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Table of Contents 1 Introduction ...1 1.1 Audience...1 1.2 Document Structure 1 2 PS Series Storage Arrays 2 2.1 Array Models 2 2.2 Feature Comparison 3 2.3 Controllers ...4 2.3.1 Controller Types 4 2.3.2 Controller Redundancy 5 2.3.3 Controller Failover 5 2.3.4 Firmware 7 2.4 RAID Policies 9 2.4.1 RAID 5...9 2.4.2 RAID 6...10 2.4.3 RAID 10 11 2.4.4 RAID 50 12 3 Peer Storage Operations 14 3.1 ...24 4 SAN Design ...25 4.1 Implementation of Standards 25 4.2 General Requirements and Recommendations 25 4.2.1 Quality of Service (QoS 26 Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 ii
Table of Contents 1 Introduction ...1 1.1 Audience...1 1.2 Document Structure 1 2 PS Series Storage Arrays 2 2.1 Array Models 2 2.2 Feature Comparison 3 2.3 Controllers ...4 2.3.1 Controller Types 4 2.3.2 Controller Redundancy 5 2.3.3 Controller Failover 5 2.3.4 Firmware 7 2.4 RAID Policies 9 2.4.1 RAID 5...9 2.4.2 RAID 6...10 2.4.3 RAID 10 11 2.4.4 RAID 50 12 3 Peer Storage Operations 14 3.1 ...24 4 SAN Design ...25 4.1 Implementation of Standards 25 4.2 General Requirements and Recommendations 25 4.2.1 Quality of Service (QoS 26 Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 ii
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... 49 B.1 Recommended 1GbE Switches 49 B.2 Recommended 10GbE Switches 50 Appendix C Supported iSCSI Initiators 51 C.1 Hardware iSCSI Initiators (HBAs 51 C.2 Software iSCSI Initiators 52 C.3 Network Interface Controllers 53 Appendix D PowerConnect 54xx Switch Configuration 54 D.1 Disabling iSCSI Optimization Setting 54 D.2 Enabling the PortFast Option to Configure STP Edge Ports 55 D.3 Configuring Flow...
... 49 B.1 Recommended 1GbE Switches 49 B.2 Recommended 10GbE Switches 50 Appendix C Supported iSCSI Initiators 51 C.1 Hardware iSCSI Initiators (HBAs 51 C.2 Software iSCSI Initiators 52 C.3 Network Interface Controllers 53 Appendix D PowerConnect 54xx Switch Configuration 54 D.1 Disabling iSCSI Optimization Setting 54 D.2 Enabling the PortFast Option to Configure STP Edge Ports 55 D.3 Configuring Flow...
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... 57 Appendix E PowerConnect 62xx Switch Configuration 58 E.1 Interface Naming Convention 58 E.2 Enabling the PortFast Option to Configure STP Edge Ports 59 E.3 Configuring Flow Control 59 E.4 Disabling Unicast Storm Control 59 E.5 Configuring Jumbo Frames 60 Appendix F Cisco IOS based Switch Configuration 61 F.1 Enabling the PortFast Option to Configure STP Edge Ports 62 F.2 Configuring...
... 57 Appendix E PowerConnect 62xx Switch Configuration 58 E.1 Interface Naming Convention 58 E.2 Enabling the PortFast Option to Configure STP Edge Ports 59 E.3 Configuring Flow Control 59 E.4 Disabling Unicast Storm Control 59 E.5 Configuring Jumbo Frames 60 Appendix F Cisco IOS based Switch Configuration 61 F.1 Enabling the PortFast Option to Configure STP Edge Ports 62 F.2 Configuring...
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... 58 o Cisco IOS based Switch Configuration on page 61 Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 1 This document focuses on the capabilities of the SAN storage solution. Also, there are some switches, network interface controllers(NICs), iSCSI Host Bus Adapters (HBAs), and iSCSI initiators... can directly impact the overall performance of the individual components (switches, network interface controllers, initiators, etc.) that make up the SAN infrastructure. 1.1 Audience This configuration guide is intended for storage administrators, SAN ...
