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Hardware Installation
Before using this guide, ensure that you review the instructions in the:
• Dell PowerVault MD3460/MD3860i/MD3860f Storage Arrays Getting Started Guide — The Getting
Started Guide that is shipped with the storage array provides information to configure the initial setup
of the system.
• Dell PowerVault MD Series Storage Arrays Administrator's Guide — The Administrator's Guide provides
information about important concepts you must know before setting up your storage solution. For
more information, see dell.com/powervaultmanuals.
• The Rack Installation instructions — Provides information on how to rack your system. This document
is shipped with your system.
Planning The Storage Configuration
Consider the following before installing your storage array:
• Evaluate data storage needs and administrative requirements.
• Calculate availability requirements.
• Decide the frequency and level of backups, such as weekly full backups with daily partial backups.
• Consider storage array options, such as password protection and e-mail alert notifications for error
conditions.
• Design the configuration of virtual disks, disk groups, and DDP according to a data organization plan.
For example, use one virtual disk for inventory, a second for financial and tax information, and a third
for customer information.
• Decide whether to allow space for hot spares, which automatically replace failed physical disks.
Connecting The Storage Array
The storage array is connected to a host using two hot-swappable RAID controller modules. The RAID
controller modules are identified as RAID controller module 0 and RAID controller module 1. The ports
on the RAID controller module and their functions are listed:
• 12 Gbps SAS Host Ports (4) — Allows you to connect host servers to the storage array.
NOTE: When you connect a host server to a storage array SAS IN port connector, any OUT port
connector of the host bus adapter (HBA) of the server can be used.
• 1 Gbps Ethernet Management (MGMT) Port (1) — Management port allows for out of band
management of storage array.
• Reserved Ethernet Port (1) — Reserved port.
• SAS Expansion Ports (2) — Allows you to connect the storage array to an optional PowerVault
MD3060e expansion enclosure for additional storage capacity. Only one SAS OUT expansion port can
be used at a time and the recommended expansion port is 0.
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