Table of Contents

Section 0: Dell Compellent Storage Center Objectives

Title ....................................................................................................................................................0-01
Course Administration ...................................................................................................................0-02
Section 1: Dell Compellent Storage Center Fundamentals ..................................................0-03
Section 2: Dell Compellent Storage Center Hardware and Cabling ...................................0-04
Section 3: Enterprise Manager Setup ........................................................................................0-08
Section 4: Storage Center Volume and Server Management ...............................................0-05
Section 5: Storage Center Replay and Data Progression Management .............................0-06
Section 6: Storage Center System Management ....................................................................0-07
Section 7: Remote Data Instant Replay .....................................................................................0-09
Section 8: Enterprise Manager Reporting .................................................................................0-10

Section 1: Dell Compellent Storage Center Fundamentals

Section Cover ..................................................................................................................................1-01
Section Objectives..........................................................................................................................1-02
The Dell Compellent Storage CenterTM .....................................................................................1-03
Multi-Site Architecture .................................................................................................................1-04
The Storage System Components ..............................................................................................1-05
HBA Server Configuration .............................................................................................................1-06
Fibre Channel Zoning ....................................................................................................................1-07
Storage Center Software Overview ............................................................................................1-08
Storage Center Version 6.4 Features ..........................................................................................1-09
Storage Center Version 6.5 Features ..........................................................................................1-10
6.5 Feature – Compression ..........................................................................................................1-11
6.5 Feature – Self Encrypting Drives...........................................................................................1-12
6.5 Feature – Large Write Cache.................................................................................................1-13
6.5 Feature – Multi-VLAN Tagging .............................................................................................1-14
6.5 Feature – LDAP/AD Enhancements .....................................................................................1-15
Fluid Cache ......................................................................................................................................1-17
The Compellent Storage Center - Core ....................................................................................1-18
The Compellent Storage Center - Applications .......................................................................1-21
Core: Fluid Data Architecture ......................................................................................................1-22
Core: Disk Virtualization ................................................................................................................1-23
Common RAID Levels....................................................................................................................1-24
RAID Consumption Considerations ............................................................................................1-25
Dual Redundancy ...........................................................................................................................1-26
Core: Dynamic Capacity ...............................................................................................................1-27
Dynamic Capacity Concerns........................................................................................................1-28
Core: Data Instant Replay Features.............................................................................................1-29
Core: Data Instant Replay .............................................................................................................1-30
Replay Recovery .............................................................................................................................1-31
Replay Expiration ............................................................................................................................1-32

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Data Instant Replay Data Pages ...................................................................................................1-33

Core: Boot from SAN .....................................................................................................................1-34
Boot from SAN Wizard Features ..................................................................................................1-35
Applications: Data Progression ....................................................................................................1-36
Data Progression Volumes: Where’s My Data?.........................................................................1-37
All Flash Solution.............................................................................................................................1-38
Flash Optimized Solution ..............................................................................................................1-39
Data Progression Enhancements ................................................................................................1-40
New Storage Profile Options ........................................................................................................1-41
Page Lifecycle Concepts ...............................................................................................................1-42
Applications: FastTrack ..................................................................................................................1-43
Core: Datapage Sizes.....................................................................................................................1-44
Command Utility (CompCU) Requirements .............................................................................1-45
Command Set for Windows PowerShell....................................................................................1-46
Dell Compellent Storage Center User Interfaces .....................................................................1-47
Enterprise Manager ........................................................................................................................1-48
Storage Center Manager ...............................................................................................................1-49
Dell Compellent vSphere Plug-in (VSP) .....................................................................................1-50
vStorage APIs for Array Integration (VAAI) .................................................................................1-51
vSphere APIs for Storage Awareness (VASA) .............................................................................1-52
Section Review ................................................................................................................................1-53
Notes/Comments ...........................................................................................................................1-54
Review Questions ...........................................................................................................................1-55

