Powermax and Vmax All Flash Installation and Maintenance: Participant Guide

POWERMAX AND VMAX
ALL FLASH
INSTALLATION AND
MAINTENANCE
Version 1.0
PARTICIPANT GUIDE
PARTICIPANT GUIDE
Internal Use - Confidential
Dell Confidential and Proprietary
Copyright © 2020 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved. Dell, EMC and other
trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be
trademarks of their respective owners.
PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance
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Internal Use - Confidential Copyright 2020 Dell Inc. Page i
Table of Contents
Course Introduction.................................................................................. 1
Course Introduction ................................................................................................... 2

Course Objectives................................................................................................................ 3
Prerequisite Skills ................................................................................................................ 4
Course Agenda .................................................................................................................... 5
Introductions ........................................................................................................................ 6
PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Overview ............................................... 7
Introduction to PowerMax ......................................................................................... 8

PowerMax Offerings ............................................................................................................ 9
PowerMax Family .............................................................................................................. 11
PowerMax - Model Comparison ......................................................................................... 13
PowerMax Architecture ...................................................................................................... 14
PowerMax 2000 System Configuration .............................................................................. 16
PowerMax 8000 System Configuration .............................................................................. 18
Multi-Controller with Multi-Dimensional Scale .................................................................... 20
Multi-Controller with Multi-Dimensional Scale (Contd.) ....................................................... 21
Introduction to VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F ..................................................... 22

VMAX All Flash Offerings ................................................................................................... 23
VMAX All Flash Models...................................................................................................... 25
VMAX All Flash Architecture .............................................................................................. 27
VMAX All Flash - Model Comparison ................................................................................. 29
VMAX All Flash - Model Comparison (Contd.) ................................................................... 30
Building Blocks of VMAX 250F........................................................................................... 31
Building Blocks of VMAX 950F........................................................................................... 33
VMAX 250F Scaling ........................................................................................................... 35
VMAX 950F Scaling ........................................................................................................... 36
Operational Environment ........................................................................................ 37

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Model Identification ............................................................................................................ 38
HYPERMAX OS................................................................................................................. 39
PowerMax OS .................................................................................................................... 40
Data Protection: Smart RAID ............................................................................................. 41
Data Protection: RAID 5 ..................................................................................................... 42
Data Protection: RAID 6 ..................................................................................................... 43
Data Protection: Sparing .................................................................................................... 44
Advanced Features ............................................................................................................ 45
PowerMax OS Emulations ................................................................................................. 46
PowerMax OS Emulations (Contd.).................................................................................... 47
Director Board Modules ..................................................................................................... 48
Director Board Modules (Contd.)........................................................................................ 49
Vaulting .............................................................................................................................. 50
PowerMax Data Reduction ................................................................................................ 51
Inline Deduplication and Compression ............................................................................... 52
Summary................................................................................................................... 54
Bays and Components ........................................................................... 55
PowerMax Components .......................................................................................... 56

PowerMax Bays ................................................................................................................. 57
PowerMax Building Blocks ................................................................................................. 58
PowerMax Engine .............................................................................................................. 60
PowerMax Director Boards ................................................................................................ 61
PowerMax 2000 I/O Module Population ............................................................................. 62
PowerMax 8000 I/O Module Population ............................................................................. 63
PowerMax Management Modules ...................................................................................... 65
PowerMax Back-end I/O Modules ...................................................................................... 67
PowerMax Front-end I/O Modules ..................................................................................... 68
PowerMax NVMe Vault to Flash Modules .......................................................................... 69
PowerMax Data Reduction Modules .................................................................................. 70
PowerMax Fabric Connect Modules................................................................................... 71
PowerMax Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs).............................................................. 72
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PowerMax Drive Array Enclosures (DAEs) ........................................................................ 73
PowerMax Standby Power Supplies .................................................................................. 74
PowerMax Power Distribution Unit (PDU) .......................................................................... 75
PowerMax 8000 InfiniBand (IB) Switches .......................................................................... 76
PowerMax 8000 Ethernet Switches ................................................................................... 77
PowerMax 8000 Service Tray ............................................................................................ 78
VMAX All Flash Common Components ................................................................. 79

VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F Bays ................................................................................ 80
VMAX All Flash Building Blocks ......................................................................................... 81
VMAX All Flash Standby Power Supplies .......................................................................... 82
VMAX All Flash Engine ...................................................................................................... 83
VMAX All Flash Director Boards ........................................................................................ 84
VMAX All Flash Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs) ...................................................... 85
VMAX All Flash Management Modules .............................................................................. 86
VMAX All Flash Back-end I/O Modules .............................................................................. 88
VMAX All Flash Front-end I/O Modules .............................................................................. 89
VMAX All Flash Vault to Flash Modules ............................................................................. 90
VMAX All Flash Data Reduction Modules .......................................................................... 91
VMAX All Flash Fabric Connect Modules ........................................................................... 92
VMAX All Flash 250F Components ......................................................................... 93

VMAX All Flash 250F V-Brick............................................................................................. 94
VMAX All Flash 250F Director Boards ............................................................................... 95
VMAX All Flash 250F I/O Module Population ..................................................................... 96
VMAX 250F Drive Array Enclosures (DAEs) ...................................................................... 97
VMAX 250F Power ............................................................................................................ 99
VMAX 250F V-Brick Configurations ................................................................................. 101
VMAX All Flash 950F Components ....................................................................... 102

VMAX All Flash 950F V-Brick........................................................................................... 103
VMAX All Flash 950F Director Boards ............................................................................. 104
VMAX All Flash 950F I/O Population................................................................................ 105
VMAX 950F Drive Array Enclosures (DAEs) .................................................................... 106

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Ethernet Switches ............................................................................................................ 108
Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) ....................................................................................... 109
InfiniBand (IB) Switches ................................................................................................... 110
VMAX 950F Power .......................................................................................................... 111
VMAX 950F V-Brick Configurations ................................................................................. 113
Component Locations Lab Exercise ................................................................................. 115
Summary................................................................................................................. 116
Cabling and Configuration ................................................................... 117
Cabling and Configuration .................................................................................... 118

System Bay Layouts ........................................................................................................ 119
Bay Cabling ..................................................................................................................... 120
Cable Routing .................................................................................................................. 121
Adjacent Bay Layouts ...................................................................................................... 122
Dispersed Bay Layouts .................................................................................................... 123
Mixed Layout Configurations ............................................................................................ 124
Inter-Engine Connectivity ................................................................................................. 125
Director Board and Fabric Connections ........................................................................... 126
MIBE Cable Routing ........................................................................................................ 127
Management Modules and Ethernet Switches ................................................................. 128
Ethernet Cable Labels ..................................................................................................... 130
Ethernet Cable Routing .................................................................................................... 132
PowerMax 8000 and VMAX All Flash 950F MMCS Cabling ............................................. 133
PowerMax 2000 and VMAX All Flash 250F MMCS Cabling ............................................. 136
PowerMax 8000 24-Drive DAE Connections .................................................................... 138
PowerMax 2000 24-Drive DAE Connections .................................................................... 139
VMAX 950F 120-Drive DAE Connections ........................................................................ 140
VMAX 250F 25-Drive DAE connections ........................................................................... 141
LCC Configuration ........................................................................................................... 142
PowerMax 8000 SPS Cabling .......................................................................................... 143
PowerMax 2000 SPS Cabling .......................................................................................... 145
VMAX 950F SPS Cabling ................................................................................................ 146
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VMAX 250F SPS Cabling ................................................................................................ 147
Verify Cabling Lab Exercise ............................................................................................. 148
Summary................................................................................................................. 149
System Installation ............................................................................... 150
Install Preparation .................................................................................................. 151

