Dell EqualLogic arrays provide a range of features for seamless data migration, allowing IT professionals to efficiently move data between arrays without impacting performance or requiring extensive manual interventions. This guide synthesizes key practices and emphasizes configurations that ensure optimal migration outcomes.
Understanding Dell EqualLogic Array Migration Features
When migrating data between Dell EqualLogic arrays, users can leverage both application-level and storage-level functionalities. Notably, VMware vSphere’s Storage vMotion and Microsoft Hyper-V’s Storage Live Migration facilitate application-level data movement. However, EqualLogic arrays offer inherent storage-level options that can further streamline this process.
Storage-Level Migration with Dell EqualLogic
To migrate data across different EqualLogic arrays, you can incorporate the new array as an additional member of an existing group. Ensure compatibility by verifying that all arrays within the group run on the same firmware version. This integration allows you to utilize features like volume movement across storage pools.
Steps for Successful Data Migration
- Add the new array to your current EqualLogic group.
- Access the web interface and initialize the disks on the new array, selecting the appropriate RAID configuration (RAID10, RAID50, RAID5, and RAID6 for SATA).
- Set up a new storage pool to host the migrated volumes.
- Change the storage pool properties of the volumes you wish to migrate. The data transfer begins immediately, allowing volumes to function across different arrays and pools.
- Monitor the migration process at both the volume and group levels, ensuring successful data movement.
- Once volumes are successfully migrated, and the initial pool is empty, you can safely remove the old array from the group or repurpose it for disaster recovery.
Advantages of EqualLogic Migration Features
- Reduced Resource Consumption: EqualLogic’s storage-level migrations minimize the workload on host systems, leveraging technologies like VMware VAAI and Microsoft ODX for efficient data transfer.
- Transparency and Preservation: Migrations are seamless, requiring no host-level reconfiguration while preserving critical volume attributes such as snapshots and replication schedules.
- Flexibility: The system supports live shifts between RAID levels and distributed volumes, akin to RAID0, with automatic tiering capabilities.
These features cater to enterprise needs by ensuring data integrity and operational efficiency while migrating data. For best practices and in-depth guidance, refer to official Dell EqualLogic resources.
