Implementation: Dell PowerVault SAN

SAN Versions

When the term SAN is used, it's almost always followed by a version number, such as "SAN 4.0". A SAN version doesn't represent a single object that can be changed from one version to another. Rather, a SAN version represents a specific combination of various SAN elements that are validated to work together.

As the chart below indicates, a Dell SAN version includes specific operating systems, validated servers, storage devices, and configuration options (such as the number of supported clusters).

Upgrading a SAN

Given that a SAN version is a combination of specific components, it makes sense that upgrading a SAN isn't simply a matter of changing out one component. To upgrade a SAN, each element must be upgraded to meet the technical requirements of the latest SAN version.

This becomes crucial when adding new technology to a SAN. Users have to consider the effect the upgraded unit will have on the rest of the SAN's components. For example, if you decided to upgrade StorageC, you would have to ensure that all servers in the SAN were upgraded to the latest version-- overlooking even one server could be catastrophic.

SAN Version Comparisons

The chart below lists the correct version of each of the components included in each SAN release.

SAN 1.1 SAN 2.0 SAN 3.0 SAN 4.0/4.05/4.06

Servers Dell and Compaq servers only (up to a max of 10 servers) Same as
SAN 1.1 Max of 20 servers for primary storage and 24 servers for backup only SAN SAN 4.0 = SAN 3.0;
4.05 and 4.06 support non-Dell servers.

Operating Systems Windows NT Windows NT, NetWare 4.2, NetWare 5.0 Windows NT and 2000, NetWare 4.2, 5.0 and 5.1 Windows NT and 2000, NetWare 4.2, 5.0 and 5.1
(no NetWare support on PV660F)

Storage Device Any combination up to 4 PV650F or 35F bridges Same as
SAN 1.1 Any combination up to 8 PV650F, 35F or 530F (max of 4 530Fs supported in a SAN) Any combination up to 8 PV650F, PV660F, and PV35F bridges

Clustering One per 650F Multiple 650Fs per cluster Multiple clusters per 650F Same as
SAN 3.0

Shared Storage N/A N/A Multi-OS per 650F (NT and W2K) Clustered & non-clustered servers can share storage

Backup 120T, virtual RAIT/RAIL, remote backup Same as
SAN 1.1 PowerSuites 1.6 (NT, NetWare, and Windows 2000 support) PowerSuites 2.0 (NT, NetWare, Windows 2000 support)

Remote Mirroring N/A N/A Yes Yes