Dell POWERVAULT MD3620I - Manual (Page 5)

Getting Started With Your System
3
Before You Begin
NOTE:
Throughout the document, Dell PowerVault MD3600i series storage
array refers to both Dell PowerVault MD3600i and Dell PowerVault MD3620i.
Dell PowerVault MD1200 series expansion enclosure refers to both
Dell PowerVault MD1200 and Dell PowerVault MD1220.
Before setting up your Dell PowerVault MD3600i series storage array,
you must consider certain best practices to ensure that your storage array
operates at maximum efficiency and offers full redundancy (if required).
• The PowerVault MD3600i series storage array is a 10GBase-T product that
requires a 10GBase-T capable infrastructure that consists of Category 6 or
higher cables, 10GBase-T capable patch panels, and switches.
• Existing 1GBase-T infrastructures can be used either through a 10GBase-T
switch, that interconnects the 10GBase-T network, or by manually
configuring the iSCSI ports to run at 1GBase-T speeds. You can also
use the Modular Disk Configuration Utility (MDCU) to configure
the port speeds. For more information about MDCU, see "Installing the
MD Storage Software" on page 14.
NOTE:
Auto-negotiation is not supported and the operation speed must be
configured manually.
• Throughout the network, always use a Category 6 (or higher) Ethernet cable.
• It is recommended that you use a dedicated IP SAN for iSCSI data
transmission. Management traffic can be isolated on a separate
management network.
• Complete the iSCSI configuration worksheet before configuring iSCSI.
See "Completing the iSCSI Worksheet" on page 5. This worksheet gathers
physical network information in a single source.
• After completing the iSCSI worksheet, draw the configuration before
setting up the solution.
• Always configure redundant iSCSI data paths to provide alternate paths
to and from the host server should one of the data paths become disabled.