PowerVault MD Storage

The controllers connect to the PowerVault MD iSCSI storage array, which is a RAID subsystem. RAID storage subsystems are designed to eliminate single points of failure. Each active component in the storage subsystem is redundant and hot-swappable. The solution supports typical RAID configurations including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10.

BPS

The BPS provides continuous power to the controllers. Each controller receives its power from a dedicated BPS and from the power grid. The controllers regularly monitor the BPS battery status, which requires the BPS to maintain a minimum level of power for normal operation. The BPS has sufficient battery power to allow the controllers to safely shut down.

The BPS enables the controllers to use the cache as NVRAM. The BPS provides the clustered solution enough time to write all the data from the cache to the disk if the controller experiences a loss of power.

NOTE: You can view the BPS events on the NAS Manager.

SAN Network

The SAN network is a critical part of the PowerVault NX3500 solution. The controller pair that resides on the SAN network communicates to the storage subsystem using the iSCSI protocol. The PowerVault NX3500 communicates on the SANa and SANb networks, rendering a high availability (HA) design.

Internal Network

The PowerVault NX3500 solution requires an internal network for peer-to- peer data transfer and management. To achieve complete data distribution and to maintain HA, each controller must have access to its peer controller. The internal network achieves this goal.

The internal network is classified into internal network A and internal network B.

NOTE: Ensure that the IP addresses you assign to internal network A and internal network B are from a private IP space and do not conflict with other subnets on your network.

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Introduction

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Dell NX3500 manual PowerVault MD Storage, SAN Network, Internal Network

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.