Section 2: Compellent Storage Center Hardware and Cabling

Session Objectives..........................................................................................................................2-01
The Dell Compellent Storage Center Controllers....................................................................2-02
Controller Comparison .................................................................................................................2-03
SC8000 Controller Back View .....................................................................................................2-05
SC8000 Controller – Front Detail...............................................................................................2-06
Series 40 Controller Details ..........................................................................................................2-07
Storage Center Controller – Ethernet Ports .............................................................................2-08
Dell Storage SC4000 Series .........................................................................................................2-09
SC4020 Front and Rear View .......................................................................................................2-10
SC4020 Expansion Options..........................................................................................................2-11
Hardware Monitoring with Enterprise Manager .......................................................................2-12
Enclosure Disk Considerations ....................................................................................................2-13
Dell Compellent SC200 and SC220 Enclosures ......................................................................2-14
SC200 and SC220 Enclosure FRUs .............................................................................................2-15
SAS Module Comparison ..............................................................................................................2-16
Storage Center Enclosure Disk Numbering ..............................................................................2-17
SC280 Enclosure ............................................................................................................................2-18
SC280 Specifications .....................................................................................................................2-19

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SC280 Drive Configuration ..........................................................................................................2-20

SC280 Drive Removal ....................................................................................................................2-21
Drive Installation .............................................................................................................................2-22
SAS Cable Connectors ..................................................................................................................2-23
SAS Controller Port Configuration ..............................................................................................2-24
SAS Back End Cabling ....................................................................................................................2-25
Enclosure Compatibility ................................................................................................................2-26
Requirements ..................................................................................................................................2-27
Communication Links....................................................................................................................2-28
Dell Compellent Storage Center Cabling ..................................................................................2-29
Front End Cabling ...........................................................................................................................2-30
Legacy Front End Cabling Introduction .....................................................................................2-31
Single Controller FC and iSCSI Cabling......................................................................................2-32
Redundancy Considerations – Legacy Mode ...........................................................................2-33
Building Fault Domains..................................................................................................................2-34
Dual Controller, Dual Fabric – Front-End Cabling ..................................................................2-35
Fabric Zoning in Legacy Mode .....................................................................................................2-36
Virtual Ports Front End Cabling Introduction ............................................................................2-37
Virtual Ports For Existing Customers ..........................................................................................2-38
Virtual and Physical WWN’s ..........................................................................................................2-39
Virtual Ports Domains – FC and iSCSI ........................................................................................2-40
Dual Controller, Single Fabric – Front End Cabling ................................................................2-41
Dual Controller, Dual Fabric – Front-End Cabling ..................................................................2-42
Dual Controller, Dual Fabric – Front End Cabling Options ...................................................2-43
Fabric Zoning in Virtual Ports Mode ...........................................................................................2-44
Legacy Mode iSCSI Front End Cabling .......................................................................................2-45
Virtual Port iSCSI Front End Cabling ...........................................................................................2-46
Virtual Port Dual Network iSCSI Cabling ....................................................................................2-47
iSCSI Best Practices ........................................................................................................................2-48
Section Review ................................................................................................................................2-50
Notes/Comments ...........................................................................................................................2-51
Review Questions ...........................................................................................................................2-52

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Section 3: Enterprise Manager Setup

