Dell PowerVault MD3600f andMD3620f Storage ArraysOwner’s ManualRegulatory Model: E03J Series and E04J SeriesRegulatory Type: E03J001 and E04J001book.b

10 ContentsPreparing Host Servers to Create the Snapshot Using the Simple Path . . . . . . . . . 145Creating a Snapshot Virtual Disk Using the Advan

100 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksA disk group should be organized according to its related tasks and subtasks. For example, if you crea

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 1013Type up to a 30–character name of the disk group in Disk group name.4Select the appropriate Physical

102 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksLocating a Disk GroupYou can physically locate and identify all of the physical disks that comprise a

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 103To create virtual disks:1Choose one of these methods to start the Create Virtual Disk Wizard:• To crea

104 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks5In Advanced virtual disk parameters, you can select:•Use recommended settings.•Customize settings.6Cl

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 105To change the virtual disk modification priority:1In the AMW, select the Logical tab.2Select a virtual

106 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksTo change the virtual disk cache settings:1In the AMW, select the Logical tab and select a virtual dis

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 1075Click OK.A message prompts you to confirm the change in the virtual disk modification priority.6Click

108 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksTo change the segment size of a virtual disk:1In the AMW, select the Logical tab and select a virtual

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 109To change the I/O type:1Select from these virtual disk I/O characteristic types, based on your applica

Contents 11Failed Virtual Disk Copy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166Preferred RAID Controller Module Ownership. . . . . 167Failed RAID Controller Mo

110 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksPhysical Disk Security With Self Encrypting DiskSelf encrypting disk (SED) technology prevents unautho

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 111The following table shows how to interpret the security status of a disk group:The Physical Disk Secur

112 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksThe Secure Physical Disks option is inactive with a check mark to the left if the disk group is alread

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 113To create a security key:1In the AMW toolbar, select Storage ArrayPhysical Disk SecurityCreate Sec

114 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksAfter you have created a security key, you can create secure disk groups from security capable physica

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 1153In Secure key identifier, enter a string that becomes part of the secure key identifier.You may leave

116 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksTo save the security key for the storage array:1In the AMW toolbar, select Storage ArrayPhysical Dis

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 117Unlocking Secure Physical DisksYou can export a security-enabled disk group to move the associated phy

118 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksConfiguring Hot Spare Physical DisksGuidelines to configure host spare physical disks:• You can use on

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 119• Right-click the physical disk and select Hot Spare Coverage from the pop-up menu.The Hot Spare Physi

12 ContentsPrimary and Secondary Virtual Disk Pairs . . . . 179Using Remote Replication With Other Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180Stor

120 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksHot Spares and Rebuild A valuable strategy to protect data is to assign available physical disks in th

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 121Hot Spare Drive ProtectionYou can use a hot spare physical disk for additional data protection from ph

122 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks CAUTION: Enclosure loss protection is not guaranteed if a physical disk has already failed in the di

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 123RAID level 1 Ensure that each physical disk in a mirrored pair is located in a different expansion enc

124 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksHost-to-Virtual Disk MappingAfter you create virtual disks, you must map them to the host(s) connected

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 125To create host to virtual disk mappings:1In the AMW, select the Mappings tab.2In the Topology pane, se

126 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksModifying and Removing Host-to-Virtual Disk MappingYou can modify or remove a host-to-virtual disk map

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 1277If configuring a Linux host, run the rescan_dm_devs utility on the host, and remount the virtual disk

128 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksRemoving Host-to-Virtual Disk Mapping1In the AMW, select the Mapping tab.2Select a virtual disk from t

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 129To change the RAID controller module ownership of a disk group:1In the AMW, select the Logical tab and

Contents 13Viewing the Properties Pane . . . . . . . . . . . . 192Viewing Logical Elements of theSecondary Virtual Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

130 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksRestricted MappingsMany hosts are able to map up to 256 logical unit numbers (LUNs) (0 to 255) per sto

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 131• If there is a host with a restricted host type that is part of a specific storage partition, all of

132 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disksdisk copy, ownership of the target virtual disk is also changed. Under certain operating system enviro

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 133 CAUTION: Possible loss of data access– Changing ownership at the disk group level causes every virtu

134 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks4Select the RAID level (RAID Level 0, RAID Level 1, RAID Level 5, or RAID Level 6). The currently sele

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 135Storage partitioning is unavailable when:• No valid host groups or hosts exist in the Topology pane on

