Dell PowerVault MD3660f Series, Deployment Manual

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Appendix — Hardware Cabling Best Practices
Handling Static Sensitive Components
Static electricity can damage memory modules, system boards, and other static-sensitive components. To prevent
damaging the system, follow these precautions:
• Move and store all components in the static-protective packaging.
• Place components on a grounded surface before removing them from their static-protective packaging.
• Grounded surfaces include static-dissipating mats or grounded workstations.
• Always be properly grounded when touching a static-sensitive component. To properly ground yourself, wear a
wrist strap or boot strap made for this purpose.
• Handle the component by its edges. Do not touch solder joints, pins, or printed circuitry.
• Use conductive field service tools.
Host Cabling For Remote Replication
The Remote Replication premium feature provides online, real-time replication of data between storage arrays over a
remote distance. In the event of a disaster or a catastrophic failure at one storage array, a second storage array can be
promoted to take over responsibility for computing services. The Remote Replication premium feature requires a
dedicated host port for replicating data between storage arrays. After the Remote Replication premium feature has been
activated, one host I/O port on each RAID controller module is solely dedicated to replicating operations.
NOTE: If Remote Replication is activated, host port 3 on each RAID controller module is dedicated for the
communication that occurs between the two storage arrays (primary and secondary virtual disks). If the Remote
Replication premium feature is not being used, these host ports are available for ordinary host connections.
Cabling For Performance
Data transfer performance is enhanced by maximizing bandwidth, which is the ability to process more I/O across more
channels. Therefore, a configuration that maximizes the number of host channels and the number of drive channels
available to process I/O maximizes performance. Faster processing speeds also maximize performance.
In addition to planning a topology that provides maximum performance, choose a RAID level that suits the planned
applications.
Labeling Cables
Cabling is an important part of creating a robust storage array. Labeling the cables identifies system components and
drive channels. System maintenance is easier when the cables are correctly identified. Label both ends of each cable.
You can use adhesive office labels that are folded in half over the ends of each cable. Mark the labels with the port
identifiers to which the cable is connected. Additional information can be provided by using color-coded cable straps (or
ties) to group all cables associated with one component or drive channel.
If a component fails, the cables must be disconnected, the failed component replaced, and the cables reattached.
Detailed labeling of the cables simplifies the component replacement process.
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