MD3600f - Setup Documentation?

Question

I have a PowerEdge MD3600f, that was purchased by another group. I believe the SA gave up attempting to configure and it's been sitting in a box, for a year or more. I'd like to take advantage of it, but have limited knowledge of SAN storage. Specifically, Dell. Could you point me in the direction of a ground up build, for this array? I'm looking for any documentation, that includes options of configurations, to all initial configurations and installation. Any assistance, is greatly appreciated.

The plan is to utilize it strictly for storage. No VM's, etc.

DELL-Daniel Ca · Answer

Hello, Nvizn1

Welcome to Dell's PowerVault. I have plenty of links and information for you, so prepare for a lot of reading.

We'll start with the place you can find almost any manual you may need:

www.dell.com/.../manuals

Here's the Support Matrix for the MD3600f:

downloads.dell.com/.../MD32XX_MD36XX_ReferenceGuide9_EN.pdf

Here's the Deployment Guide:

downloads.dell.com/.../powervault-md3600f_Deployment%20Guide_en-us.pdf

Here's the Owner's Manual:

downloads.dell.com/.../powervault-md3600f_Owner%27s%20Manual_en-us.pdf

Here's the Software Guide:

downloads.dell.com/.../powervault-md3200_Administrator%20Guide_en-us.pdf

And, of course as always, feel free to engage support here, or on the phone.

The only thing I'd point out is the firmware on the array may be a little behind, so I'd suggest bringing it up to date first thing before it's under a load.

I often see folks update everything in the data center to the cutting edge, and drag the storage controllers through the dirt roads of yesteryear. You'll find it'll be easier to deal with when it's able to keep up with everything else.

Other than that, you have plenty here to get you started. Don't hesitate to let us know if you need anything.

Nvizn1 · Answer

Thanks for the details!

Nvizn1 · Answer

I'm just now, reviewing the deployment guide. As mentioned, I have little to no experience with SAN's. I understand it has the management console, MDSM, but does the unit require a head (Windows or Linux box) at all times? I was hoping to stand up, as a stand-alone storage device. Sharing the filesystems, with the samba service.

Background on my environment: Primarily Mac users. Would like to replace my current storage solution (Apple server w/ attached RAID devices), with this unit. Currently, our users connect/mount to our storage devices with samba. I would like to continue this process.

Not sure if this unit can be setup as a NAS?

Thanks for any assistance.

PowerVault

MD3600f - Setup Documentation?

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