Managing the System

You can perform management operations on the cluster using the NAS Manager.

A NAS Management virtual IP address is required in order to access the NAS Manager. This IP address allows you to manage the cluster as a single entity.

Additional IP addresses are required for both the individual controllers in the system and for the system. These IP addresses must not be accessed by clients directly.

Managing Client Access

The Subnets page enables you to set one or more virtual IP addresses through which clients access the system's shares and exports. If your network is routed, it is recommended to define more than one virtual IP address.

You can define multiple subnets to allow clients to access the PowerVault NX3500 directly and not through a router. Configure a single name on your DNS servers for each subnet, to enable load-balancing between these IP addresses.

NOTE: All the virtual IP addresses must be valid IP addresses on the networks allocated by the site system administrator.

The Subnets page also lets you update the IP address ranges used internally by the system, for management and interconnect purposes.

You can view the current configuration of the system subnets, add new subnet information, and remove or modify existing subnets. Configure a single name on your DNS servers for each subnet, to enable load balancing between these IP addresses.

The total number of NAS service IP addresses depends on the bonding mode for the NAS service:

For Adaptive Load Balancing (ALB), specify two IP addresses multiplied by the number of NAS nodes. For PowerVault NX3500 NAS service, specify four NAS service IP addresses.

For LACP (IEEE 802.3), specify one IP address multiplied by the number of NAS nodes. You need only one IP address for each node because the two client network interfaces in each node are bonded together. For PowerVault NX3500 NAS service, specify two NAS service IP addresses.

Managing the PowerVault NX3500

123

Page 123
Image 123
Dell NX3500 manual Managing the System, Managing Client Access, 123

NX3500 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.