Dell PowerVault MD3800i - Manual (Page 11)

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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.
• Owner’s Manual — The Owner’s Manual provides information about important concepts to set up
your storage solution. See the Owner’s Manual at dell.com/support/manuals.
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.
NOTE: See the Owner’s Manual for a complete description of all the parts on the controller.
The functions of the ports on each controllers are described below:
• 10 gbps iSCSI Host Ports (2) — 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.
• 16 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.
Each PowerVault MD3800i and MD3820i series storage array can be expanded to a maximum of 120 (or
192, if enabled using Premium Feature activation) slots.
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