136 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks NOTE: If the RAID level of the disk group is RAID Level 5, or RAID Level 6, and the expansion enclos

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 137Using Unconfigured CapacityYou can increase the capacity of a standard virtual disk or a snapshot repo

138 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksExporting a Disk GroupOn the source storage array:1Save the storage array configuration.2Stop all I/O,

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 1392Review the Import Report for an overview of the disk group that you are importing. 3Check for non-imp

14 ContentsDisabling the Remote Replication Premium Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20914 Configuration: Device MapperMultipath for Linux

140 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksErrors discovered by the media scan include:• Unrecovered media error—Data could not be read on the fi

Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 1417To enable or disable the consistency check, select either With consistency check or Without consisten

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Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks 14310Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks NOTE: If you ordered this feature, y

144 Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual DisksAfter the snapshot repository virtual disk is created, I/O write requests to the source virtu

Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks 145About the Simple PathUsing the simple path, you can specify:• Snapshot Virtual Disk Name—A us

146 Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks NOTE: For details on mapping the snapshot virtual disk to the secondary node, see the Dell

Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks 1473Select Virtual DiskSnapshotCreate.orRight-click the source virtual disk and select Creat

148 Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual DisksCreating a Snapshot Virtual Disk Using the Advanced PathAbout the Advanced PathUse the advanc

Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks 149• Percent Full—When the snapshot repository virtual disk reaches the user-specified repositor

Contents 15Removing a RAID Controller Module Blank . . . . 229Installing a RAID Controller Module Blank. . . . . 230Removing a RAID Controller Modu

150 Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual DisksRemember the following guidelines before creating a Snapshot Virtual Disk:• The following typ

Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks 1513Remove the drive letter(s) of the source in Windows or unmount the virtual drive(s) in Linux

152 Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks5Select Advanced, and click Next.The Specify Names window is displayed.6Enter the Snapshot vi

Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks 15315To register the snapshot virtual disk with the host operating system, run the host-based ho

154 Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks• You must choose a unique name for the snapshot virtual disk and the snapshot repository vir

Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks 155To expand the snapshot repository virtual disk:1In the AMW, select the Logical tab.2Select th

156 Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks7If unassigned physical disks are not available, do you have empty slots in the expansion enc

Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks 157A new Free Capacity node is created and shown in the Logical tab if these conditions exist:•A

158 Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual DisksDisabling a Snapshot Virtual DiskDisable a snapshot virtual disk if:• You do not need the sna

Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks 159Preparing Host Servers to Re-create a Snapshot Virtual Disk NOTE: Before you create a new sn

16 ContentsDownloading Physical Disk Firmware . . . . . . . . 253Downloading MD1200 Series Expansion Module EMM Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . .

160 Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual DisksRe-creating a Snapshot Virtual DiskAfter first preparing the host server(s), re-create a snap

Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk Copy 16111Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk Copy NOTE: A virtual disk copy overwrites data on t

162 Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk CopyReasons to use virtual disk copy include:• Copying data for improved access—As your storage requir

Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk Copy 163 NOTE: When creating a snapshot virtual disk, map the snapshot virtual disk to only one node in t

164 Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk CopyVirtual Disk Copy RestrictionsBefore you perform any virtual disk copy tasks, understand and adher

Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk Copy 165Creating a Virtual Disk CopySource virtual disks that are participating in a virtual disk copy are

166 Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk CopyVirtual Disk Copy and Modification OperationsIf a modification operation is running on a source vi

Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk Copy 167Preferred RAID Controller Module OwnershipDuring a virtual disk copy, the same RAID controller mod

168 Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk CopyCopying the Virtual DiskYou can create a virtual disk copy by using the Create Copy Wizard. CAUTI

Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk Copy 169Storage Array Performance During Virtual Disk CopyThe following factors contribute to the overall

Contents 17Storage Array Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270Viewing the Logical Associations. . . . . . . . . . . . 272Viewing the Phys

170 Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk Copy3Select ChangeCopy Priority.The Change Copy Priority window is displayed.4In the Copy priority a

Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk Copy 171Preparing Host Servers to Recopy a Virtual Disk NOTE: Before you create a new copy of a source vi

172 Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk CopyRecopying the Virtual DiskYou can use the Copy Manager to create a new virtual disk copy for a sel

Configuration: Premium Feature—Virtual Disk Copy 173Removing Copy PairsYou can remove one or more virtual disk copies by using the Copy Manager. Any v

