Dell NX3500 Server User Manual


 
Introduction 21
PowerVault NX3500 Architecture
The PowerVault NX3500 combined with MD3xxxi provides you with a unified
storage solution (see Figure 1-1). This solution provides you with access to
both block and file storage (see Figure 1-2).
The PowerVault NX3500 clustered NAS solution consists of a pair of
controllers and the PowerVault Modular Disk (MD) iSCSI storage array. In
addition, both controllers are protected by BPS, which helps protect data
during power failure.
Each controller has:
Two connections (four for the solution) to the customer's LAN or
client network.
Two connections (four for the solution) to the customer's SAN network.
Two controller peer to peer connections for the cluster's internal network.
Standby controller A NAS appliance that is installed with the FluidFS software
but not part of a cluster. For example, a new or replacement
controller from the Dell factory is considered as a standby
controller.
SAN network (iSCSI
network)
The network that carries the block level (iSCSI) traffic and to
which the storage subsystem is connected.
NOTE: It is recommended that this network be isolated from the
LAN or client network.
Table 1-1. PowerVault NAS System Terms
(continued)
Term Description