microsoft Windows, UNIX, and Linux clients. The FluidFS system supports SMB (CIFS) and NFS clients installed on dedicated servers or on virtual systems deploying VMware virtualization.

The MD storage systems manage the “NAS pool” of storage capacity. The FluidFS system administrator can create NAS volumes in the NAS pool, and CIFS shares and/or NFS exports to serve NAS clients working on different platforms.

To the clients, the FluidFS system appears as a single file server, hosting multiple CIFS shares and NFS exports, with a single IP address and namespace. Clients connect to the FluidFS system using their respective operating systems’ NAS protocols:

UNIX and Linux users access files through the NFS protocol

Windows users access files through the SMB(CIFS) protocol

The FluidFS system serves data to all clients concurrently, with no performance degradation.

FluidFS Terminology

The following table defines terminology related to FluidFS scaleout NAS.

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Dell NX3600, NX3500, NX3610 manual How PowerVault FluidFS NAS Works, FluidFS Terminology

NX3500, NX3600, NX3610 specifications

The Dell NX series, including the NX3610, NX3600, and NX3500, represents a robust and efficient solution for organizations seeking to optimize their storage solutions. These storage appliances are designed to meet the growing needs of data-driven businesses, providing a comprehensive platform that integrates software and hardware for optimal performance.

The Dell NX3610 is a high-performance storage solution that boasts an advanced dual-controller architecture. This model supports enhanced scalability and redundancy, ensuring that organizations can handle increasing data loads effortlessly. It is built for faster data access with a range of connectivity options, including 10GbE and iSCSI, enabling seamless integration into diverse IT environments. The NX3610 supports advanced file sharing capabilities, making it ideal for businesses requiring efficient collaboration and data access across multiple platforms. Furthermore, with features like snapshot and replication, users can ensure data integrity and security, minimizing downtime in case of system failures.

The NX3600, while slightly smaller in capacity compared to the NX3610, still delivers formidable performance and flexibility. It is designed to cater to mid-sized businesses that need a reliable and cost-effective storage solution. The NX3600 features a single-controller architecture, making it easier to manage and deploy in smaller IT environments. It offers support for various storage protocols, including NFS and CIFS, which are essential for organizations looking to support diverse application workloads. Its easy-to-use management interface makes it simple for IT teams to monitor and configure settings, ensuring optimal performance with minimal effort.

The NX3500 serves as an entry-level model within the NX series, specifically targeted at small to medium-sized businesses. It combines affordability with essential features needed for efficient data storage and sharing. The NX3500 is equipped with a user-friendly interface and includes support for both file-based and block-based storage, offering flexibility for diverse workloads. Moreover, the appliance features integrated backup solutions, which are crucial for ensuring data safety and compliance. Users will also appreciate its robust data deduplication and compression capabilities that significantly reduce storage costs by minimizing the amount of data stored.

In summary, the Dell NX3610, NX3600, and NX3500 are engineered to cater to various business sizes and storage demands. With their sophisticated technologies, including dual-controller systems, rich protocol support, and user-friendly management features, these appliances deliver reliable, scalable, and efficient storage solutions for any organization looking to enhance its data management capabilities.