Section Objectives..........................................................................................................................3-01
Enterprise Manager 2014 ..............................................................................................................3-02
Enterprise Manager Features ........................................................................................................3-03
Enterprise Manager 2014 Components .....................................................................................3-04
Enterprise Manager Data Collector Requirements ..................................................................3-05
Enterprise Manager Client Requirements ..................................................................................3-06
Data Collector Installation ............................................................................................................3-07
Enterprise Manager Data Collector Installation Checklist ......................................................3-08
Data Collector Installation Steps .................................................................................................3-09
User Management ..........................................................................................................................3-10
Launching the Enterprise Manger Data Collector ...................................................................3-11
Managing Users ..............................................................................................................................3-14
User Properties ................................................................................................................................3-15
Security .............................................................................................................................................3-16
Directory Services ...........................................................................................................................3-17
Authenticating Users with Directory Services ...........................................................................3-18
Configuring Users and Groups ....................................................................................................3-19
Client Installation ............................................................................................................................3-20
Enterprise Manger Client Installation..........................................................................................3-21
Opening the Enterprise Manager Client ....................................................................................3-22
Adding Storage Centers ................................................................................................................3-23
Enterprise Manager Tab Views .....................................................................................................3-24
Summary Tab ..................................................................................................................................3-25
Enterprise Manager – Comparison View ...................................................................................3-26
Storage Usage Tab .........................................................................................................................3-27
IO Usage Tab ...................................................................................................................................3-28
Charting Tab ....................................................................................................................................3-29
Hardware Tab ..................................................................................................................................3-30
Hardware Tab - Controllers .........................................................................................................3-31
Hardware Tab - Enclosures ..........................................................................................................3-33
SSD Endurance Monitoring in EM ...............................................................................................3-34
Saving Tabbed Views .....................................................................................................................3-35
Storage Center Settings ................................................................................................................3-36
Data Collector Properties .............................................................................................................3-37
Lab Overview ...................................................................................................................................3-38
Lab 1: Adding a Storage Center into Enterprise Manager.......................................................3-39
Section Review ................................................................................................................................3-40
Notes/Comments ...........................................................................................................................3-41
Review Questions ...........................................................................................................................3-42

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Section 4: Storage Center Volume and Server Management

Section Objectives..........................................................................................................................4-01
Disks and Disk Folders ...................................................................................................................4-02
Physical Capacity Concerns .........................................................................................................4-03
Servers and Server Folders ............................................................................................................4-04
Creating Server Folders .................................................................................................................4-05
iSCSI Servers ....................................................................................................................................4-06
Server Configuration ......................................................................................................................4-07
Configure the iSCSI Initiator .........................................................................................................4-08
Creating a Server ............................................................................................................................4-09
Creating a Server Cluster ..............................................................................................................4-10
Server Information..........................................................................................................................4-12
Adding an HBA to the Server ........................................................................................................4-13
Modifying Server Properties .........................................................................................................4-14
Lab 2: Create a Server ....................................................................................................................4-15
Creating Volumes ...........................................................................................................................4-16
Volume and Volume Folders ........................................................................................................4-17
Creating Volume Folders ..............................................................................................................4-18
Creating a Volume..........................................................................................................................4-19
Volume Information .......................................................................................................................4-20
Mapping a Volume to a Server .....................................................................................................4-21
Map a Volume to a Server .............................................................................................................4-22
Mounting a Volume to a W2008 Server.....................................................................................4-23
Presenting LUNs to Linux ..............................................................................................................4-25
Linux Versions .................................................................................................................................4-26
Scanning for LUNs ..........................................................................................................................4-27
Multipath Products .........................................................................................................................4-28
Windows 2008 MPIO .....................................................................................................................4-29
Configuring Windows MPIO 4.1 and Dell Compellent DSM for Windows 2000/2003 ....4-31
Multipath with Linux Prerequisites ..............................................................................................4-32
VMware Multipath ..........................................................................................................................4-34
Creating Multiple Volumes ...........................................................................................................4-35
Lab 3: Create a Volume. Map the Volume to the Server ........................................................4-39
Centralized Server Management with the Servers Viewer .....................................................4-40
Servers Viewer .................................................................................................................................4-41
Server Agent ....................................................................................................................................4-42
Registering a Server........................................................................................................................4-43
Server Viewer Information – Windows & vSphere ...................................................................4-44
Server Viewer – Connectivity .......................................................................................................4-45
Server Viewer – Virtual Machines ................................................................................................4-46
Creating Volumes within the Servers Viewer ............................................................................4-47
Space Recovery Features ..............................................................................................................4-48
Free Space Recovery for Windows 2003/2008 .......................................................................4-49

