NOTE: To identify the physical hardware displayed in PowerVault FluidFS Manager, match the Service Tag shown in FluidFS Manager with the Service Tag printed on a sticker on the front right side of the NAS appliance.

All NAS appliances in a FluidFS system must use the same controllers — mixing of 1 GbE and 10 GbE appliances or controllers is not supported. The following appliances are supported:

•NX3500 (legacy) — 1 Gb Ethernet client connectivity with 1GB iSCSI back‐end connectivity to the MD system(s)

•NX3600 — 1 Gb Ethernet client connectivity with 1GB iSCSI back‐end connectivity to the MD system(s)

•NX3610 — 10 Gb Ethernet client connectivity with 10GB Ethernet iSCSI back‐end connectivity to the MD system(s)

NAS appliance numbers start at 1 and NAS controller numbers start at 0. So, NAS Appliance 1 contains NAS Controllers 0 and 1 and FluidFS Appliance 2 contains NAS Controllers 2 and 3.

Internal Cache

Each NAS controller has an internal cache that provides fast reads and reliable writes.

Internal Backup Power Supply

Each NAS controller is equipped with an internal Backup Power Supply (BPS) that protects data during a power failure. The BPS units provide continuous power to the NAS controllers for a minimum of 5 minutes and have sufficient battery power to allow the NAS controllers to write all data from the cache to non‐volatile internal storage before they shut down.

The NAS controllers regularly monitor the BPS battery status for the minimum level of power required for normal operation. To ensure that the BPS battery status is accurate, the NAS controllers routinely undergo battery calibration cycles. During a battery calibration cycle, the BPS goes through charge and discharge cycles; therefore, battery error events during this process are expected. A battery calibration cycle takes up to seven days to complete. If a NAS controller starts a battery calibration cycle, and the peer NAS controller BPS has failed, the NAS controllers enter journaling mode, which might impact performance. Therefore, Dell recommends repairing a failed BPS as soon as possible.

Internal Storage

Each NAS controller has an internal storage device that is used only for the FluidFS images and as a cache storage offload location in the event of a power failure. The internal hard drive does not provide the NAS storage capacity.

PowerVault FluidFS Architecture

PowerVault FluidFS scale‐out NAS consists of:

•Hardware:

–FluidFS appliance(s)

–MD system

14

Page 13 Page 15
Page 14
Image 14
Dell NX3600, NX3500, NX3610 PowerVault FluidFS Architecture, Internal Cache, Internal Backup Power Supply, Internal Storage
Page 13 Page 15

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.
Top Page Image Contents