Cabling The Storage Array; Redundant And Non-Redundant Cabling; Direct-Attached Cabling - Dell PowerVault MD3600f Configuration Manual

Cabling the Storage Array

Cabling the storage array depends on a number of factors such as:
• Direct- or SAN-attached storage array
• Required level of redundancy or throughput
• Number of host servers connected to the storage array
• Type of HBAs (dual- or single-port) used in the host server(s)
• Remote Replication premium feature (if applicable)
The cabling diagrams shown here do not represent every supported cabling
scenario but the concepts of redundancy and switch logic can be used to build
your own configuration.

Redundant and Non-Redundant Cabling

Non-redundant cabling configurations provide a single data path from a host
server to the storage array. This type of configuration is only recommended for
non-critical data storage. A path failure from a failed or removed cable, failed
HBA, or failed or removed RAID controller module results in loss of host
access to the storage array.
Redundant configurations establish separate data paths between the host
server and storage array. Each path is connected to separate RAID controller
modules in the storage array. Redundancy protects the host server from losing
access to data in the event of a path failure since both RAID controller
modules can independently access all the physical disks in the storage array.

Direct-Attached Cabling

Direct-attached cabling configurations provide simple, non-switched
connections between the host server and storage array. Redundancy is
achieved in a direct-attached configuration if two RAID controllers are
installed in the storage array and multiple paths between the host sever and
storage array are established.
A single RAID controller, direct-attached configuration is supported, but is
not recommended due to the low level of redundancy offered.
Configuring Fibre Channel
11