Introduction; Audience; Document Structure - Dell PS4000 Configuration Manual

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, standards-
compliant 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:
Network Ports and Protocols on page 47
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Recommended Switches on page 49
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Supported iSCSI Initiators on page 51
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PowerConnect 54xx Switch Configuration on page 54
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PowerConnect 62xx Switch Configuration on page 58
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Cisco IOS based Switch Configuration on page 61
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