Software Tools Used for Installing PowerMax/VMAX All Flash Arrays ............................. 152
Dell EMC Online Support ................................................................................................. 153
Symmipedia ..................................................................................................................... 155
Symmipedia Code Information Page ................................................................................ 157
SolVe Desktop Home Page ............................................................................................. 158
SolVe PowerMax and VMAX Home Page ........................................................................ 160
PowerMax Customer Documentation ............................................................................... 161
Partner and Internal Procedures ...................................................................................... 163
CreateProc.smp File ........................................................................................................ 165
Enter and Run Procedure - Internals ................................................................................ 168
EPG Output - Internals ..................................................................................................... 170
Symmetrix Procedure Generator for Partners .................................................................. 172
Central Manager .............................................................................................................. 173
Credential Output ............................................................................................................. 175
Central Manager My Profile ............................................................................................. 177
Connect Service Laptop to POS Port ............................................................................... 178
IP Switcher Tool ............................................................................................................... 179
Manual MMCS Connection .............................................................................................. 181
MMCS Desktop ................................................................................................................ 182
Simplified Symmwin ......................................................................................................... 183
Software Licensing Central .............................................................................................. 185
Activate Software ............................................................................................................. 186
SolVe Desktop and Procedure Generator Lab Exercise ................................................... 187
Obtaining Service Level Credentials Lab Exercise ........................................................... 188
Onsite Remote Service Access Lab Exercise .................................................................. 189
Hardware Installation ............................................................................................. 190

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Relevant Installation Documentation ................................................................................ 191
Required Physical Tools to Install Hardware .................................................................... 192
Single Person Lift Tool - Alum-a-Lift ................................................................................. 193
System Acclimation.......................................................................................................... 194
Verify Cable Seating ........................................................................................................ 196
Verify Site Power ............................................................................................................. 197
Single-phase AC Power Specifications ............................................................................ 199
Three-phase AC Power Specifications ............................................................................. 200
PowerMax 2000 and 8000 Power Distribution.................................................................. 201
PDU Labels...................................................................................................................... 202
PowerMax 2000 and 8000 Power On............................................................................... 203
VMAX 250F Power Distribution ........................................................................................ 204
VMAX 250F Power On ..................................................................................................... 205
VMAX 950F Power Distribution ........................................................................................ 206
VMAX 950F Power On ..................................................................................................... 208
Logging in Using Simplified Symmwin .............................................................................. 209
General Site Information .................................................................................................. 210
Verify VMAX Setup Script ................................................................................................ 212
Secure Remote Services ................................................................................................. 214
Configuring Secure Remote Services .............................................................................. 216
Perform an Install Lab Exercise ....................................................................................... 217
Summary................................................................................................................. 218
SolVe Desktop and Procedure Generator Lab Exercise ................................................... 219
Management .......................................................................................... 220
Simplified Symmwin .............................................................................................. 221

View Block Navigation ..................................................................................................... 222
Site Note .......................................................................................................................... 224
Site Info ........................................................................................................................... 226
Tasks ............................................................................................................................... 228
Replacement Logs ........................................................................................................... 230
System Management ....................................................................................................... 232
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Other View Blocks............................................................................................................ 234
Simplified Symmwin Lab Exercise ................................................................................... 236
Gathering Log Files ............................................................................................... 237

Gathering Logs from Solutions Enabler............................................................................ 238
Viewing Audit Logs In Unisphere ..................................................................................... 239
Gathering STP Data......................................................................................................... 240
Container Service Access ................................................................................................ 241
vApp Manager ................................................................................................................. 242
vApp Manager Downloads ............................................................................................... 244
STP Data ......................................................................................................................... 246
Select Files ...................................................................................................................... 248
Confirm Download ........................................................................................................... 250
Gather Log Files Lab Exercise ......................................................................................... 251
Summary................................................................................................................. 252
Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) ........................................................... 253
Field Replaceable Units - FRUs ............................................................................ 254

Electrostatic Discharge - ESD .......................................................................................... 255
Access Methods .............................................................................................................. 256
IP Switcher Tool ............................................................................................................... 257
Connecting from POS Work Tray ..................................................................................... 258
Simplified Symmwin for FRUs .......................................................................................... 260
Running a Replacement Task .......................................................................................... 261
Identify Task in the Replacement Script ........................................................................... 262
Script Confirmation Page ................................................................................................. 263
Roll On to Zoom ............................................................................................................... 264
Replace Component Instructions Page ............................................................................ 265
Wiring Diagram ................................................................................................................ 267
Animated Instructions ...................................................................................................... 268
Component Replacement ................................................................................................ 269
Script Summary Page ...................................................................................................... 270
Select Replacement Logs ................................................................................................ 271

