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Dell™ PowerVault™ MD1120 Storage Enclosure Hardware Owner’s Manual w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m...
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Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
The enclosure can be daisy-chained with up to two additional enclosures to provide up to 72 physical disks per host connection. Host-based RAID configuration is supported via a Dell™ PowerEdge™ Expandable RAID Controller (PERC) 6/E adapter. Other Information You May Need...
• Release notes or readme files may be included to provide last-minute updates to the system or documentation or advanced technical reference material intended for experienced users or technicians. Indicators on the Enclosure Bezel An optional locking bezel can be installed on the front of the enclosure to limit access.
Table 1-1. Front Bezel Indicators Item LED Indicator LED Icon Condition Split mode (green) When lit, indicates the enclosure is in split mode; otherwise, the enclosure is in unified mode. For more information on both modes, see "Unified Mode and Split Mode" on page 16.
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Figure 1-2. Front-Panel Features 1 split-mode LED power LED 3 enclosure status LED physical disk activity LED 5 physical disk status LED physical disks (24) 7 enclosure mode switch Table 1-2. Front-Panel Components Component Icon Condition Enclosure status LED Steady amber: Power is on and enclosure is in (blue/amber) reset state.
Table 1-2. Front-Panel Components (continued) Component Icon Condition Split mode LED When lit, indicates the enclosure is in split- (green) mode configuration; otherwise, the enclosure is in unified mode. For more information, see "Unified Mode and Split Mode" on page 16. Enclosure mode When set in its uppermost position at power switch...
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Figure 1-3. Physical Disk Carrier LED Indicators activity LED status LED Table 1-3. Physical Disk Carrier Status LEDs Description Slot empty, physical disk not yet discovered by server, or an unsupported physical disk is present Steady green Physical disk is online Green flashing (250 Physical disk is being identified or is being prepared milliseconds [ms])
Table 1-3. Physical Disk Carrier Status LEDs (continued) Description Green/amber flashing Predicted failure reported by physical disk Green On 500 ms Amber On 500 ms Off 1000 ms Green/amber flashing Physical disk is being spun down by user request or Green On 3000 ms other nonfailure condition Off 3000 ms...
The EMM connects to the enclosure via the enclosure midplane (see "Removing and Installing an EMM" on page 32). EMM connectors and components are shown in Figure 1-5 and include: • Debug port (Dell use only) • SAS port connector (In) •...
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Table 1-4. EMM Component Functions Item Component Icon Function Debug Port Dell factory/technical support use only. SAS Port (In) Provide SAS connection for cabling to host or next upchain expansion enclosure (unified mode only). In Port Link Green: All links into the port are Status LED connected.
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Table 1-4. EMM Component Functions (continued) Item Component Icon Function EMM Status Solid green: EMM is functioning properly. (green/amber) Solid amber: The enclosure did not boot or was not properly configured. Off: EMM did not boot, is not properly configured, or communication between the EMM and the server is lost.
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controlled by the secondary (right) EMM. You must select either mode using the enclosure mode switch on the front panel of the enclosure before powering on (see Figure 1-2). NOTE: Clustering is not supported in the MD1120 host-based RAID solution. Figure 1-6 illustrates the division of control, depending on whether you select the enclosure to run in either unified or split mode.
Enclosure Failover When Two EMMs Are Installed If two EMMs are installed, a certain degree of failover is offered. Control and monitoring of the enclosure elements can be transferred from one EMM to another in the event of an EMM failure. A failover occurs whenever communication is lost between an EMM and its peer.
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Figure 1-7. Power Supply and Cooling Fan Module Features and LED Indicators 1 AC power connector power cord retention clip 3 cooling fans (4) AC power LED 5 power supply/cooling fan fault LED DC power LED 7 on/off switch release tab Table 1-5.
Enclosure Alarms An audible alarm is activated if any of the fault conditions listed in Table 1-6 occur. If a critical event occurs, the alarm sounds continuously. If a noncritical event occurs, the alarm sounds every 10 seconds. NOTE: The audible alarm is disabled by default. To enable the alarm, you must change the default setting in server administrator.
Operating Your Storage Enclosure This section provides procedures for connecting your storage enclosure to a host system for either unified or split mode. Before You Begin Before connecting your storage enclosure, ensure that the following are available: • The components that came with your storage enclosure, including: –...
• A split-mode configuration is one in which your storage enclosure is connected to either two host controllers, or two ports on a single host controller. In this configuration, the physical disks are split into two groups with 12 physical disks controlled by one host controller and 12 physical disks controlled by the other host controller.
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port on the primary EMM will control physical disks in slots 12 through 23; the server or controller port attached to the In port on the secondary EMM will control physical disks in slots 0 through 11. NOTE: In split mode, you can cable the enclosure to operate in either a two- host or single-host configuration.
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Figure 2-4. Single Host Server, Unified Mode (MD1120 and MD1000 Maximum Expansion) NOTE: MD1120 and MD1000 enclosures cannot be attached in the same expansion chain, or connected to the same host server controller. 4 Using the enclosure mode switch, select either unified or split mode (see Figure 1-2 for switch positions).
