Complete D-XTR-DY-A-24 EMC Materials

Understanding Execution Throttle: The Execution Throttle setting controls the maximum number of concurrent I/O operations that can be sent from a host to a storage array. This setting is crucial for optimizing performance and preventing overloading of the storage array.

QLogic Fibre Channel HBAs: QLogic Host Bus Adapters (HBAs) are used for connecting servers to Fibre Channel storage networks. The recommended settings for these HBAs can significantly impact the performance and reliability of the storage network.

Best Practices for XtremIO and VMware:

According to best practices for connecting VMware clusters to XtremIO arrays, especially when using QLogic Fibre Channel HBAs, the Execution Throttle value is set to optimize performance.

The recommended value for the Execution Throttle setting for QLogic HBAs in a VMware environment connected to an XtremIO array is 65535. This value helps ensure that the host can handle a high number of I/O operations efficiently without overwhelming the storage array.

References:

Dell XtremIO Best Practices Guide for VMware

QLogic HBA Configuration and Performance Tuning Guides

Dell XtremIO Deployment Services

VMware and XtremIO Integration Documentation.

The correct sequence of steps to create a Windows volume backup using the Microsoft VSS Framework with an XtremIO cluster is as follows:

Requestor interacts with the VSS service to start the backup.

VSS service sends a Freeze request to the Writer.

Provider creates an XVC of the file system and exposes the volume to the host.

VSS service sends a Thaw request to the Writer.

Requestor uses the XVC to back up the content of the volume.

The Requestor, typically a backup application, initiates the process by interacting with Microsoft’s Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) to commence a snapshot backup.

The VSS service then issues a Freeze request to its Writers, which are responsible for ensuring data consistency for applications during backups.

An XtremIO Provider, which interfaces between the XtremIO storage and VSS, creates an XtremIO Virtual Copy (XVC) of the file system. This copy is then made accessible to the host system for backup purposes.

After the XVC is created, the VSS sends a Thaw request to the Writers, allowing them to resume normal operations while maintaining data integrity.

Finally, the Requestor uses the XVC to back up the content of the volume, ensuring a consistent and recoverable backup is made.

Please note that this sequence is based on the standard operation of Microsoft VSS with storage systems like XtremIO and should be verified against the most current Dell XtremIO Deploy Achievement documentation for any updates or specific instructions related to your environment.

In the event of a power failure, the XtremIO X2 system’s NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) card will initiate the discharging of the SuperCapacitor (SuperCap). The SuperCap is designed to provide enough power to the NVRAM card to allow it to write any data in transit to a non-volatile storage medium, ensuring data integrity and preventing loss1. This process is a critical part of the XtremIO X2’s data protection mechanism during unexpected power interruptions.

The best practice for creating a snapshot of a 10-volume database and presenting them to a backup server at a scheduled time is to use a Consistency Group in conjunction with the Scheduler. This approach ensures that all volumes in the snapshot are consistent with each other, as they are taken at the same point in time. The Scheduler allows for the automation of this process, ensuring that the snapshot is created at exactly 1:00 AM without manual intervention. This method is recommended for maintaining consistency across multiple volumes, which is crucial for databases to ensure transactional integrity1.