Deployment Guide

NOTE: ME4 Series 5U84 enclosures support dual-controller configurations only. ME4 Series 2U controller enclosures

support single controller and dual-controller configurations.

• If a partner controller module fails, the storage system fails over and runs on a single controller module until the

redundancy is restored.

• In dual-controller module configurations, a controller module must be installed in each slot to ensure sufficient

airflow through the enclosure during operation. In single-controller module configurations, a controller module must

be installed in slot A, and controller module blank must be installed in slot B.

Example cabling for replication

Simplified versions of controller enclosures are used in the cabling figures to show the host ports that are used for I/O or replication.

• Replication supports FC and iSCSI host interface protocols.

• The 2U enclosure rear panel represents ME4 Series FC and iSCSI host interface ports.

• The 5U84 enclosure rear panel represents ME4 Series FC and iSCSI host interface ports.

• Host ports that are used for replication must use the same protocol (either FC or iSCSI).

• Blue cables show I/O traffic and green cables show replication traffic.

Once the CNC-based systems or 10Gbase-T systems are physically cabled, see the Dell EMC PowerVault ME4 Series Storage System

Administrator’s Guide or online help for information about configuring, provisioning, and using the replication feature.

Single-controller module configuration for replication

Cabling two ME4 Series controller enclosures that are equipped with a single controller module for replication.

Multiple servers, multiple switches, one network

The following diagram shows the rear panel of two controller enclosures with I/O and replication occurring on the same network:

Figure 34. Connecting two storage systems for replication – multiple servers, multiple switches, one network

2U controller enclosures 2. Two switches (I/O)

3. Connection to host servers 4. Switch (Replication)

For optimal protection, use multiple switches for host I/O and replication.

• Connect two ports from the controller module in the left storage enclosure to the left switch.

• Connect two ports from the controller module in the right storage enclosure to the right switch.

• Connect two ports from the controller modules in each enclosure to the middle switch.

Use multiple switches to avoid a single point of failure inherent to using a single switch, and to physically isolate replication traffic from I/O

traffic.

Dual-controller module configuration for replication

Cabling two ME4 Series controller enclosures that are equipped with dual-controller modules for replication.

Multiple servers, one switch, one network

Figure 35. Connecting two ME4 Series 2U storage systems for replication – multiple servers, one switch, and one network on page 87

shows the rear panel of two 2U enclosures with I/O and replication occurring on the same network. Figure 36. Connecting two ME4

Cabling for replication