Dell EMC Storage Configurations

Overview

Dell EMC arrays provide flexible, high-performance storage solutions for hybrid and enterprise data centers. Private Cloud Director supports the following Dell EMC storage arrays through their respective drivers:

• Dell Unity - Unified storage over iSCSI and Fibre Channel

• Dell Compellent (SC Series) - Block storage with automated tiering over iSCSI

• Dell Powerstore - Block storage over Fibre Channel

• Dell Powermax - Enterprise block storage over Fibre Channel

These configuration examples cover block storage setups for each array type, outlining prerequisites, backend definitions, and optional parameters for enabling thin provisioning and data-reduction features.

Select a storage array and protocol below to view the complete configuration steps for your environment.

Dell Unity - iSCSI

Dell Unity arrays provide unified storage supporting both block and file protocols. iSCSI offers block storage connectivity over standard Ethernet infrastructure.

Prerequisites

Before you configure the Unity iSCSI backend, complete these requirements:

• Install open-iscsi on all hosts.

• Configure consistent MTU settings across the network (jumbo frames recommended).

• Configure iSCSI ports on the Unity array.

• Configure iSCSI connectivity between hosts and the Unity array.

Volume backend configuration

[unity_iscsi_backend]
volume_driver = cinder.volume.drivers.dell_emc.unity.Driver
volume_backend_name = unity_iscsi
storage_protocol = iSCSI
san_ip = <UNITY_MGMT_IP>
san_login = <UNITY_ADMIN_USER>
san_password = <UNITY_ADMIN_PASSWORD>
unity_storage_pool_names = <POOL_NAME>
volumes_dir = /opt/pf9/etc/pf9-cindervolume-base/volumes/
use_multipath_for_image_xfer = true

Special considerations

• Multiple iSCSI paths are discovered automatically.

• Supports IPv4 and IPv6.

• Maintain uniform MTU and initiator settings across all hosts.

Dell Unity - Fibre Channel

Dell Compellent (SC Series ) - iSCSI

Dell Powerstore - Fibre Channel

Dell Powermax - Fibre Channel