User Manual

Hardware Installation

Before using this guide, ensure that you review the instructions in the documents:

• Getting Started Guide — The Getting Started Guide shipped with the storage array provides

information to configure the initial setup of the system.

• Owner’s Manual — The Owner’s Manual provides information about important concepts to set up

your storage solution. See the Owner’s Manual at dell.com/support/manuals.

Planning The Storage Configuration

Consider the following before installing your storage array:

• Evaluate data storage needs and administrative requirements.

• Calculate availability requirements.

• Decide the frequency and level of backups, such as weekly full backups with daily partial backups.

• Consider storage array options, such as password protection and email alert notifications for error

conditions.

• Design the configuration of virtual disks, disk groups, or dynamic disk groups according to a data

organization plan. For example, use one virtual disk for inventory, a second for financial and tax

information, and a third for customer information.

• Decide whether to allow space for hot spares, which automatically replace failed physical disks.

Connecting The Storage Array

The storage array is connected to a host using two hot-swappable RAID controller modules. The RAID

controller modules are identified as RAID controller module 0 and RAID controller module 1.

NOTE: See the Owner’s Manual for a complete description of all the parts on the controller.

The functions of the ports on each controllers are described below:

• 10 gbps iSCSI Host Ports (2) — Allows you to connect host servers to the storage array.

• 12 gpbs SAS Host Ports (2) — Allows you to connect host servers to the storage array.

• 16 gbps Ethernet Management (MGMT) Port (1) — Management port allows for out of band

management of storage array.

• Reserved Ethernet Port (1) — Reserved

• SAS Expansion Ports (2) — Allows you to connect the storage array to optional PowerVault MD1200

series expansion enclosures for additional storage capacity. Only one SAS OUT expansion port can be

used at a time and the recommended expansion port is 0.

Each PowerVault MD3800i and MD3820i series storage array can be expanded to a maximum of 120 (or

192, if enabled using Premium Feature activation) slots.