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Windows 2003/2008 File System and Dell Compellent’s Windows Space Recovery ......4-52
Windows Space Recovery Setup Process ..................................................................................4-53
Windows 2012 Thin Provisioning and Offloaded Data Transfer (ODX) ...............................4-54
vStorage APIs for Array Integration .............................................................................................4-55
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 Space Recovery .............................................................................4-56
Lab 4: Create a Volume Using the Server Viewer ....................................................................4-57
Lab 5: Configure Space Recovery ...............................................................................................4-58
VMware LUNs ..................................................................................................................................4-59
Presenting LUNs to VMware.........................................................................................................4-60
vSphere – Virtual HBAs .................................................................................................................4-61
VMware Cluster in the Web GUI ..................................................................................................4-62
Presenting a Volume to vSphere .................................................................................................4-63
Presenting Volumes to vSphere ..................................................................................................4-64
Verify the New Volume .................................................................................................................4-69
Creating a New Datastore from vSphere ...................................................................................4-70
Creating a New Datastore ............................................................................................................4-71
RAW Device Mappings ...................................................................................................................4-76
Creating a Raw Device Mapping (RDM) .....................................................................................4-77
Windows Volume Types ................................................................................................................4-83
Expand Volume Size ......................................................................................................................4-84
Expand Volume Size on the Server .............................................................................................4-85
Expand a Basic Volume Windows Server 2008 ........................................................................4-86
Lab 6: Expand a Volume ...............................................................................................................4-87
Server Clusters Zoning ..................................................................................................................4-88
Mapping Server Cluster Volumes ................................................................................................4-89
Core: Copy – Mirror – Migrate ....................................................................................................4-90
CMM vs View Volumes ..................................................................................................................4-91
Copy a Volume ...............................................................................................................................4-92
Mirror a Volume ..............................................................................................................................4-93
Migrate a Volume ...........................................................................................................................4-94
Lab 5: Copy, Lab 6: Mirror and Lab 7: Migrate ..........................................................................4-95
Section Review ................................................................................................................................4-96
Notes/Comments ...........................................................................................................................4-97
Review Questions ...........................................................................................................................4-98

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Section 5: Storage Center Replay and Data Progression

Management
Section Objectives..........................................................................................................................5-01
Core: Data Instant Replay .............................................................................................................5-02
Managing Data Instant Replays....................................................................................................5-03
Consistency Consideration ..........................................................................................................5-04
Create a Replay ...............................................................................................................................5-05
Create a Replay Profile ..................................................................................................................5-06
Apply a Replay Profile to Volumes ..............................................................................................5-09
Recover a Replay ............................................................................................................................5-10
Default Replay Profile ....................................................................................................................5-14
Lab 10: Data Instant Replay Configuration and Recovery ......................................................5-16
Lab 11: Consistent Replays ...........................................................................................................5-17
Replay Manager 7 ...........................................................................................................................5-18
Volume Shadow Copy (VSS) Functionality ................................................................................5-19
VMware VM Snapshot Functionality ...........................................................................................5-20
Replay Manager Requirements ....................................................................................................5-21
Application: Data Progression ......................................................................................................5-22
Scheduling Data Progression .......................................................................................................5-23
Monitor Data Progression .............................................................................................................5-24
Configure User Preferences .........................................................................................................5-25
Storage Profiles ...............................................................................................................................5-26
Creating a New Storage Profile ...................................................................................................5-27
Storage Profile – Apply to Volumes............................................................................................5-28
Default Storage Profiles .................................................................................................................5-29
Changing RAID Stripe Width ........................................................................................................5-30
Lab 12: Storage Profiles .................................................................................................................5-31
Lab 13: Cleanup ..............................................................................................................................5-32
Section Review ................................................................................................................................5-33
Notes/Comments ...........................................................................................................................5-34
Review Questions ...........................................................................................................................5-35

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Section 6: Storage Center System Management

