Dell PS6000 Configuration Guide - Page 6
Introduction, 1.1 Audience, 1.2 Document Structure, Audience - san performance
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1 Introduction With the Dell™ EqualLogic™ PS Series of storage arrays Dell provides a storage solution that delivers the benefits of consolidated networked storage in a self-managing, iSCSI storage area network (SAN) that is affordable and easy to use, regardless of scale. By eliminating complex tasks and enabling fast and flexible storage provisioning, these solutions dramatically reduce the costs of storage acquisition and ongoing operations. To be able to leverage the advanced features provided by an EqualLogic array, a robust, standardscompliant iSCSI storage area network (SAN) infrastructure must be created. While almost any industry standard, enterprise class Ethernet switch can be used to connect hosts to the EqualLogic-based virtual storage volumes, some switches, network interface controllers(NICs), iSCSI Host Bus Adapters (HBAs), and iSCSI initiators can directly impact the overall performance of the SAN storage solution. The Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide is provided as an aid to help storage administrators determine how best to build an iSCSI infrastructure for use within an EqualLogic SAN solution. This document focuses on network configuration, host integration and other topics that help to ensure a smooth deployment with maximum SAN performance. This document should be used strictly as a guide in planning an EqualLogic SAN solution. It should not be considered a statement of support for any specific configuration. Actual viability of any configuration will depend on the capabilities of the individual components (switches, network interface controllers, initiators, etc.) that make up the SAN infrastructure. 1.1 Audience This configuration guide is intended for storage administrators, SAN designers, storage consultants, or anyone who is considering purchasing or has purchased an EqualLogic PS Series Array(s) for use in a production storage area network. It is assumed that all readers have experience in designing and/or administering a shared storage solution. Also, there are some assumptions made in terms of familiarity with all current and possibly future Ethernet standards as defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) as well as all TCP/IP and iSCSI standards as defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). 1.2 Document Structure This rest of this configuration guide contains the following sections: Section 2, PS Series Storage Arrays on page 2 Section 3, Peer Storage Operations on page 14 Section 4, SAN Design on page 25 Section 5, M1000e Blade Chassis Integration on page 40 Appendices: o Network Ports and Protocols on page 47 o Recommended Switches on page 49 o Supported iSCSI Initiators on page 51 o PowerConnect 54xx Switch Configuration on page 54 o PowerConnect 62xx Switch Configuration on page 58 o Cisco IOS based Switch Configuration on page 61 Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 1