Network-Attached Configurations - Dell PowerVault MD3600i Deployment Manual

Network-Attached Configurations

You can also cable the host servers to the RAID controller module iSCSI ports
through industry-standard 10G or 1G Ethernet switches. An iSCSI
configuration that uses Ethernet switches is frequently referred to as an IP
SAN. By using an IP SAN, the PowerVault MD3600i Series storage array can
support up to 64 hosts simultaneously. This configuration supports either
single- or dual-path data configurations and either single or dual controller
modules.
Figure 2-6 shows up to 64 stand-alone servers attached (using multiple
sessions) to a single RAID controller module through a network. Hosts that
have a second Ethernet connection to the network allow two separate
physical paths for each host, which ensures full redundancy if one of the paths
fails. It is recommended you use two switches for more redundancy. However,
single switch configuration is also supported. Figure 2-7 shows how the same
number of hosts can be similarly attached to a dual RAID controller module
configuration.
Figure 2-8 shows up to 64 stand-alone servers attached (using multiple
sessions) to a single RAID controller module through a network using a 1G to
10G aggregation scheme. The NICs on the servers are 1G NICs and the
uplink ports on the 1G switches are 10G. Hosts that have a second Ethernet
connection to the network allow two separate physical paths for each host,
which ensures full redundancy if one of the paths fails. It is recommended you
use two switches for more redundancy. However, single switch configuration is
also supported.
Figure 2-9 shows how the same number of hosts can be similarly attached to a
dual RAID controller module configuration. Hardware redundancy is
achieved in this configuration, in case of any switch failure.
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Hardware Installation