Term

Description

 

 

Fluid File System (FluidFS)

A special purpose, Dell proprietary operating system providing

 

enterprise class, highperformance, scalable NAS services using

 

Dell PowerVault, EqualLogic or Dell Compellent SAN storage

 

systems.

FluidFS Controller (NAS controller)

Dell hardware device capable of running the FluidFS firmware.

FluidFS Appliance (NAS appliance)

Enclosure containing two NAS controllers. The controllers in an

 

appliance are called peers, are hotswappable and operate in

 

activeactive mode.

Backup Power Supply (BPS)

A backup power supply that keeps a FluidFS controller running

 

in the event of power failure and allows it to dump its cache to

 

a nonvolatile storage device.

FluidFS system (cluster)

Multiple NAS controllers appropriately connected and

 

configured to form a single functional unit.

PowerVault FluidFS Manager

WebUI Management user interface used for managing

 

PowerVault FluidFS systems.

NAS reserve (pool)

The SAN storage system LUNs (and their aggregate size)

 

allocated and provisioned to a FluidFS system.

NAS volume

File system (single-rooted directory/folder and file hierarchy),

 

defined using FluidFS management functions over a portion of

 

the NAS reserve.

Client Network (Client LAN)

The network through which clients access CIFS shares or NFS

 

exports and also through which the PowerVault FluidFS

 

Manager is accessed.

Client VIP

Virtual IP address(es) that clients use to access CIFS shares and

 

NFS exports hosted by the FluidFS system.

CIFS share

A directory in a NAS volume that is shared on the Client

 

Network using the SMB (CIFS) protocol.

NFS export

A directory in a NAS volume that is shared on the Client

 

Network using the Network File System (NFS) protocol.

Network Data Management Protocol

Protocol used for NDMP backup and restore.

(NDMP)

 

Replication partnership

A relation between two FluidFS systems enabling them to

 

replicate NAS volumes between themselves.

Snapshot

A time-specific view of a NAS volume data.

Key Features Of PowerVault FluidFS Systems

The following table summarizes key features of PowerVault FluidFS scaleout NAS.

Feature

Description

 

 

Shared backend infrastructure

The MD system SAN and NX36X0 scaleout NAS leverage the

 

same virtualized disk pool.

Unified block and file

Unified block (SAN) and file(NAS) storage.

High performance NAS

Support for a single namespace spanning up to two NAS

 

appliances (four NAS controllers).

Capacity scaling

Ability to scale a single namespace up to 1024 TB capacity.

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Dell NX3500, NX3610, NX3600 manual Key Features Of PowerVault FluidFS Systems, Ndmp

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.