Common - Powervault-Md3600f - Deployment Guide - En-Us
Common - Powervault-Md3600f - Deployment Guide - En-Us
Common - Powervault-Md3600f - Deployment Guide - En-Us
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Information in this publication is subject to change without notice.
© 2011 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc.
is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell™, the DELL logo, and PowerVault™ are trademarks of Dell Inc.
Intel® and Pentium® are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
Microsoft®, Windows®, and Windows Server® are either trademarks or registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Red Hat® and Red Hat® Enterprise
Linux® are registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SUSE® is
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trademark of VMware, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. Citrix® is a registered
trademark or trademark of Citrix Systems, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this publication to refer to either the entities claiming
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Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2 Hardware Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Planning the Storage Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Console Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Contents 3
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Silent Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
A Appendix—Load Balancing . . . . . . . . . . 29
Windows Load Balance Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Round Robin With Subset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Least Queue Depth With Subset . . . . . . . . . . 30
Changing Load Balance Policies in
Windows Sever 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Setting Load Balance Policies in Linux . . . . . . . 31
4 Contents
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C Appendix—Hardware Cabling
Best Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Handling Static-Sensitive Components . . . . . . . . . 37
Labeling Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
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1
Introduction
NOTE: Throughout the document, Dell PowerVault MD3600f series storage array
refers to both Dell PowerVault MD3600f and Dell PowerVault MD3620f.
This guide provides information about deploying Dell PowerVault MD3600f
and MD3620f storage arrays. The deployment process includes:
• Hardware installation
• Modular Disk Storage Manager (MDSM) software installation
• Initial system configuration
Other information provided include system requirements, storage array
organization, and utilities.
NOTE: For more information on product documentation, see
support.dell.com/manuals.
MDSM enables an administrator to configure and monitor storage arrays for
optimum usability. The version of MDSM included on the PowerVault MD
series resource media can be used to manage both the PowerVault MD3600f
series and the earlier PowerVault MD series storage arrays. MDSM is
compatible with both Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems.
System Requirements
Before installing and configuring the PowerVault MD3600f series hardware
and software, ensure that the supported operating system is installed and
minimum system requirements are met. For more information, see the
Support Matrix at support.dell.com/manuals.
Management Station Requirements
A management station uses MDSM to configure and manage storage arrays
across the network. A management station must meet the following
minimum system requirements:
• Intel Pentium or an equivalent processor (1333 MHz or faster) with 512
MB RAM (1024 MB recommended)
• 1 GB disk space
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2
Hardware Installation
Before using this guide, ensure that you review the instructions in the:
• Getting Started Guide—The Getting Started Guide that 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 you should know before setting up
your storage solution. See the Owner’s Manual at
support.dell.com/manuals.
• Configuring Fibre Channel With the Dell PowerVault MD3600f Series
Storage Array—This document provides information about configurations,
host bus adapter (HBA) installation, and zoning. See
support.dell.com/manuals.
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• If the status LEDs are blinking amber, there is an error that can be
viewed using the PowerVault MDSM.
• If the status LEDs are solid blue, the storage array is ready.
c When the storage array is online and ready, turn on any attached host
systems.
7 After the PowerVault MD1200 series expansion enclosure is configured as
an expansion enclosure of the storage array, restore the data that was
backed up in step 1.
After the PowerVault MD1200 series expansion enclosures are online, they
can be accessed as a part of the storage array.
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a Stop all I/O to the storage array and turn off affected host systems
attached to the storage array.
b Turn off the storage array.
c Turn off any expansion enclosure(s) in the affected system.
3 Cable the expansion enclosure(s) to the storage array.
4 Turn on attached units:
a Turn on the expansion enclosure(s). Wait for the enclosure status
LED to turn blue.
b Turn on the storage array and wait for the status LED to indicate that
the unit is ready:
• If the status LEDs are solid amber, the storage array is still coming
online.
• If the status LEDs are blinking amber, there is an error that can be
viewed using PowerVault MDSM.
• If the status LEDs are solid blue, the storage array is ready.
c After the storage array is online and ready, turn on any attached host
systems.
5 Using PowerVault MDSM, update all attached expansion enclosure
firmware if it is out of date:
a From the EMW, select the enclosure that you want to update and
enter the Array Management Window (AMW).
b Click AdvancedMaintanence DownloadEMM Firmware.
c Select Select All to update all the attached expansion enclosures
simultaneously.
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3
Installing MD Storage Software
The PowerVault MD series resource media contains software and drivers for
both Linux and Microsoft Windows operating systems.
