Dell EqualLogic PS6100 series User Manual

March 2013 Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v14.1 iv
Table of contents
Abstract ......................................................................................................................................................................... i
Revision history ........................................................................................................................................................... ii
1 PS Series storage arrays ................................................................................................................................ 1-2
1.1 Array models ........................................................................................................................................... 1-2
1.2 PS Series supported configuration limits ........................................................................................... 1-3
1.3 Array models prior to PS4100/PS6100 ............................................................................................... 1-5
1.3.1 Controller types in all models prior to PS4100/PS6100 ......................................................... 1-6
1.3.2 Controller redundancy in all models prior to PS4100/PS6100 .............................................. 1-7
1.3.3 Controller failover behavior in all models prior to PS4100/PS6100 ..................................... 1-7
1.4 Array models PS4100/PS6100 .......................................................................................................... 1-10
1.4.1 Controller types in PS4100/PS6100 models .......................................................................... 1-10
1.4.2 Controller redundancy in PS4100/PS6100 controllers ......................................................... 1-11
1.4.3 Controller failover behavior: PS41x0/PS61x0 ......................................................................... 1-11
1.4.4 Vertical port failover behavior in PS4100/PS6100 controllers ............................................. 1-12
1.4.5 Vertical port failover behavior in PS4110/PS6110 controllers .............................................. 1-15
1.5 Array model PS-M4110 ........................................................................................................................ 1-17
1.5.1 Controller type in PS-M4110 model ......................................................................................... 1-17
1.5.2 Configuration options ................................................................................................................. 1-18
1.5.3 Failure behavior in the PS-M4110 .............................................................................................. 1-18
1.5.4 Networking considerations and guidelines ............................................................................. 1-18
2 Controller firmware .................................................................................................................................... 2-20
2.1 About member firmware .................................................................................................................... 2-20
2.2 Firmware upgrade considerations .................................................................................................... 2-20
2.2.1 PS Series Firmware Compatibility with EqualLogic Tools .................................................... 2-22
2.3 Optimizing for High Availability and preparing for Array Firmware updates ............................ 2-23
2.3.1 Verify hosts are designed for high availability ........................................................................ 2-23
2.3.2 Microsoft Windows Servers ....................................................................................................... 2-23
2.3.3 VMWare ESX Servers ................................................................................................................... 2-23
2.3.4 Storage Heartbeat on vSphere 5.0, 4.1, and 4.0 .................................................................... 2-24
2.3.5 Linux servers ................................................................................................................................. 2-24
2.3.6 Network topology health check ............................................................................................... 2-24
2.3.7 Environmental health .................................................................................................................. 2-24
3 RAID policies ................................................................................................................................................ 3-25

Dell EqualLogic PS6100 series Specifications

General

RAID Support	RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, RAID 50
Hot-Swappable Components	Drives, power supplies, controllers
Drive Bays	24
Drive Types	SAS, SSD
Controllers	Dual controllers
Network Interfaces	4 x 1GbE per controller
Management	Group Manager
Power Supply	Dual redundant hot-swappable power supplies
Maximum Raw Capacity	Up to 72TB
Number of Drives	24
Operating Temperature	10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)
Form Factor	3U