Section Objectives..........................................................................................................................6-01
Access Management ......................................................................................................................6-02
Dell Compellent Storage Center User Types ............................................................................6-03
User Best Practices .........................................................................................................................6-04
Storage Center Web Based Graphical User Interface .............................................................6-05
Management Tools ........................................................................................................................6-06
The Customer Portal......................................................................................................................6-07
Dell Compellent Knowledge Center ...........................................................................................6-08
Charting Viewer ..............................................................................................................................6-09
Storage Center Manager ...............................................................................................................6-10
Storage Center Manager Viewers ................................................................................................6-11
Online Storage ................................................................................................................................6-12
Alert Monitor....................................................................................................................................6-13
System Log ......................................................................................................................................6-14
Topology Explorer ..........................................................................................................................6-15
Enclosure Connectivity Viewer ....................................................................................................6-16
The vSphere Plug-In ......................................................................................................................6-17
vSphere Client Plug-In (Home) ....................................................................................................6-18
vSphere Client Plug-In (System Properties) ..............................................................................6-19
vSphere Client Plug-In (Storage Summary) ...............................................................................6-20
vSphere Client Plug-In (Compellent Settings) ..........................................................................6-21
vSphere Client Plug-In (Compellent View) ................................................................................6-22
Phone Home – Enterprise Manager ...........................................................................................6-23
Data Collector Properties .............................................................................................................6-24
Phone Home ...................................................................................................................................6-25
Phone Home – Storage Center Manager ..................................................................................6-26
Dell Compellent Storage Center Licenses ................................................................................6-27
Disk Drive Sparing ...........................................................................................................................6-28
Identify a Failed Drive.....................................................................................................................6-29
Beacon a Disk Drive .......................................................................................................................6-30
Remove and Replace a Failed Disk Drive ...................................................................................6-31
Bring a Drive Back Into Service ....................................................................................................6-32
Clear the Alerts on a Replaced Drive ..........................................................................................6-33
Configure RAID 6 and RAID 10 DM .............................................................................................6-34
Core: Datapage Sizes.....................................................................................................................6-35
Datapage Size Configuration .......................................................................................................6-36
Lab 14: Datapage Sizes ..................................................................................................................6-37
Controller Failover ..........................................................................................................................6-38
Controller Failover Alerts ..............................................................................................................6-39
Rebalancing Ports...........................................................................................................................6-40
Changing Port Aliases ....................................................................................................................6-41
Create a Rack ..................................................................................................................................6-42

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Uninterruptible Power Supplies ...................................................................................................6-43

Configure Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Properties ...............................6-44
Configure Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) Properties .................................................6-45
SMTP Mail Delivery .........................................................................................................................6-46
Updating the Dell Compellent Storage Center Software .......................................................6-47
Storage Center Update Status......................................................................................................6-48
Update Notification ........................................................................................................................6-49
Update Components .....................................................................................................................6-50
Shutdown/Restarting a Controller ..............................................................................................6-51
Shutdown/Restart a Storage System ..........................................................................................6-52
Section Review ................................................................................................................................6-53
Notes/Comments ...........................................................................................................................6-54
Review Questions ...........................................................................................................................6-55

Section 7: Remote Data Instant Replay

Section Objectives..........................................................................................................................7-01
Remote Instant Replay ..................................................................................................................7-02
Synchronous vs. Asynchronous...................................................................................................7-03
Synchronous Replication Options ..............................................................................................7-04
FC Zoning for Replication with Virtual Ports .............................................................................7-05
Remote Instant Replay Bandwidth ..............................................................................................7-06
Remote Instant Replay Operations .............................................................................................7-07
Replication Options .......................................................................................................................7-08
Simulate a Replicated Volume .....................................................................................................7-09
Configure Storage Center Connections ....................................................................................7-10
Creating a Quality of Service Definition .....................................................................................7-11
Modifying QoS Definitions in EM.................................................................................................7-12
Create a Replicated Volume .........................................................................................................7-13
Volume Selection ...........................................................................................................................7-14
Create Replicated Volume – Configure Replication Options ...............................................7-15
Saving Restore Points ....................................................................................................................7-17
Scheduling Automatic Restore Points ........................................................................................7-18
View Replications ...........................................................................................................................7-19
Replication Exercise Overview .....................................................................................................7-20
Lab 15: Configuring Replication Volumes .................................................................................7-21
Predefine a DR Site for Activation ...............................................................................................7-22
Activating a Disaster Recovery Site .............................................................................................7-23
Lab 16: Activating the Remote Volume ......................................................................................7-26
Restoring to the Source Site .........................................................................................................7-27
Lab 17: Restore a Volume Back to the Primary Site .................................................................7-29
Restoring to an Alternate Site ......................................................................................................7-30
Remote Instant Replay Best Practices Review ..........................................................................7-31
vCenter Site Recovery Manager (SRM) .......................................................................................7-32

