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vStart 1000m for Enterprise Virtualization using Hyper-V – Reference Architecture
Dell Inc. 24
Figure 11: Compellent Snapshot Consistency
6.6.12.5 Storage Tiering
Tiering storage is the practice of physically partitioning data into multiple distinct classes based on
price, performance or other attributes. Data may be dynamically moved among classes in a tiered
storage implementation based on access activity or other considerations.
This is normally achieved through a combination of varying types of disks which are used for different
data types. (i.e. Production, non-production, backups, etc.) Dell Compellent Fluid Data storage
dynamically moves enterprise data to the optimal storage tier based on actual use. The most active
blocks reside on high-performance SSD and SAS drives, while infrequently accessed data migrates to
lower-cost, high-capacity SAS drives. The result is network storage that remains in tune with
application needs, with overall storage costs cut by up to 80%.
6.7 Scalability
As workloads increase, the solution can be scaled to provide additional compute and storage resources
independently.
Scaling Compute and Network Resources: This solution is configured with two S4810 network
switches. Up to two PowerEdge M1000e chassis can be added to the Force10 two switches. In order to
scale the compute nodes beyond two chassis, new S4810 switches need to be added. Additional
switches can either be stacked together and/or connected to this distribution switch based on
customer needs.
Scaling Storage Resources: Compellent storage can be scaled seamlessly and independent of the
compute and network architectures. Additional drives and enclosures can be added to the existing
controllers. New volumes can be created or existing volumes can be expanded to utilize the capacity in
the added enclosures. This design is currently limited to four additional enclosures in the single rack
configuration and eight additional enclosures in the two rack configurations. The Compellent Series 40
controllers can scale up to a maximum of 960 drives. To scale beyond these limits, additional racks and
controllers can be added to the solution and connected to the Brocade 5100 switches.
7 Delivery Model
This Reference architecture can be purchased as a complete solution, the vStart 1000m. This solution
is available to be partially racked, cabled, and delivered to the customer site, to speed deployment.
Dell Services will deploy and configure the solution tailored to the business needs of the customer and