Ask the Expert: Redefining Entry Level Storage

This discussion is now open for questions. We look forward to a lively and informative event.

Best regards,

Roberto

Hello everyone! Brian Henderson, Jamin Solensky, and myself are looking forward to discussing the new VNXe3200 storage system with you. We have a lot of great information that can be found on EMC Online Support using the links below.

VNXe3200 Support Page

VNXe3200 White Papers

VNXe3200 How-To-Videos

Feel free to post your questions and comments below. We are looking forward to helping you redefine your storage environment with the simple, efficient, and protected VNXe3200 storage system.

Hi everyone,

I have a few questions about VNXe 3200 and VNX 5200.

1.) Is there only one CPU (controller) in VNXe3200 ?

2.) Besides, the hardware specification and supported software, what are the differences  between VNX5200 and VNXe3200 in performance aspect ? For example, the difference in operating environment ?

Best regards,

Chris

Hi @WK_Wong,

1. The VNXe3200 system is a dual Storage Processor (controller) system.
2. The VNXe3200 and VNX5200 systems both leverage MCx Multicore Optimization within their operating environments. The VNXe3200 provides similar features, functionality, and performance when compared to the VNX5200. The VNX5200 system is the preferred system if you are looking to leverage advanced data services such as Block Deduplication, concurrent CIFS and NFS access to the same share, FCOE, NFS v4, FTP, or SFTP in your storage environment.

Thanks Charles,

Regardless of those advanced data services and IO options, when we consider the latency and IOPS performance, for example,  a VNXe3200  and a VNX5200 with the same configuration 25 x 600GB 10kSAS disks and FC connection, would there be a big difference in latency and IOPS provided ?

So this is because the VNX 5200 is still using separate external Data Movers? But other than the physical Data Movers and the capability of doing MirrorView both machines are comparable, right?

Both machines are comparable in terms of performance and share much of the same MCx functionality. Despite these similarities, the VNXe3200 will not have complete feature parity with the VNX5200. As you mentioned, the VNXe3200 does not have separate data movers like the VNX5200. Some VNX5200 features not included in the initial release of the VNXe3200 include:

Remote replication

Block deduplication

Concurrent CIFS and NFS access to the same share

FCOE, NFS v4, FTP, SFTP support

Native quotas

VMware SRM support

Symmetric Active/Active for classic LUNs (all LUNs are pool LUNs in VNXe)

Out the gate there are some obvious limitation to the 3200 from a capacity standpoint. How confident is EMC on the time frame of the NDU that will allow for scale out to 125 Drives?

We have a client that would be a great fit but the 50 drive limitation could potentially bring pause to the deal.

The VNXe3200 will have a limit enforced within the ordering system (CXP/DXP) that will only allow you to order a DPE and an optional DAE. The drive count limit could be 24 (with a 12-drive DPE and DAE), 50 (with a 25-drive DPE and DAE), or 37 (with the DPE and DAE in any combination of 12-drive and 25-drive configuration). This restriction will be lifted within 90-120 days of the VNXe3200 initial release and customers are able to submit a special request (called an RPQ) for support up to the maximum 150 drive limit. Historically, 98% of all VNXe systems sold have shipped with less than 50 drives.

wasn't that because no more drives were supported in the first place? I really see great potential for this baby!

RRR,

Is that question in response to Charles' 98% comment? The VNXe3100 and VNXe3150 both support up to 100 drives in a dual SP configuration (50 for single SP) and the VNXe3300 supports up to 150 drives.

What is the reason for the 3200 to only support Base-T 10G and not have support for optical ports like the Bigger VNX's and the 3300. ?

VNXe models have always included embedded Base-T ports in the Storage Processors. The only way for VNXe systems to support optical ports would be through the use of an I/O module. VNXe3300 systems can use full-size SLICs similar to the VNX systems, whereas the VNXe3100, VNXe3150, and VNXe3200 systems can only use the half-size eSLICs. Currently, the I/O module with optical ports is only available in a full-size SLIC. At this point in time, we are planning to support the optical eSLIC in a future release.

Well, maybe customers going over 50 also grow to over 100? We sell quite a few 5200s, simply because customers want these and the 3200 will be perfect for most of them.