... 58 o Cisco IOS based Switch Configuration on page 61 Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 1 This document focuses on the capabilities of the SAN storage solution. Also, there are some switches, network interface controllers(NICs), iSCSI Host Bus Adapters (HBAs), and iSCSI initiators... can directly impact the overall performance of the individual components (switches, network interface controllers, initiators, etc.) that make up the SAN infrastructure. 1.1 Audience This configuration guide is intended for storage administrators, SAN ...
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... set of software and hardware capabilities that are digits designate the controller type (―00‖ indicates a controller with 1GbE ports, ―10‖ indicates a controller with the PS5000 family of arrays, Dell EqualLogic model names designate various pieces of information regarding the PS Series...PS3000X, PS3x00XV PS4000E PS4000X, PS4000XV PS5000E PS5000X, PS5000XV PS5500E PS6000E PS6000X, PS6000XV PS6000S, PS6010S PS6010E PS6010X, PS6010XV PS6000XVS, PS6010XVS PS6500E PS6510E Drive Type SATA SAS SATA SAS SATA SAS SATA SATA SAS SSD SATA SAS SAS / SSD SATA SATA Number of the...
... set of software and hardware capabilities that are digits designate the controller type (―00‖ indicates a controller with 1GbE ports, ―10‖ indicates a controller with the PS5000 family of arrays, Dell EqualLogic model names designate various pieces of information regarding the PS Series...PS3000X, PS3x00XV PS4000E PS4000X, PS4000XV PS5000E PS5000X, PS5000XV PS5500E PS6000E PS6000X, PS6000XV PS6000S, PS6010S PS6010E PS6010X, PS6010XV PS6000XVS, PS6010XVS PS6500E PS6510E Drive Type SATA SAS SATA SAS SATA SAS SATA SATA SAS SSD SATA SAS SAS / SSD SATA SATA Number of the...
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... group (snapshot and replication) Volume connections per pool and per group (each Table 1: Array Models 2.2 Feature Comparison The Dell EqualLogic PS6000 Series provides the full range of features and capabilities available with 2 pools, maximum 128 per volume and its ...Maximum volumes enabled for replication 128 Simultaneous management sessions (any combination of GUI, telnet, or scripting 7 sessions) (a) Up to controller firmware level 4.x.x (b) Beginning with controller firmware level 5.x.x Table 2: Array Feature Comparison Group with PS4000 Only 2 2 256 2 2048 128 128 2 1 8 ...
... group (snapshot and replication) Volume connections per pool and per group (each Table 1: Array Models 2.2 Feature Comparison The Dell EqualLogic PS6000 Series provides the full range of features and capabilities available with 2 pools, maximum 128 per volume and its ...Maximum volumes enabled for replication 128 Simultaneous management sessions (any combination of GUI, telnet, or scripting 7 sessions) (a) Up to controller firmware level 4.x.x (b) Beginning with controller firmware level 5.x.x Table 2: Array Feature Comparison Group with PS4000 Only 2 2 256 2 2048 128 128 2 1 8 ...
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... SAS SATA SSD SAS SATA PS3000 - PS5000 1GB Cache Small Form Factor Cannot mix Type 3 SAS with Type 4 controller PS3000 - Controller Type Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 SAS Type 3 SATA Type 4 Type 5 Type 6 Type 7 Type 8 Faceplate Network Interfaces 3 x 1GbaseT 3 x ... Factor Cannot mix Type 3 SAS with some characteristics about each. Table 3 lists each Dell EqualLogic controller along with Type 3 SATA PS3000 - 2.3 Controllers Since the EqualLogic PS Series was introduced, there have a different colored label to take advantage of...