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Configuration: Premium Feature—Upgrading to High–Performance Tier 17512Configuration: Premium Feature—Upgrading to High–Performance Tier The High Perf

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Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 17713Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote ReplicationThe Remote Replication premium feature enabl

178 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote ReplicationActivating Remote Replication NOTE: If you ordered the Remote Replication feature, you receive

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 179Other information about replication repository virtual disks include:• Specifying that replicati

18 ContentsTroubleshooting Power Supply/Cooling Fan Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292Troubleshooting Array Cooling Problems . . . . . . . 293T

180 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote ReplicationBefore creating a virtual disk pair, verify the following:1The Remote Replication premium featur

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 181Snapshot Virtual Disk With Remote ReplicationA snapshot virtual disk is a point-in-time image of

182 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote ReplicationRequired Switch Zoning Configurations NOTE: A limited set of Fibre Channel switches are suppor

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 183Journaling File Systems and Remote ReplicationWhen using a journaling file system, you cannot ga

184 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote ReplicationActivating the Remote Replication Premium Feature and Creating Replication Virtual DisksTo activ

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 1856In the Select capacity table, select the physical disks and capacities for the new disk group,

186 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote ReplicationCreating a Remote ReplicationBefore creating a remote replication, ensure that all prerequisites

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 187Selecting the Secondary Virtual Disk CAUTION: Creating a replicated virtual disk pair starts a

188 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replicationalso specify whether to use a write consistency group option. A write consistency group ensures

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 189•Manual resynchronization (recommended)—The replicated pair must be manually resynchronized each

Introduction 191Introduction NOTE: Throughout the document, Dell PowerVault MD3600f series storage array refers to both Dell PowerVault MD3600f and D

190 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote ReplicationRAID Controller Module Ownership/Preferred Path During a remote replication operation, the RAID

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 191Viewing the Storage Array ProfileThe Storage Array Profile displays the most detailed informatio

192 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote ReplicationViewing the Properties PaneThe Properties pane is a view-only display of the physical and logica

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 193Viewing the Physical Components or Logical Elements of the Primary Virtual DiskTo view the physi

194 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote ReplicationVirtual Disk Status IconsIn the Devices tab on the EMW, the following icons depict the status of

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 195The write mode of a remote replication is selected when it is created. However, you can change t

196 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote ReplicationResynchronizing Virtual Disks There are two resynchronization methods for remote replications:•

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 197The communication between a primary and secondary virtual disks can be suspended or become unsyn

198 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication• Changing the segment size of a virtual disk• Defragmenting a disk group• Adding free capacity

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 199Unsynchronized Virtual Disks Communication between a primary and secondary virtual disks can be

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. CAUTION: A CAUTION indica

20 IntroductionInside the Box of the Dell PowerVault MD3600f Series Storage ArrayUnless specified, MD3600f Series represents Dell PowerVault MD3600f a

200 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote ReplicationAutomatically Resynchronizing Virtual DisksWhen automatic resynchronization is selected, the RAI

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 201Reversing Roles Between the Primary and Secondary Virtual Disks Reversing the roles between the

202 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote ReplicationPromoting the Secondary Virtual Disk or Demoting the Primary Virtual Disk To promote the seconda

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 203Resuming a Remote Replication1In the AMW of the storage array with the primary virtual disk, sel

204 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote ReplicationAfter the remote virtual disk replication resumes, data is automatically written to the secondar

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 205Deleting a Virtual Disk From a Replicated Pair in a Storage ArrayFollow these steps to delete ei

206 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote ReplicationDeleting a Secondary Virtual Disk NOTE: Depending on which premium features are enabled on the

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 207Deleting a Secondary Virtual Disk in a Replicated Pair From a Storage Array1Stop all I/O activit

208 Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote ReplicationTo remove remote replication from a storage array:1In the AMW of the storage array containing th

Configuration: Premium Feature— Remote Replication 209Disabling the Remote Replication Premium FeatureBefore disabling the Remote Replication premium

Introduction 21Other Information You May Need WARNING: See the safety and regulatory information that shipped with your system. Warranty information

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Configuration: Device Mapper Multipath for Linux 21114Configuration: Device Mapper Multipath for LinuxOverviewThe MD3600f Series storage array uses a

212 Configuration: Device Mapper Multipath for LinuxUsing DM Multipathing Devices NOTE: Using or modifying any nodes other than the multipathing devi