The root of the media contains a readme.txt file covering changes to the
software, updates, fixes, patches, and other important data applicable to both
Linux and Windows operating systems. The readme.txt file also specifies
requirements for accessing documentation, information regarding versions of
the software on the media, and system requirements for running the software.
For more information on supported hardware and software for Dell PowerVault
systems, see the Support Matrix located at support.dell.com/manuals.
NOTE: It is recommended that you install all the latest updates available at
support.dell.com.
The PowerVault MD3600f series storage software installer provides features that
include the core software and providers. The core software feature includes the
host-based storage agent, multipath driver, and MD Storage Manager
application used to configure, manage and monitor the storage array solution.
The providers feature include providers for the Microsoft Virtual Disk Service
(VDS) and Microsoft Volume Shadow-Copy Service (VSS) framework.
NOTE: For more information about the Microsoft VDS and Microsoft VSS providers,
see the Owner's Manual at support.dell.com/manuals.
NOTE: To install the software on a Windows or Linux system, you must have
administrative or root privileges.
The PowerVault MD series resource media offers the following installation
methods:
• Graphical Installation (Recommended)—This is the recommended
installation procedure for most users. The installer presents a graphical
wizard-driven interface that allows customization of which components
are installed.
• Console Installation—This installation procedure is useful for Linux users
that do not desire to install an X-Window environment on their supported
Linux platform.
Console Installation
NOTE: Console installation only applies to Linux systems that are not running a
graphical environment.
The autorun script in the root of the resource media detects when there is no
graphical environment running and automatically starts the installer in a
text-based mode. This mode provides the same options as graphical installation.
Silent Installation
To run silent installation on a Windows system:
1 Copy the custom_silent.properties file in the /windows folder of the
installation media or image to a writable location on the host server.
2 Modify the custom_silent.properties file to reflect the features, models
and installation options to be used. Then, save the file.
3 Once the custom_silent.properties file is revised to reflect your specific
installation, run the following command to begin the silent installation:
mdss_install.exe –f <host_server_path>\
custom_silent.properties
To run silent installation on a Linux system:
NOTE: On Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 operating systems, run the following
script from the root directory to install prerequisite packages:
# md_prereq_install.sh
1 Copy the custom_silent.properties file in the /windows folder of the
installation media or image to a writable location on the host server.
2 Modify the custom_silent.properties file to reflect the features, models
and installation options to be used. Then, save the file.
3 Once the custom_silent.properties file is revised, run the following
command to begin the installation:
./mdss_install.bin –f
<host_server_path>/custom_silent.properties
4
Post Installation Tasks
Before using the Dell PowerVault storage array for the first time, complete
these initial configuration tasks in the order shown. These tasks are
performed using the MD Storage Manager (MDSM) software.
1 For out-of-band management, you must set the network configuration for
each RAID controller module, including its Internet Protocol (IP) address,
subnetwork mask (subnet mask), and gateway.
NOTE: You can set the network configuration using a DHCP server.
2 Start MDSM.
• Click StartProgramsDellMD Storage ManagerModular
Disk Storage Manager Client on Microsoft Windows operating
systems.
• Click the PowerVault MD Storage Manager desktop icon on Linux
operating systems.
• You can also launch PowerVault MD Storage Manager in Linux by
running the following commands at the command prompt:
cd /opt/dell/mdstoragesoftware/mdstoragemanager
/client./SMclient
3 Go to Setup Add Storage Array and start the automatic discovery of
systems in the Enterprise Management Window (EMW).
NOTE: Only storage arrays configured with IP address on the same subnet as
the management stations will be detected.
NOTE: It may take several minutes for the discovery process to complete.
Closing the Automatic Discovery Status window before this stops the
discovery process.
After discovery is complete, a confirmation screen is displayed.
4 Click Close to close the screen.
NOTE: Before configuring the storage array, check the status icons on the Device pane
to ensure that the enclosures in the storage array are in an Optimal status. For more
information on the status icons, see the Owner’s Manual at support.dell.com/manuals.
Task Purpose
Rename the storage array To provide a more meaningful name than the
software-assigned label, Unnamed.
Set a storage array password To restrict unauthorized access. MDSM may
ask for a password before changing the
configuration or performing a destructive
operation.
Set up alert notifications To notify individuals (by e-mail) and/or
Set up e-mail alerts storage enterprise management consoles, such
as Dell Management Console, (by SNMP)
Set up SNMP alerts when a storage array component degrades or
fails, or an adverse environmental condition
occurs.
Configure a storage array To create virtual disks and map them to hosts.