7 Turn on power to the host system. 8 Check the LED indicators on the front and back of the storage enclosure. If any amber fault indicators are illuminated, see "Troubleshooting Your Enclosure" on page 43. Changing Your Enclosure’s Operating Mode If you decide to change the operating mode of your enclosure after initial configuration (for example, from split mode to unified mode or vice versa), it is important to follow some basic steps to guard against preventable...
For more information, see the Server Administrator documentation for more details. Downloading Firmware You can download firmware updates for your storage enclosure using a Dell Update Package available at support.dell.com. NOTE: Firmware download may take several minutes per enclosure. During this time, the host may lose communication with the enclosure.
Installing Enclosure Components This section explains how to install the following components: • Front bezel (optional) • Physical disks and physical disk carriers • EMMs • Power supplies • Control panel • Enclosure midplane Recommended Tools The procedures in this section require the use of one or more of the following tools: •...
3 Push inward on the release tab on the bezel and lift it away from the enclosure front (see Figure 3-1). Figure 3-1. Installing and Removing the Front Bezel 1 bezel lock interlocking notch (2) 3 latch retainer (2) 4 To replace the bezel, insert the interlocking notch into the latch retainer on the right side of the front enclosure panel.
NOTICE: To avoid data loss when removing a physical disk, Dell recommends that you use Server Administrator to prepare the physical disk for removal. See your Server Administrator documentation for more information.
Figure 3-2. Installing and Removing Physical Disks carrier release mechanism physical disk carrier handle 4 Open the physical disk carrier handle by rotating it downward. 5 Gently but firmly pull the physical disk carrier from its slot while supporting the weight of the physical disk from the bottom. Installing Physical Disks in the Enclosure NOTICE: To ensure proper airflow for enclosure cooling, each slot should contain...
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4 Secure the physical disk to the carrier using the four screws removed earlier. To avoid damaging the carrier, do not overtighten. Figure 3-3. Installing the Physical Disk in the Carrier 1 screws (4) physical disk carrier 3 physical disk (top) 5 With the physical disk carrier handle open, carefully align the physical disk carrier guide rail with the appropriate disk slot on the chassis and insert the physical disk (see Figure 3-2).
6 Push the physical disk carrier into the slot until the bottom of the open carrier handle makes contact with the chassis face plate. 7 Rotate the carrier handle to the closed position while continuing to push the carrier into the slot. The status LED indicator (see Table 1-3 for description) will display a steady green if the physical disk is inserted properly.
Removing an EMM NOTICE: If you remove an EMM from an enclosure operating in split mode while connected to a host server, you will lose connection to the physical disks attached to the removed EMM. 1 Push up on the release tab on the left side of the module (see Figure 3-4). 2 At the same time, pull out on the release lever.
3 Push the release lever in (toward the enclosure) until the module is retracted into the slot and secure. 4 If necessary, update the firmware for your EMM(s). See the Dell Support website at support.dell.com for the latest information on firmware updates.
Figure 3-5. Removing and Installing an EMM Module Cover tabs (2) module cover Removing and Installing the Power Supply/Cooling Fan Module CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system.
Removing a Power Supply/Cooling Fan Module NOTICE: Power supply/cooling fan modules are hot-pluggable. Provided one power supply/cooling fan module is functioning normally, you can remove or replace the other while the enclosure is powered on. NOTE: If you remove a fully functioning power supply/cooling fan module, the fan speed in the remaining module will increase significantly to provide adequate cooling.
CAUTION: The power supply/cooling fan modules are heavy. Use both hands when removing. 3 Press the release tab inward and grasp the handle on the power supply, carefully pulling the module out of the bay (see Figure 3-6). NOTICE: The power-supply handle is provided to ease the task of pulling the module from the bay.
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4 Remove the physical disks in slots 0 through 7 from the enclosure (see "Removing and Installing Physical Disks" on page 28). NOTE: To avoid confusion when re-installing the physical disks, mark each disk with its slot position as you remove it. Figure 3-7.
Installing the Control Panel 1 Align the top and bottom channels on the control panel with the insert slots on the edge of the chassis (see Figure 3-7). 2 Slide the control panel into the slot, pulling the release plunger toward the inside of the enclosure.
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Figure 3-8. Removing and Replacing the EMM/Power Supply Cage 1 screws (7) alignment pin (6) 2 removal ring EMM/power supply cage 5 Grasp the cage removal ring in the bottom center of the rear enclosure. Pull out and lift up and over the alignment pins to remove the cage from the enclosure.
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NOTE: If you replace a midplane on an existing enclosure, you must reset your Service Tag information. Consult with your Dell service representative if you are not familiar with this process. Also, if you modified the temperature warning thresholds to be different from the default enclosure values, use your management software to restore your desired temperature threshold values.
Troubleshooting Your Enclosure Safety First—For You and Your Enclosure To perform certain procedures in this document, you must work inside the enclosure. While working inside the enclosure, do not attempt to perform service except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in your documentation.
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• Disconnecting the cables to the enclosure or EMM while the server is online • Powering down the enclosure while the server is online NOTE: In a split-mode configuration, these conditions apply to the server that is directly attached to the affected EMM. In a unified-mode configuration, these conditions apply when communication is lost to any enclosure in the daisy chain.
