Manual

connection to a host server. The Ethernet connection passes management information between the

management station and the storage array connectivity.

Using MDSM, you can configure the physical disks in the storage array into logical components called

disk groups or dynamic disk group and then divide the disk groups into virtual disks. Disk groups are

created in the unconfigured capacity of a storage array. Virtual disks are created in the free capacity of a

disk group.

Unconfigured capacity comprises physical disks not already assigned to a disk group. When a virtual disk

is created using unconfigured capacity, a disk group or dynamic disk group is automatically created. If the

only virtual disk in a disk group is deleted, the disk group is also deleted. Free capacity is space in a disk

group that is not assigned to any virtual disk.

Data is written to the physical disks in the storage array using RAID technology. RAID levels define how

data is written to physical disks. Different RAID levels offer different levels of accessibility, redundancy,

and capacity. You can set a specified RAID level for each disk group and virtual disk on your storage array.

For more information about using RAID and managing data in your storage solution, see the Owner’s

Manual at dell.com/support/manuals.

Related Documentation

NOTE: For all PowerVault documentation, go to dell.com/powervaultmanuals and enter the

system Service Tag to get your system documentation.

NOTE: For all Dell OpenManage documents, go to dell.com/openmanagemanuals.

NOTE: For all storage controller documents, go to dell.com/storagecontrollermanuals.

Your product documentation includes:

• Dell PowerVault MD3400/3420/3800i/3820i/3800f/3820f Storage Arrays Getting Started Guide —

Provides an overview of system features, setting up your system, and technical specifications. This

document is also shipped with your system.

• Dell PowerVault MD3400 and 3420 Storage Arrays Owner’s Manual — Provides information about

system features and describes how to troubleshoot the system and install or replace system

components.

• Rack Installation Instructions — Describes how to install your system into a rack. This document is

also shipped with your rack solution.

• Dell PowerVault MD Series Storage Arrays Administrator's Guide — Provides information about

configuring and managing the system using the MDSM GUI.

• Dell PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Arrays CLI Guide — Provides information about configuring and

managing the system using the MDSM CLI.

• Dell PowerVault MD3400 and 3420 Storage Arrays Deployment Guide — Provides information about

deploying the storage system in the SAN architecture.

• Dell PowerVault MD34xx/38xx Series Support Matrix — Provides information about the software and

hardware compatibility matrices for the storage array.

Locating Your System Service Tag

Your system is identified by a unique Express Service Code and Service Tag number. The Express Service

Code and Service Tag are found on the front of the system by pulling out the information tag.

Alternatively, the information may be on a sticker on the chassis of the system. This information is used

by Dell to route support calls to the appropriate personnel.