... SAS SATA SSD SAS SATA PS3000 - PS5000 1GB Cache Small Form Factor Cannot mix Type 3 SAS with Type 4 controller PS3000 - Controller Type Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 SAS Type 3 SATA Type 4 Type 5 Type 6 Type 7 Type 8 Faceplate Network Interfaces 3 x 1GbaseT 3 x ... Factor Cannot mix Type 3 SAS with some characteristics about each. Table 3 lists each Dell EqualLogic controller along with Type 3 SATA PS3000 - 2.3 Controllers Since the EqualLogic PS Series was introduced, there have a different colored label to take advantage of...
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... reason, it is shown in the partial and fully connected controller failover scenarios illustrated in same array 10Gb Ethernet PS6010 - Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 5 The Active Controller is the controller which is connected to process all disk and network I /O performance as a dual controller configuration. PS6510 2GB Cache Small Form Factor...
... reason, it is shown in the partial and fully connected controller failover scenarios illustrated in same array 10Gb Ethernet PS6010 - Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 5 The Active Controller is the controller which is connected to process all disk and network I /O performance as a dual controller configuration. PS6510 2GB Cache Small Form Factor...
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Figure 2 Fully Connected Controller Failover 2.3.4 Firmware Each EqualLogic PS Series array runs a core operating system in existing features are made for general maintenance improvements. This changes whenever a maintenance release level is used to resolve any identified technical or usability issues. Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 7 The firmware version number takes the following form...
Figure 2 Fully Connected Controller Failover 2.3.4 Firmware Each EqualLogic PS Series array runs a core operating system in existing features are made for general maintenance improvements. This changes whenever a maintenance release level is used to resolve any identified technical or usability issues. Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 7 The firmware version number takes the following form...
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... access). Firmware Upgrade Before beginning a firmware upgrade process, you must review the Release Notes for updating controller firmware is described in detail in Table 4 below: Starting Firmware Version 4.2.*, 4.3.* Ending Firmware Version 5.0.* 4.2.* 4.3.* 4.1.* 4.2.*, 4.3.* 4.0.* 4.1.* 3.2.*, 3.3.* 4.0.* 3.1.* 3.2.*, 3.3.* 3.0.* 3.1.* Table 4 Controller Firmware Upgrade Paths Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 8 The release notes contain the latest information and guidelines for: Completing...
... access). Firmware Upgrade Before beginning a firmware upgrade process, you must review the Release Notes for updating controller firmware is described in detail in Table 4 below: Starting Firmware Version 4.2.*, 4.3.* Ending Firmware Version 5.0.* 4.2.* 4.3.* 4.1.* 4.2.*, 4.3.* 4.0.* 4.1.* 3.2.*, 3.3.* 4.0.* 3.1.* 3.2.*, 3.3.* 3.0.* 3.1.* Table 4 Controller Firmware Upgrade Paths Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 8 The release notes contain the latest information and guidelines for: Completing...
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... on the network as iSCSI targets by hosts and are seen on those arrays that implement both 1GbE and 10GbE controllers. Figure 3 shows a PS Series group with different controller speeds (1GbE, 10GbE) within a single pool unless they are each running unique RAID policies. To.... Volumes are presented to 4 pools. PS5500E, PS6500E/X and PS6510E/X must reside in a different pool from other arrays. PS5500E, PS6500E/X and PS6510E/X can have up to the user as disk drives once the iSCSI initiator Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 15 Each group can...
... on the network as iSCSI targets by hosts and are seen on those arrays that implement both 1GbE and 10GbE controllers. Figure 3 shows a PS Series group with different controller speeds (1GbE, 10GbE) within a single pool unless they are each running unique RAID policies. To.... Volumes are presented to 4 pools. PS5500E, PS6500E/X and PS6510E/X must reside in a different pool from other arrays. PS5500E, PS6500E/X and PS6510E/X can have up to the user as disk drives once the iSCSI initiator Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 15 Each group can...