NOTE: Do not initialize the new virtual disks. 8 Exit the Ctrl-R utility and boot to the operating system. For more information on the Ctrl-R utility, see the Dell PERC 6/E Adapter User’s Guide. Troubleshooting External Connections Loose or improperly connected cables and bent pins are the most likely source of problems.
Troubleshooting a Wet Enclosure Problem • Liquid spilled on the enclosure. • Excessive humidity. Action CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system.
Action CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system. 1 Ensure that the following components are properly installed: •...
If the DC power LED is not lit, verify that the power switch is turned on. If the power switch is turned on, continue to step 3. If the power supply's fault indicator is lit, continue to step 3. NOTICE: Power supply/cooling fan modules are hot-pluggable.
Action CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before you begin this procedure, review the safety instructions that came with the system. 1 If available, run the appropriate diagnostic test from Server Administrator. 2 Locate the malfunctioning fan.
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Problem • Physical disk status LED is flashing amber. Action 1 Review the Server Administrator alert logs for possible recovery actions. NOTE: If a physical disk rebuild is under way, allow the rebuild to complete before viewing the alert logs. 2 Remove the physical disk from the enclosure.
Troubleshooting Enclosure Connections Problem • Enclosure is not seen by attached host controller. Action 1 Verify that the EMM port link status LED and the EMM status LED are solid green for each port that is connected to a cable. If they are not, see "Enclosure Management Module (EMM)"...
NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area.
Glossary This section defines or identifies technical terms, abbreviations, and acronyms used in your system documents. A — Ampere(s). AC — Alternating current. ACPI — Advanced Configuration and Power Interface. A standard interface for enabling the operating system to direct configuration and power management. ambient temperature —...
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BIOS — Basic input/output system. Your system’s BIOS contains programs stored on a flash memory chip. The BIOS controls the following: • Communications between the processor and peripheral devices • Miscellaneous functions, such as system messages bit — The smallest unit of information interpreted by your system. blade —...
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component — As they relate to DMI, components include operating systems, computer systems, expansion cards, and peripherals that are compatible with DMI. Each component is made up of groups and attributes that are defined as relevant to that component. COMn — The device names for the serial ports on your system. control panel —...
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DNS — Domain Name System. A method of translating Internet domain names, such as www.dell.com, into IP addresses, such as 143.166.83.200. DRAM — Dynamic random-access memory. A system’s RAM is usually made up entirely of DRAM chips.
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expansion card — An add-in card, such as a NIC or SCSI adapter, that plugs into an expansion-card connector on the system board. An expansion card adds some specialized function to the system by providing an interface between the expansion bus and a peripheral.
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graphics mode — A video mode that can be defined as x horizontal by y vertical pixels by z colors. group — As it relates to DMI, a group is a data structure that defines common information, or attributes, about a manageable component. guarding —...
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internal processor cache — An instruction and data cache built into the processor. IP — Internet Protocol. IPX — Internet package exchange. IRQ — Interrupt request. A signal that data is about to be sent to or received by a peripheral device travels by an IRQ line to the processor.
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LAN — Local area network. A LAN is usually confined to the same building or a few nearby buildings, with all equipment linked by wiring dedicated specifically to the LAN. lb — Pound(s). LCD — Liquid crystal display. LED — Light-emitting diode. An electronic device that lights up when a current is passed through it.
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memory address — A specific location, usually expressed as a hexadecimal number, in the system’s RAM. memory module — A small circuit board containing DRAM chips that connects to the system board. memory — An area in your system that stores basic system data. A system can contain several different forms of memory, such as integrated memory (ROM and RAM) and add-in memory modules (DIMMs).
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partition — You can divide a physical disk into multiple physical sections called partitions with the fdisk command. Each partition can contain multiple logical physical disks. You must format each logical disk with the format command. PCI — Peripheral Component Interconnect. A standard for local-bus implementation.
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PXE — Preboot eXecution Environment. A way of booting a system via a LAN (without a physical disk or bootable diskette). RAC — Remote access controller. RAID — Redundant array of independent disks. A method of providing data redundancy. Some common implementations of RAID include RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, RAID 50, and RAID 60.
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— An I/O port used most often to connect a modem to your system. You can usually identify a serial port on your system by its 9-pin connector. service tag — A bar code label on the system used to identify it when you call Dell for technical support.
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system board — As the main circuit board, the system board usually contains most of your system’s integral components, such as the processor, RAM, controllers for peripherals, and various ROM chips. system configuration information — Data stored in memory that tells a system what hardware is installed and how the system should be configured for operation.
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utility — A program used to manage system resources—memory, physical disks, or printers, for example. UTP — Unshielded twisted pair. A type of wiring used to connect systems in a business or home to a telephone line. V — Volt(s). VAC —...
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W — Watt(s). WH — Watt-hour(s). win.ini file — A start-up file for the Windows operating system. When you start Windows, it consults the win.ini file to determine a variety of options for the Windows operating environment. The win.ini file also usually includes sections that contain optional settings for Windows application programs that are installed on the physical disk.