Connecting a cluster to multiple storage systems, Connecting a cluster to a tape library – Dell PowerVault 770N (Deskside NAS Appliance) User Manual
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CX200 — A single SP port on each SP
CX400 and CX600 — One or more SP ports
Connecting a Cluster to Multiple Storage Systems
You can increase your cluster storage capacity by attaching multiple storage systems to your cluster using a redundant switch
fabric. NAS cluster systems can support configurations with multiple storage units attached to clustered servers. In this
scenario, the MSCS software can fail over disk drives in any cluster-attached shared storage array between the cluster nodes.
When attaching multiple storage systems with your cluster, the following rules apply:
A maximum of four storage systems per cluster.
The shared storage systems and firmware must be identical. Using dissimilar storage systems and firmware for your
shared storage is not supported.
MSCS is limited to 22 drive letters. Because drive letters A through D are reserved for local disks, a maximum of 22
drive letters (E to Z) can be used for your storage system disks.
provides an example of cabling the cluster nodes to four Dell | EMC storage systems. See "
" for more information.
Figure 5-6. Cluster Nodes Cabled to Four Storage Systems
Connecting a Cluster to a Tape Library
To provide additional backup for your cluster, you can add tape backup devices to your cluster configuration. The Dell™
PowerVault™ tape libraries contain an integrated Fibre Channel bridge that connects directly to your Dell | EMC Fibre Channel
switch.
shows a supported NAS cluster configuration using redundant Fibre Channel switches and a tape library. In this
configuration, each of the cluster nodes can access the tape library to provide backup for your local disk resources, as well as
your cluster disk resources. Using this configuration allows you to add more servers and storage systems in the future, if
needed.
NOTE:
While tape libraries can be connected to multiple fabrics, they do not provide path failover.
Figure 5-7. Cabling a Storage System and a Tape Library