The Dell EqualLogic series has made a significant impact in the realm of iSCSI storage, known for its reliability and efficiency. The introduction of the converged version for the M1000e blade enclosure, particularly the Dell EqualLogic PS-M4110 Blade Array, deserves a detailed exploration due to its unique integration and performance improvements.
Overview of the Dell EqualLogic PS-M4110 Blade Array
Designed to fit within the PowerEdge M1000e blade enclosure, the PS-M4110 Blade Array offers a streamlined storage solution with several configurations to meet varying business needs. It requires at least one 10 Gbps fabric alongside updated firmware to function optimally within the M1000e environment. This blade array seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure, enhancing versatility and scalability.
Variants and Specifications
- PS-M4110E: Uses NL-SAS drives for optimal cost efficiency.
- PS-M4110X: Equipped with SAS 10k drives for balanced performance and capacity.
- PS-M4110XV: Features SAS 15k drives, providing high performance for intensive applications.
- PS-M4110XS: A hybrid model combining SSD and HDD for enhanced performance and storage efficiency.
Each unit occupies two horizontal slots within the chassis and can host up to 14 disks with dual controllers. This configuration allows each M1000e chassis to host up to four blade storages, thereby optimizing the use of available space.
Configuration and Deployment
The PS-M4110 arrays can be configured using the Chassis Management Controller (CMC), eliminating the need for a serial cable or initialization tools, although these options remain available if necessary. An essential setup consideration is ensuring the correct storage fabric choice, as changes later can be complex and may require support intervention.
The fabric must be a 10 Gbps setup, compatible with modules such as Dell Force10 MXL, PowerConnect M8024-K, and 8428-K, or 10Gb-K Ethernet pass-through for optimal performance. This compatibility ensures that the storage solution can handle intensive data workloads efficiently.
Deployment Scenarios
In various deployment scenarios, the Dell EqualLogic blade array can be integrated with other Dell blade offerings for a cohesive enterprise solution. Utilizing the “Sumo” version can handle multi-point replication across different chassis, enhancing data redundancy and disaster recovery capabilities.
Conclusion
The Dell EqualLogic PS-M4110 Blade Array provides a robust and flexible storage solution suitable for modern data centers. With its ability to fit seamlessly into existing infrastructure and its range of configurations, it offers an effective answer to complex storage demands. For more detailed guidance, refer to Dell Support for comprehensive setup and troubleshooting instructions.