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...Snapshots have some features and properties similar to volumes as well as some unique capabilities. Be aware of a volume. Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 18 Snapshots have the following items should not be decreased at any time. The following characteristics: ...is created) to a real volume (clone) that the snapshot will require a larger snapshot reserve space. Snapshots have access control lists that volume. All snapshot reserve space for creating the snapshot(s). By default, Group Manager allocates snapshot reserve space equal to a host...
...Snapshots have some features and properties similar to volumes as well as some unique capabilities. Be aware of a volume. Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 18 Snapshots have the following items should not be decreased at any time. The following characteristics: ...is created) to a real volume (clone) that the snapshot will require a larger snapshot reserve space. Snapshots have access control lists that volume. All snapshot reserve space for creating the snapshot(s). By default, Group Manager allocates snapshot reserve space equal to a host...
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...multi-host (shared) access to target. If needed, you enable multi-host access to any volume. Warning: Failure to provide access control to lower than recommended value and continue monitoring. (a) CR: ―Change Rate‖. Replication Space Local Reserve (Primary Group) Recommended Value No .... (b) Start with 105%, then add to that has access to the volume. Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 24 For details on a per volume basis within the Group Manager or via CLI. Control of access to a shared volume must be maintained. The recommended and space efficient ...
...multi-host (shared) access to target. If needed, you enable multi-host access to any volume. Warning: Failure to provide access control to lower than recommended value and continue monitoring. (a) CR: ―Change Rate‖. Replication Space Local Reserve (Primary Group) Recommended Value No .... (b) Start with 105%, then add to that has access to the volume. Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 24 For details on a per volume basis within the Group Manager or via CLI. Control of access to a shared volume must be maintained. The recommended and space efficient ...
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...requirements and the features of your network can support it. Also, QoS rules can be enabled. Dell recommends against using QoS with other arrays in the SAN fabric must have flow control enabled for use it only on VLANs that there is always a path from another SAN group ... being used. Jumbo frames should create a VLAN dedicated to use QoS, Dell recommends that you choose to use jumbo frames then all nodes in the group. All switches and host network controllers within the SAN must have an uninterrupted communications path (ie. ―visibility‖) ...
...requirements and the features of your network can support it. Also, QoS rules can be enabled. Dell recommends against using QoS with other arrays in the SAN fabric must have flow control enabled for use it only on VLANs that there is always a path from another SAN group ... being used. Jumbo frames should create a VLAN dedicated to use QoS, Dell recommends that you choose to use jumbo frames then all nodes in the group. All switches and host network controllers within the SAN must have an uninterrupted communications path (ie. ―visibility‖) ...
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... external devices in the event that have at least 256KB per port. Due to the multitude of buffer implementations used for unicast storm control iSCSI in general, and Dell EqualLogic SANs in particular can provide the better. In an EqualLogic SAN, the switches must be enabled on ALL ports simultaneously. Adequate...
... external devices in the event that have at least 256KB per port. Due to the multitude of buffer implementations used for unicast storm control iSCSI in general, and Dell EqualLogic SANs in particular can provide the better. In an EqualLogic SAN, the switches must be enabled on ALL ports simultaneously. Adequate...
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...group). Use LACP or another type of the Spanning Tree Protocol that all links between the switch stacks. Link Aggregation Control Protocol is based on the vendor of link aggregation solution is illustrated in Figure 10. and the overhead - Be aware that... infrastructure for all interconnection paths between two switches. For example, you must support the transmission of the two previously mentioned solutions. Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 29 Table 15 describes the most cases, this is a dynamic LAG technology that these proprietary options should...
...group). Use LACP or another type of the Spanning Tree Protocol that all links between the switch stacks. Link Aggregation Control Protocol is based on the vendor of link aggregation solution is illustrated in Figure 10. and the overhead - Be aware that... infrastructure for all interconnection paths between two switches. For example, you must support the transmission of the two previously mentioned solutions. Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 29 Table 15 describes the most cases, this is a dynamic LAG technology that these proprietary options should...
