Preparing Your Management Station

A management station is required to manage and configure the PowerVault NX3500. The solution can be accessed using either the CLI or the Dell PowerVault NAS Manager.

NOTE: You can log on to either the CLI or the NAS Manager at a time. It is highly recommended that you do not attempt to log on to both the CLI and NAS Manager at the same time.

The minimum requirements for the management station are:

It has IPv6 enabled.

The PowerVault NASCU is installed.

NOTE: You can install Dell PowerVault NASCU from the Dell Resource Media Fluid File System (FluidFS) media that shipped with your solution.

The PowerVault NX3500 is cabled appropriately, and the management station is on the same network as the LAN or client network.

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Installing the Solution in the Rack

Your solution requires a properly grounded electrical outlet, a compatible rack, and a rack installation kit. For information on installing the solution in the rack, see the Setting Up Your PowerVault Network Attached Storage Solution that shipped with your product.

Setting Up Your MD Storage Solution

This section assumes you have discovered and completed the initial configuration (naming, assigning iSCSI, and management port IPs) of your PowerVault MD3xx0i storage arrays in accordance with the topology you plan to use.

This section provides the steps necessary to configure the host group and virtual disks that are required for the PowerVault NX3500 system. For additional information regarding a task such as creating virtual disks, see the PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Manager (MDSM) Help or the Dell PowerVault MD3xx0i Owner’s Manual at support.dell.com/manuals.

CAUTION: Correctly preparing the PowerVault Modular Disk (MD) storage array is critical for successfully configuring your NAS solution.

Setting Up Your PowerVault NX3500 Solution

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Dell NX3500 Installing the Solution in the Rack, Preparing Your Management Station, Setting Up Your MD Storage Solution

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.