Dell POWEREDGE R720XD - Manual (Page 5)

Dell High Availability and Disaster Recovery Solutions Using Microsoft SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn
Availability Groups
5
discuss various server and storage options available from Del that are most conducive to optimal AVG
deployments.
Objectives
 Understanding how AlwaysOn Availability Groups may be the right choice for implementing
High Availability and Disaster Recovery solutions for business critical SQL databases based on
customer RTO and RPO requirements.
 Exploring the various hardware combinations possible using the latest Dell PowerEdge servers
and available internal/external database storage options for HA and DR implementations.
 Defining useful HA and DR implementation scenarios with AlwaysOn Availability Groups.
 Discussing guidelines and recommendations for implementing AlwaysOn Availability Groups.
Why Dell server and storage hardware for AlwaysOn setup?
Dell recently launched its 12 th Generation PowerEdge servers which bring to the market many new
features and enhancements that benefit the AlwaysOn Availability Group deployments. These features
and enhancements are detailed below.
Processors
By supporting Intel® E5-series processors, Dell’s 12 th Generation PowerEdge servers provide the heavy-
duty computing power required by high performing AVG databases. Together with High Quick Path
Interconnect (QPI) links, 20MB L3 cache, and support for many 3
rd Gen PCIe slots, this makes the Dell
12 th generation PowerEdge servers the right platform for hosting high performing AVG databases.
Memory
AVG deployments benefit from the high speed memory DIMMs. Dell’s 12 th Generation PowerEdge servers
support 1333 and 1600 MHz high speed memory DIMMS with ECC. Single, Dual and Quad rank DIMMs are
supported. With the high speed memory DIMMS, Dell’s solutions can achieve noticeable improvement in
the overall database throughput.
Internal storage (HDD and SSD)
Dell’s 12 th Generation PowerEdge rack servers have a flexible storage chassis that supports 2.5- and
3.5-inch SAS HDDs and PCIe-based SSD drives with various capacities and speeds. This flexibility allows
customers to choose drive type and number of drives based on their application requirements.
For example, the PowerEdge R720xd can handle the storage-intensive databases needs of the entry-
level customer without demanding external storage. It supports 24 front-accessible 2.5-inch SAS drives,
and provides a single server and storage platform for deploying AlwaysOn AVG databases.
The Dell PowerEdge R720/R820 supports up to 4 front loading 2.5-inch PCIe SSD drives. This innovative
server architecture allows the deployment of high performing AVG databases on PCIe SSD drives of the
server, and achieves better throughputs and failover/failback times at lower latencies.