Configuration: Device Mapper Multipath for Linux 213Device Mapper Configuration Steps To complete the DM multipathing configuration and make the stora

214 Configuration: Device Mapper Multipath for LinuxDisplay the Multipath Device Topology Using the Multipath CommandThe multipath command adds newly

Configuration: Device Mapper Multipath for Linux 215\_ round-robin 0 [prio=1][enabled] \_ 6:0:0:22 sdcl 69:144 [active][ghostwhere:mpathb is the name

216 Configuration: Device Mapper Multipath for LinuxThe following examples provide information about the general mapping formats:On RHEL hosts, a part

Configuration: Device Mapper Multipath for Linux 217Important Information About Special Partitions When using Device Mapper with the MD3600f Series ar

218 Configuration: Device Mapper Multipath for LinuxLimitations and Known Issues• In certain error conditions with the no_path_retry or the queue_if_n

Configuration: Device Mapper Multipath for Linux 219TroubleshootingQuestion AnswerHow can I check if multipathd is running?Run the following command/e

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Management: Installing Array Components 22115Management: Installing Array ComponentsRecommended ToolsYou may need the following items to perform the p

222 Management: Installing Array ComponentsFront Bezel (Optional)Removing the Front Bezel1Using the system key, unlock the front bezel (if locked).2Li

Management: Installing Array Components 223Hard DrivesSAFETY: Models AMT, E03J, and E04JModels AMT, E03J, and E04J are intended for installation only

224 Management: Installing Array ComponentsFigure 15-3. Removing and Installing a 2.5-Inch Hard-Drive BlankInstalling a Drive Blank1If installed, remo

Management: Installing Array Components 225If the drive has been online, the green activity/fault indicator flashes as the drive is powered down. When

226 Management: Installing Array ComponentsInstalling a Hard Drive CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You shou

Management: Installing Array Components 227Removing a Hard Drive From a Hard-Drive CarrierRemove the screws from the slide rails on the hard-drive car

228 Management: Installing Array ComponentsFigure 15-6. Removing and Installing a Hard Drive Into a 2.5-Inch Drive Carrier1 screws (4) 2 drive carrier

Management: Installing Array Components 229Installing a Hard Drive Into a Drive Carrier1 Insert the hard drive into the hard-drive carrier with the co

Planning: About Your Storage Array 232Planning: About Your Storage ArrayOverviewThe MD3600f Series storage array is designed for high availability, of

230 Management: Installing Array Components5Connect all the power cables to the array.6Turn on the array and the host server.Figure 15-7. Removing and

Management: Installing Array Components 231Removing a RAID Controller Module CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technicia

232 Management: Installing Array ComponentsFigure 15-8. Removing and Installing a RAID controller module Installing a RAID Controller Module WARNING

Management: Installing Array Components 2333Connect all the cables to the RAID controller module. If SFP transceivers and fiber optic cables were pres

234 Management: Installing Array ComponentsFigure 15-9. Opening and Closing the RAID Controller ModuleClosing the RAID Controller Module CAUTION: Man

Management: Installing Array Components 235RAID Controller Module Backup Battery Unit Removing the RAID Controller Module Backup Battery Unit CAUTIO

236 Management: Installing Array ComponentsInstalling the RAID Controller Module Backup Battery Unit CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a cert

Management: Installing Array Components 237Power Supply/Cooling Fan ModuleThe array supports two hot-swappable power supply/cooling fan modules. While

238 Management: Installing Array ComponentsFigure 15-11. Removing and Installing a Power Supply/Cooling Fan ModuleInstalling a Power Supply/Cooling Fa

Management: Installing Array Components 239Figure 15-12. Securing the Power Cable CAUTION: When connecting the power cable, secure the cable with the

24 Planning: About Your Storage ArrayHardware FeaturesFront-Panel Features and Indicators Figure 2-1. Front-Panel Features and Indicators—Dell PowerVa

240 Management: Installing Array Components4Slide the control panel out of the chassis after:– Pushing the release tab toward the front of the array i

Management: Installing Array Components 241Figure 15-14. Removing and Installing the Control Panel—PowerVault MD3620fInstalling the Control Panel1Alig

242 Management: Installing Array ComponentsBackplane WARNING: Whenever you need to lift the array, get others to assist you. To avoid injury, do not

Management: Installing Array Components 243Figure 15-15. Removing and Installing the RAID controller module /Power Supply Cage1 RAID controller module

