MD System

The PowerVault MD array provides the storage capacity for NAS; the NX36x0 cannot be used as a stand‐ alone NAS appliance. The MD array eliminates the need for separate storage capacity for block and file storage.

SAN Network

The NX36x0 shares a back‐end infrastructure with the MD array. The SAN network connects the NX36x0 to the MD system and carries the block level traffic. The NX36x0 communicates with the MD system using the iSCSI protocol.

Internal Network

The internal network is used for communication between NAS controllers. Each of the NAS controllers in the FluidFS system must have access to all other NAS controllers in the FluidFS system to achieve the following goals:

•Provide connectivity for FluidFS system creation

•Act as a heartbeat mechanism to maintain high availability

•Enable internal data transfer between NAS controller

•Enable cache mirroring between NAS controllers

•Enable balanced client distribution between NAS controllers

Data Caching And Redundancy

New or modified file blocks are first written to a local cache, and then immediately mirrored to the peer NAS controller (mirroring mode). Data caching provides high performance, while cache mirroring between peer NAS controllers ensures data redundancy. Cache data is ultimately (and asynchronously) transferred to permanent storage using optimized data‐placement schemes.

When cache mirroring is not possible, such as during a single NAS controller failure or when the BPS battery status is low, NAS controllers write directly to storage (journaling mode).

File Metadata Protection

File metadata includes information such as name, owner, permissions, date created, date modified, and a soft link to the file’s storage location.

The FluidFS system has several built‐in measures to store and protect file metadata:

•Metadata is managed through a separate caching scheme and replicated on two separate volumes.

•Metadata is check-summed to protect file and directory structure.

•All metadata updates are journaled to storage to avoid potential corruption or data loss in the event of a power failure.

•There is a background process that continuously checks and fixes incorrect checksums.

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Dell NX3610, NX3500, NX3600 Data Caching And Redundancy, File Metadata Protection, MD System, SAN Network, Internal Network
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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.
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