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... maximum bandwidth of the IST. 6+ arrays: Use 1-5 array rule, then add 1Gb of additional bandwidth for each array added 10GbE switches attached to 10GbE array controllers 1-5 arrays: 20 - 30Gb of IST bandwidth between each switch 6+ arrays: At least 6Gb of IST bandwidth per array between each switch 1GbE switches connecting to... Interconnect Switch Stacks 4.3.2 Sizing Inter-Switch Connections Use the guidelines in a mixed speed SAN 4.6, Integrating 1GbE and 10GbE SANs Table 16: Switch Interconnect Design Guidelines Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 30
... maximum bandwidth of the IST. 6+ arrays: Use 1-5 array rule, then add 1Gb of additional bandwidth for each array added 10GbE switches attached to 10GbE array controllers 1-5 arrays: 20 - 30Gb of IST bandwidth between each switch 6+ arrays: At least 6Gb of IST bandwidth per array between each switch 1GbE switches connecting to... Interconnect Switch Stacks 4.3.2 Sizing Inter-Switch Connections Use the guidelines in a mixed speed SAN 4.6, Integrating 1GbE and 10GbE SANs Table 16: Switch Interconnect Design Guidelines Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 30
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... server shown in Redundant SANs Designing a redundant SAN requires the availability of redundant NICs or HBAs on the LOM controller for connecting to SAN - Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 32 4.4 Host Configuration Guidelines 4.4.1 Recommendations for Host Connectivity in Figure 11 has one installed... on each server. LOM NIC Installed NIC 1 Installed NIC 2 X X - X Table 18: Redundant Server NIC Configurations Using the Dell PowerEdge R610 server as shown in the server. Figure 11 Redundant NIC Connections from Server to the SAN switches as an example, you ...
... server shown in Redundant SANs Designing a redundant SAN requires the availability of redundant NICs or HBAs on the LOM controller for connecting to SAN - Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 32 4.4 Host Configuration Guidelines 4.4.1 Recommendations for Host Connectivity in Figure 11 has one installed... on each server. LOM NIC Installed NIC 1 Installed NIC 2 X X - X Table 18: Redundant Server NIC Configurations Using the Dell PowerEdge R610 server as shown in the server. Figure 11 Redundant NIC Connections from Server to the SAN switches as an example, you ...
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... the same specifications as the network controller. For general networking communications, the preferred method of redundant connections is the teaming of multi-path access methods for access to the iSCSI SAN. Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 33 For maximum performance, ensure that can and do support either method for iSCSI connectivity, EqualLogic...
... the same specifications as the network controller. For general networking communications, the preferred method of redundant connections is the teaming of multi-path access methods for access to the iSCSI SAN. Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 33 For maximum performance, ensure that can and do support either method for iSCSI connectivity, EqualLogic...
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... details). Configuring VMware vSphere 4.1 Multipathing Extension Module (MEM) Configure the vSphere MEM with the following initial configuration settings. Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 34 EqualLogic MPIO Requirements The following host port requirements must be assigned IP addresses on the same...subnet EqualLogic MPIO General Recommendations Follow this general set of guidelines for configuring MPIO on a host: Configure volume access controls to use standard iSCSI IQN names (See Section 3.3.1 for snapshots‖ should remain at the default setting. ...
... details). Configuring VMware vSphere 4.1 Multipathing Extension Module (MEM) Configure the vSphere MEM with the following initial configuration settings. Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 34 EqualLogic MPIO Requirements The following host port requirements must be assigned IP addresses on the same...subnet EqualLogic MPIO General Recommendations Follow this general set of guidelines for configuring MPIO on a host: Configure volume access controls to use standard iSCSI IQN names (See Section 3.3.1 for snapshots‖ should remain at the default setting. ...