244 Management: Installing Array ComponentsFigure 15-16. Removing and Installing the Backplane—PowerVault MD3600fFigure 15-17. Removing and Installing

Management: Installing Array Components 245Installing the Backplane1Align the holes on the backplane with the holes on the array.2Tighten the captive

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Management: Firmware Downloads 24716Management: Firmware DownloadsDownloading RAID Controller and NVSRAM PackagesA version number exists for each firm

248 Management: Firmware DownloadsDownloading Both RAID Controller and NVSRAM Firmware NOTE: I/O to the array can continue while you are upgrading RA

Management: Firmware Downloads 2497Click Transfer.Keep these guidelines in mind:•If the Transfer button is inactive, ensure that you either select an

Planning: About Your Storage Array 25Figure 2-3. Front-Bezel Features and IndicatorsItem Indicator, Button, or ConnectorIcon Description1 Enclosure st

250 Management: Firmware Downloads12To locate the directory in which the file to download resides, click Browse in the Select files area.The Select Fi

Management: Firmware Downloads 2512Perform one of these actions:• Select Advanced Maintenance Download RAID Controller Module NVSRAM • Select the S

252 Management: Firmware Downloads NOTE: The Details pane shows the details of only one storage array at a time. If you select more than one storage

Management: Firmware Downloads 253Downloading Physical Disk Firmware CAUTION: When updating physical disk firmware, you should stop all I/O activity

254 Management: Firmware DownloadsTo download Physical Disk Firmware:1From the AMW, select Advanced Maintenance DownloadPhysical Disk.The Download

Management: Firmware Downloads 255Downloading MD1200 Series Expansion Module EMM Firmware NOTE: Do not make any configuration changes to the storage

256 Management: Firmware Downloads5Click Start.6Click Yes to continue with the firmware download. NOTE: If you click Stop while a firmware download i

Management: Firmware Downloads 257Media Errors and Unreadable SectorsIf the RAID controller detects a media error while accessing data from a physical

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Management: Firmware Inventory 25917Management: Firmware InventoryA storage array is made up of many components, which might include RAID controller m

26 Planning: About Your Storage Array3 Split mode LED This LED should be unlit as the split mode function is not supported by the MD3600f Series Stora

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Management: System Interfaces 26118Management: System InterfacesMicrosoft ServicesVirtual Disk ServiceThe Microsoft Virtual Disk Service (VDS) is a co

262 Management: System InterfacesVSS attaches to the service and uses it to coordinate the creation of snapshot virtual disks on the storage array. VS

Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software 26319Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array SoftwareStart–Up Routine Look and listen during the array’s star

264 Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array SoftwareTo launch the AMW, perform one of these actions:•On the Devices tab, in either the Tree view or the Ta

Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software 265In the Table view, every managed storage array is listed once, regardless of the number of attachments

266 Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software NOTE: MDSM may take a few minutes to update a status change to Unresponsive or from Unresponsive. A

Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software 2672Enter a name for the support data file in Specify filename or click Browse to navigate to a previousl

268 Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array SoftwareCollecting the Physical Disk DataYou can use the Collect Physical Disk Data option to collect log sens

Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software 269Event LogYou can use the Event Log Viewer to view a detailed list of events that occur in a storage ar

Planning: About Your Storage Array 27Back Panel Features and IndicatorsFigure 2-4. Back-Panel Features and Indicators—Dell PowerVault MD3600f Series1

270 Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array SoftwareRecovery GuruThe Recovery Guru is a component of MDSM that diagnoses critical events on the storage ar

Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software 2712Perform one of these actions in the Storage Array Profile dialog:• View detailed information—Go to st

272 Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array SoftwareeIn File Name, type the file name of your choice. To associate the file with a particular software app

Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software 273Viewing the Physical AssociationsYou can use the Associated Physical Components option to view the phy

274 Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array SoftwareTo find nodes:1In the AMW, select View Find.2Based on the type of search, select one of these options

Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software 275cSpecify that the free capacity to be matched is less than, equal to, or greater than the capacity ent

276 Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software4Select View Go To Source Virtual Disk.The selection jumps to the associated source virtual disk in

Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software 2777If the verification is successful, see step 8, if not, see step 9.8Remove the storage array with the

278 Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software20If the problem still exists, make the appropriate host modifications, check with other administrator

Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software 279Locating a Physical DiskYou can use the Locate Physical Disk option to physically locate and identify

