Physical Layer - Dell EMC VxFlex Ready Node User Manual

Architecture

Physical layer

Dell EMC VxFlex Ready Node AMS User Guide
68
After completing this installation, the physical layer is ready, and can expose a virtual
storage layer.
This section describes the VxFlex OS physical layer and outlines the steps for
implementing it.
The physical layer consists of the hardware (servers with storage devices and the
network between them) and the VxFlex OS software installed on them.
Typically, each SDS is physically located on a separate server.
To implement the physical layer, perform the following steps:
1. Install the MDM component on the MDM nodes in one of the following
configurations:
Three-node redundant cluster (one Master MDM, one Slave MDM, and one Tie
l
Breaker).
Five-node redundant cluster (one Master MDM, two Slave MDMs, and two Tie
l
Breakers).
Single node (one master MDM).
l
NOTICE
It is not recommended to use Single Mode in production systems, except in
temporary situations. The MDM contains all the metadata required for
system operation. Single Mode has no protection, and exposes the system
to a single point of failure.
MDMs do not require dedicated nodes. They can be installed on nodes hosting
other VxFlex OS components.
2. Install the SDS component on all nodes that will contribute some, or all, of their
physical storage.
Divide the SDS nodes into Protection Domains. Each SDS can be a member of only
one Protection Domain.
Per Protection Domain, divide the physical storage units into Storage Pools, and
optionally, into Fault Sets.
3. Install the SDC component on all nodes on which the application will access the
data exposed by the VxFlex OS volumes.