5
Uninstalling MD Storage Software
Uninstalling MD Storage Software From
Windows
Use the Change/Remove Program feature to uninstall the Modular Disk
Storage Software (MDSM) from Microsoft Windows operating systems other
than Microsoft Windows Server 2008:
1 Double-click Add or Remove Programs from the Control Panel.
2 Select Dell MD32xxi storage software from the list of programs.
3 Click Change/Remove.
The Uninstall Complete window is displayed.
4 Follow the instructions on screen.
5 Select Yes to restart the system, and then click Done.
Use the following procedure to uninstall Modular Disk Storage software from
Windows Server 2008 GUI versions:
1 Double-click Programs and Features from the Control Panel.
2 Select MD Storage Software from the list of programs.
3 Click Uninstall/Change.
The Uninstall Complete window is displayed.
4 Follow the instructions on screen.
5 Select Yes to restart the system, then click Done.
Use the following procedure to uninstall PowerVault Modular Disk Storage
Software on Windows Server 2008 Core versions:
1 Navigate to the Dell\MD Storage Software\Uninstall Dell Modular Disk
32xxi Storage Software directory.
A
Appendix—Load Balancing
Windows Load Balance Policy
Multi-path drivers select the I/O path to a virtual disk through a specific
RAID controller module. When the multi-path driver receives a new I/O, the
driver tries to find a path to the current RAID controller module that owns
the virtual disk. If that path cannot be found, the multi-path driver migrates
the virtual disk ownership to the secondary RAID controller module. When
multiple paths to the RAID controller module that owns the virtual disk exist,
you can choose a load balance policy to determine which path is used to
process I/O. Multiple options for setting the load balance policies let you
optimize I/O performance when mixed host interfaces are configured.
You can choose one of the following load balance policies to optimize
I/O performance:
• Round robin with subset
• Least queue depth with subset
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Changing the Load Balance Policy Using Windows Server 2008 Device
Manager Options
1 From the host desktop, right-click My Computer and select Manage to
open the Computer Management window.
2 Click Device Manager to show the list of devices attached to the host.
3 Right-click the multi-path disk device for which you want to set load
balance policies, then select Properties.
4 From the MPIO tab, select the load balance policy you want to set for this
disk device.
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Changing the Load Balance Policy Using the Windows Server 2008 Disk
Management Options
1 From the host desktop, right-click My Computer and select Manage to
open the Computer Management window.
2 Click Disk Management to show the list of virtual disks attached to
the host.
3 Right-click the virtual disk on which you want to set the load balance
policy, then click Properties.
4 From the MPIO tab, select the load balance policy that you want to set for
this virtual disk.
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B
Appendix—Working With SFP
Modules and Fiber Optic Cables
Each storage controller can have up to four FC host ports. A
small-form-factor pluggable (SFP) module is used to connect a host port to a
host or switch. The SFP module is inserted into the port, and then a fiber
optic cable is inserted into the SFP module. The other end of the fiber optic
cable is connected to an optical interface connector either in a FC HBA on a
host or a switch. SFP modules are laser products.
WARNING: Data processing environments can contain equipment transmitting
on system links with laser modules that operate at greater than Class 1 power
levels. Never look into the end of an optical fiber cable or open receptacle.
• You must install the SFP module into a port before you connect the fiber
optic cable.
• You must remove the fiber optic cable from the SFP module before you
remove the SFP module from the port.
CAUTION: When handling static-sensitive devices, take precautions to avoid
damaging the product from static electricity.
C
Appendix—Hardware Cabling Best
Practices
Handling Static-Sensitive Components
Static electricity can damage memory modules, system boards, and other
static-sensitive components. To prevent damaging the system, follow
these precautions:
• Move and store all components in the static-protective packaging.
• Place components on a grounded surface before removing them from their
static-protective packaging.
• Grounded surfaces include static-dissipating mats or grounded workstations.
• Always be properly grounded when touching a static-sensitive component.
To properly ground yourself, wear a wrist strap or boot strap made for this
purpose.
• Handle the component by its edges. Do not touch solder joints, pins, or
printed circuitry.
• Use conductive field service tools.
Labeling Cables
Cabling is an important part of creating a robust storage array. Labeling the
cables identifies system components and drive channels. System
maintenance is easier when the cables are correctly identified. Label both
ends of each cable. You can use adhesive office labels that are folded in half
over the ends of each cable. Mark the labels with the port identifiers to which
the cable is connected. Additional information can be provided by using
color-coded cable straps (or ties) to group all cables associated with one
component or drive channel.
If a component fails, the cables must be disconnected, the failed component
replaced, and the cables reattached. Detailed labeling of the cables simplifies
the component replacement process.
If you are adding a new expansion enclosure to an existing configuration,
correctly labeled cables helps identify where to connect the new enclosure.