28 Planning: About Your Storage ArrayHard–Drive Indicator PatternsFigure 2-5. Hard Drive Indicators1 hard-drive activity indicator (green) 2 hard-dri

280 Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array SoftwareTo locate the expansion enclosure:1Select the Physical tab.2Select a physical disk in the expansion en

Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software 281Use the convention filename.dmp for the name of the file. The suffix .dmp is added to the file automat

282 Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software NOTE: In Windows, the mount point path is a drive letter.An error message appears in the command lin

Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software 283aEnsure that the host context agent software is installed and running. If the host is started before i

284 Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array SoftwareIf the storage array returns to optimal status, you have completed this procedure. cExamine the ethern

Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array Software 285Starting or Restarting the Host Context Agent SoftwareThe host context agent software module is the so

286 Troubleshooting: Your Storage Array SoftwareCopyright (C) 2009-2010 Dell, Inc. All rights reserved.Checking device <n/a> (/dev/sg10): Activa

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Troubleshooting: Your Array 28920Troubleshooting: Your ArraySafety First—For You and Your Array CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified

Planning: About Your Storage Array 29Power Supply and Cooling Fan FeaturesThe MD3600f Series storage array includes two integrated, hot-swappable powe

290 Troubleshooting: Your Array1If possible, use the storage management software to create, save, and print a new storage array profile.2If the Recove

Troubleshooting: Your Array 291Figure 20-1. Removing an SFP Module7Install the new SFP transceiver into the interface port. Ensure that the transceive

292 Troubleshooting: Your ArrayTroubleshooting External Connections• Verify that the cables are connected to the correct ports before troubleshooting

Troubleshooting: Your Array 293 CAUTION: Power supply/cooling fan modules are hot-swappable. The array can operate on a single power supply; however

294 Troubleshooting: Your ArrayTroubleshooting Expansion Enclosure Management Modules CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service t

Troubleshooting: Your Array 295dTurn on the server.eCheck the link status LED. If the link status LED is not green, replace the cables.If the problem

296 Troubleshooting: Your Array• If both LEDs for any given FCIN port are unlit, see "Troubleshooting Array and Expansion Enclosure Connections&q

Troubleshooting: Your Array 297Troubleshooting Array and Expansion Enclosure Connections1Verify that the SAS OUT status LED is green and that for each

298 Troubleshooting: Your ArrayTroubleshooting a Wet Storage Array CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You shou

Troubleshooting: Your Array 299Troubleshooting a Damaged Array CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should o

Contents 3Contents1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19About This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Inside

30 Planning: About Your Storage ArrayPower Indicator CodesFigure 2-6. Power Indicator CodesItem LED Type Icon Description1 DC power The LED lights gre

300 Troubleshooting: Your ArrayTroubleshooting RAID Controller ModulesConditionsCertain events can cause a RAID controller module to fail and/or shut

Troubleshooting: Your Array 301PCI ErrorsThe storage array firmware can detect and only recover from PCI errors when the RAID controller modules are c

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Getting Help 30321Getting HelpContacting DellFor customers in the United States, call 800-WWW-DELL (800-999-3355). NOTE: If you do not have an activ

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Index 305Index AAccess Virtual Disk, 68Advanced FeatureUsing Snapshot and Disk Copy Toget her, 5 7Advanced Features, 53Snapshot Repository Virtual Dis

Index 306DDefining a Host, 88Dellcontacting, 303Disk GroupCreating, 100Expansion, 135Export, 137Exporting, 138Import, 138Locating, 102Migration, 137Di

Index 307removing, 224Hard-Drive Indicator Patterns, 28Hardware FeaturesBack panel features, 27Front panel features, 24Hard drive indicator patterns,

Index 308Virtual Disk Copy, 55Monitoring Performance, 59Multi-PathPreferred and Alternate Controllers and Paths, 57Multi-Path Software, 57NNon-Exporta

Index 309hard drive from a drive carrier, 227power supply/cooling fan module, 237Removing Copy Pairs, 173Removing Host Access, 90Restricted Mappings,

Planning: RAID Controller Modules 313Planning: RAID Controller ModulesRAID Controller ModulesThe RAID controller modules provide high-performance, adv

Index 310Starting or Restarting the Host-Agent Software, 285Start-Up Routine, 263Storage Array Profile, 270Storage Array Support Data, 266Unidentified

Index 311Virtual Disks and Disk Groups, 41ZZoningGuidelines, 182Switch Configurations, 182book.book Page 311 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 5:01 PM