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Portable Volume .............................................................................................................................7-33

Portable Volume Requirements...................................................................................................7-34
Connectivity ....................................................................................................................................7-35
Portable Volume Features ............................................................................................................7-36
Replicating with Portable Volume ...............................................................................................7-37
The Synchronization Process .......................................................................................................7-40
Erasing the Portable Volume Drive .............................................................................................7-41
Live Volume Overview ...................................................................................................................7-42
Live Volume Features.....................................................................................................................7-43
Live Volume Requirements and Best Practices with v6.5 .......................................................7-44
Live Volume – Volume Migration................................................................................................7-45
Live Volume – Clusters/Virtual Servers ......................................................................................7-46
Live Volume with Windows MPIO ...............................................................................................7-47
Live Volume – LXR Replication ....................................................................................................7-48
Live Volume and Data Progression .............................................................................................7-49
Create a Live Volume .....................................................................................................................7-50
Converting to Live Volume ...........................................................................................................7-51
Lab 18: Live Volume .......................................................................................................................7-52
Section Review ................................................................................................................................7-53
Comments/Notes ...........................................................................................................................7-54
Review Questions ...........................................................................................................................7-55

Section 8: Enterprise Manager Reporting

Section Objectives..........................................................................................................................8-01
Viewers List ......................................................................................................................................8-02
Monitoring Viewer ..........................................................................................................................8-03
Reports Viewer ................................................................................................................................8-04
Scheduling Automated Reports ...................................................................................................8-05
Reports Viewer ................................................................................................................................8-06
Viewing Reports ..............................................................................................................................8-07
Lab 19: Enterprise Manager Reports ...........................................................................................8-08
Threshold Alerts ..............................................................................................................................8-09
Configuring Threshold Definitions and Queries.......................................................................8-10
Threshold Queries ..........................................................................................................................8-11
Viewing Threshold Alerts ..............................................................................................................8-12
Hardware Tab – Threshold Alerts ...............................................................................................8-13
Lab 20: Enterprise Manager Threshold Alerts ...........................................................................8-14
Volume Advisor ...............................................................................................................................8-15
Volume Placement Using Volume Advisor ................................................................................8-16
Creating a Volume Using Server Viewer ....................................................................................8-17
Recommend a Storage Center ....................................................................................................8-18
Moving an Existing Volume in EM ...............................................................................................8-19
Threshold Definitions That Support Volume Advisor ..............................................................8-20

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Creating a Threshold Definition ..................................................................................................8-21

Volume Movement Recommendations .....................................................................................8-22
Volume Moved via Live Volume ..................................................................................................8-23
Chargeback......................................................................................................................................8-24
Configuring Chargeback ...............................................................................................................8-25
Creating Departments ...................................................................................................................8-26
Departments: Adding Volumes and Folders .............................................................................8-27
Creating a Chargeback Report ....................................................................................................8-28
Lab 21: Enterprise Manager Chargeback ...................................................................................8-29
Section Review ................................................................................................................................8-30
Notes/Comments ...........................................................................................................................8-31
Review Questions ...........................................................................................................................8-32

Appendix A: Acronyms and Abbreviations

Acronyms and Abbreviations........................................................................................................A-01

Appendix B: Replay Manager

Appendix B – Replay Manager .....................................................................................................B-01
Replay Manager Version 6 ............................................................................................................B-02
Replay Manager v6 Features ........................................................................................................B-03
Replay Manager Requirements ....................................................................................................B-04
Replay Manager Extensions ..........................................................................................................B-05
Creating Backup Jobs....................................................................................................................B-06
Scheduling Backup Sets ................................................................................................................B-07
Manage Backup Jobs .....................................................................................................................B-08
Backup Set Reports ........................................................................................................................B-09
Restoring a Backup Set ..................................................................................................................B-10
Expose a Backup Set ......................................................................................................................B-11
Exercise: Replay Manager .............................................................................................................B-12
Replay Manager with Data Instant Replay Best Practices .......................................................B-15

Appendix C: Review Questions

Appendix D: Supplemental Information

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