Filter
Top Products
2
Hardware Installation
Before using this guide, ensure that you review the instructions in the documents:
• Getting Started Guide — The Getting Started Guide shipped with the storage array provides
information to configure the initial setup of the system.
• Planning section of the Owner’s Manual — The planning section provides information about
important concepts to set up your storage solution. See the Owner’s Manual at dell.com/support/
manuals.
• 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 email alert notifications for error
conditions.
• Design the configuration of virtual disks, disk groups, or dynamic disk groups 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. See the
Owners Manual to know more about the functions of the different components of the storage controller.
The functions of the ports on each controller are described below:
• 16 gbps Fibre Channel Host Ports (4) — Allows you to connect host servers to the storage array.
• 12 gpbs SAS Host Ports (2) — Allows you to connect host servers to the storage array.
• 1 gbps Ethernet Management (MGMT) Port (1) — Management port allows for out of band
management of storage array.
• Reserved Ethernet Port (1) — Reserved.
• SAS Expansion Ports (2) — Allows you to connect the storage array to optional PowerVault MD1200
series expansion enclosures for additional storage capacity. Only one SAS OUT expansion port can be
used at a time and the recommended expansion port is 0.
8