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32 Planning: RAID Controller ModulesRAID Controller Module Connectors and FeaturesFigure 3-1. MD3600f Series Fibre Channel RAID Controller ModuleItem

Planning: RAID Controller Modules 339 Management port Ethernet connectorProvides a 100/1000 Mbps Ethernet connection for out-of-band management of the

34 Planning: RAID Controller ModulesHost Channel LED Link/Rate IndicationsBelow each FC port is a pair of LED indicators. The status of any FC port ca

Planning: RAID Controller Modules 35Storage Array Thermal ShutdownThe system automatically shuts down when system temperature exceeds the safe thresho

36 Planning: RAID Controller ModulesWrite–Back CacheIn write-back cache, write operations result in a completion signal being sent to the host operati

Planning: RAID Controller Modules 37Figure 3-2. Fiber Optic Cable ConnectionThe RAID expansion ports support SAS expansion connections. Figure 3-3 sho

38 Planning: RAID Controller ModulesInteroperability of 2 Gbps, 4 Gbps, and 8 Gbps DevicesThe FC standard specifies a procedure for speedy auto-detect

Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts 394Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and ConceptsThis chapter explains terms and

4 ContentsRAID Controller Module Connectors and Features . . . 32Host Channel LED Link/Rate Indications . . . . . . . . 34RAID Controller Module—A

40 Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and ConceptsPhysical DisksOnly Dell supported 6.0 Gbps SAS physical disks are supported in the storage

Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts 41If a disk drive rebuild fails because of a source drive failure or because the drive is to

42 Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and ConceptsDisk groups are always created in the unconfigured capacity of a storage array. Unconfigur

Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts 43RAID LevelsRAID levels determine the way in which data is written to physical disks. Diffe

44 Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and ConceptsRAID 0RAID 0 uses disk striping to provide high data throughput, especially for large file

Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts 45RAID 10RAID 10, a combination of RAID 1 and RAID 0, uses disk striping across mirrored dis

46 Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and ConceptsBackground InitializationThe storage array executes a background initialization when the v

Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts 47Cycle TimeThe media verification operation runs only on selected disk groups, independent

48 Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and ConceptsDisk Group OperationsRAID Level MigrationYou can migrate from one RAID level to another de

Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts 49Virtual Disk Capacity ExpansionWhen you configure a virtual disk, you select a capacity ba

Contents 5Virtual Disk Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Background Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Foreground Initializa

50 Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and ConceptsIf a redundant RAID controller module fails with an existing disk group process, the proce

Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts 51Virtual Disk Migration and Disk RoamingVirtual disk migration is moving a virtual disk or

52 Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and ConceptsUse either of the following methods to move disk groups and virtual disks:• Hot virtual di

Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts 53• Enabling premium features before migration—Before migrating disk groups and virtual disk

54 Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and ConceptsYou can manually configure a host server-to-virtual disk mapping. When you configure host

Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts 55Snapshot Repository Virtual DiskWhen you create a snapshot virtual disk, it automatically

56 Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and ConceptsSource Virtual DiskWhen you create a virtual disk copy, a copy pair consisting of a source

Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts 57Using Snapshot and Disk Copy TogetherYou can use the Snapshot Virtual Disk and Virtual Dis

58 Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and ConceptsOwnership of a virtual disk is moved from the preferred controller to the secondary contro

Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts 59• Round robin with subset—The round robin with subset I/O load balance policy routes I/O r

6 ContentsLoad Balancing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58Monitoring MD3600f Series System Performance . . . 595 Configuration: Overvi

60 Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts• Using the Performance Monitor to retrieve performance data can affect the normal storage

Planning: MD3600f Series Storage Array Terms and Concepts 619Select an appropriate directory.10Type a file name in the File name text box. NOTE: The

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Configuration: Overview 635Configuration: OverviewDell PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Manager (MDSM) online help contains information on the how to u

64 Configuration: OverviewEnterprise Management WindowThe EMW provides high-level management of storage arrays. When you start MDSM, the EMW opens. Th

Configuration: Overview 65Inheriting the System SettingsUse the Inherit System Settings option to import the operating system theme settings into the

66 Configuration: Overview•Physical tab—You can view the organization of the storage array by RAID controller modules, physical disks, and other hardw

Configuration: About Your Storage Array 676Configuration: About Your Storage ArrayOut–of–Band and In–Band ManagementYou can manage a storage array in

68 Configuration: About Your Storage ArrayIn-Band ManagementUsing in-band management, commands, events, and data travel through the host-to-controller

Configuration: About Your Storage Array 69 NOTE: For Linux, set the default gateway so that broadcast packets are sent to 255.255.255.0. For Red Hat

Contents 7Configuring E–mail Alerts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79Configuring SNMP Alerts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81Battery Settings . . . . . .

70 Configuration: About Your Storage Array NOTE: The host agent must be restarted before in-band management communication can be established. See &qu

Configuration: About Your Storage Array 71• Save Configuration—Save the configuration parameters in a file that you can use to restore the configurati

72 Configuration: About Your Storage ArrayNaming or Renaming Storage ArraysEach storage array should be assigned a unique up to 30-character alphanume

Configuration: About Your Storage Array 73Setting a PasswordYou can configure each storage array with a password to protect it from unauthorized acces

74 Configuration: About Your Storage ArrayPassword GuidelinesFollow these guidelines when you create a password:• Use secure passwords for your storag

Configuration: About Your Storage Array 75Adding/Editing a Comment to an Existing Storage ArrayA descriptive comment, with an applicable storage array

76 Configuration: About Your Storage ArrayEnabling Premium FeaturesYou can enable premium features on the storage array. To enable the premium feature

Configuration: About Your Storage Array 77Changing the Cache Settings on the Storage Array1In the AMW, select Storage ArrayChangeCache Settings.Th

78 Configuration: About Your Storage ArrayChanging the Enclosure Order in the Physical PaneYou can change the order of the RAID controller modules and

Configuration: About Your Storage Array 79To configure alert notifications for a single storage array:1In the EMW, select the Devices tab.2Select the

8 Contents9 Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99Creating Disk Groups and Virtual Disks . . . . . . .

80 Configuration: About Your Storage Array5In E-mail sender address, type the e-mail sender address. Use a valid e-mail address.The e-mail address of

Configuration: About Your Storage Array 819For the selected e-mail address, in Frequency, select:•Every event—Sends an alert e-mail whenever an event

82 Configuration: About Your Storage ArrayThese results occur, depending on your selection:• If you select all storage arrays, the Configure Alerts di

Configuration: About Your Storage Array 83Follow these guideline for SNMP alerts:• Any SNMP addresses that you had previously configured appear in the

84 Configuration: About Your Storage ArrayTo change the battery settings perform these steps:1In the AMW, select Storage ArrayChangeBattery Settin

Configuration: Event Monitor 857Configuration: Event MonitorAn event monitor is provided with Dell PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Manager (MDSM). The

86 Configuration: Event MonitorEnabling or Disabling the Event MonitorYou can enable or disable the event monitor at any time.Disable the event monito

Configuration: About Your Host 878Configuration: About Your HostConfiguring Host AccessDell PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Manager (MDSM) software is

88 Configuration: About Your HostThe host topology is reconfigurable. You can perform the following tasks:• Create a host and assign an alias or user

Configuration: About Your Host 89To define a host:1In the AMW, select the Mappings tab and select the appropriate storage array.2Perform one of the ac

Contents 9Removing Host-to-Virtual Disk Mapping . . . . . . 128Changing the RAID Controller Module Ownership of a Disk Group . . . . . . . . . . . .

90 Configuration: About Your Host9Click Next.If you select Yes, the Specify Host Group window is displayed. If you select No, see step 1110Enter the n

Configuration: About Your Host 91Creating a Host Group1In the AMW, select the Mappings tab.2In the Topology pane, select the storage array or the Defa

92 Configuration: About Your HostMoving a Host to a Different Host Group1In the AMW, select the Mappings tab, select the host node in the Topology pan

Configuration: About Your Host 93Host TopologyHost topology is the organization of hosts, host groups, and host interfaces configured for a storage ar

94 Configuration: About Your HostWindowsTo start or stop the host context agent:1Click StartSettingsControl PanelAdministrative Tools Services.

Configuration: About Your Host 95For more information on Linux DM please see "Configuration: Device Mapper Multipath for Linux" on page 211.

96 Configuration: About Your HostTo manage a host port identifier:1Perform one of these actions:• Right-click the host in the Topology pane, and selec

Configuration: About Your Host 978Select the host port identifier that you would like to manage from the list of host port identifiers in the Host por

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Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual Disks 999Configuration: Disk Groups and Virtual DisksCreating Disk Groups and Virtual DisksDisk groups are crea