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Choose a Replacement Log ............................................................................................. 272
Replacement Log Information .......................................................................................... 273
Drive Identification ........................................................................................................... 274
DAEs ............................................................................................................................... 275
Drive Location .................................................................................................................. 276
Engine, Chain, Enc .......................................................................................................... 277
Special Considerations .................................................................................................... 278
MMCS Special Considerations......................................................................................... 279
MMCS - FRU Replacement Error ..................................................................................... 280
Connecting to MMCS-2 .................................................................................................... 281
Select MMCS FRU Replacement Task ............................................................................ 282
MMCS-2 Elevated Mode .................................................................................................. 283
Li-Ion SPS Replacement .................................................................................................. 284
eNAS Interaction with PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Hardware .................................... 285
Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) Lab Exercise ................................................................. 286
Summary................................................................................................................. 287
Upgrades and Additional Resources .................................................. 288
Upgrades ................................................................................................................ 289

Hardware Upgrades ......................................................................................................... 290
Sizer and MyQuotes ........................................................................................................ 292
Upgrade Process Overview ............................................................................................. 294
Storage Capacity Upgrades ............................................................................................. 296
Infrastructure Upgrades ................................................................................................... 297
IO Module Upgrades ........................................................................................................ 298
Miscellaneous Upgrades .................................................................................................. 299
Upgrade Types ................................................................................................................ 300
Upgrade Type Examples.................................................................................................. 301
Simplified Symmwin ......................................................................................................... 302
Detailed Plan ................................................................................................................... 304
Step-by-Step Procedures ................................................................................................. 306
Quick Configuration Changes - Simplified Symmwin ........................................................ 308
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Software Upgrades .......................................................................................................... 310
JFrog Artifactory............................................................................................................... 312
Code Upgrades................................................................................................................ 313
Additional Resources ............................................................................................ 314

Simplified Symmwin Simulator ......................................................................................... 315
Simplified Symmwin Simulator Files................................................................................. 316
Simplified Symmwin Simulator Installation ....................................................................... 318
Launch Simplified Symmwin Simulator ............................................................................ 319
Simulated Information ...................................................................................................... 320
Cabling Diagrams and Animations ................................................................................... 321
Simplified Symmwin Simulator Lab Exercise.................................................................... 322
Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) Lab Exercise - Continued .............................................. 323
Summary................................................................................................................. 324
Course Summary .................................................................................. 325
Course Summary ................................................................................................... 326

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Course Introduction
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Internal Use - Confidential 2020 Dell Inc. Page 1
Course Introduction
Course Introduction
Introduction
This course covers the installation and maintenance of the PowerMax and VMAX
All Flash 250 and 950 hardware systems and components. Topics include
identifying the main system components, understanding the different system
configuration options, installing the system and performing FRU replacements. This
course includes Instructor Led Training along with hands-on labs.
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Internal Use - Confidential 2 © Copyright 2020 Dell Inc.
Course Introduction
Course Objectives
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Course Introduction
Prerequisite Skills
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Course Introduction
Course Agenda
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Course Introduction
Introductions
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PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Overview
Introduction
Upon completing this module, you will be able to:

 Describe PowerMax and VMAX All Flash product offerings.
 Compare PowerMax and VMAX All Flash models.
 List configuration options.
 Describe how array models can scale up and out.
 Understand the PowerMax operational environment.
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Introduction to PowerMax
Introduction
This lesson covers the following topics:

 PowerMax Offerings
 PowerMax Models
 PowerMax Architecture
 PowerMax Configuration Options
 Array Scaling
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PowerMax Offerings
Overview
PowerMax is a modern storage array that is powerful, simple, and trusted with
absolutely no compromises. PowerMax offers the following:
Powerful Architecture
 Performance: Dell EMC PowerMax delivers new levels of performance and
efficiency with a future-proof architecture that features end-to-end nonvolatile
memory express (NVMe) and an integrated machine learning engine.
 Scalability: PowerMax is designed for massive scalability and has a multi-
controller scale out architecture, with up to 4 PB of effective capacity.
 Extreme Efficiency: Up to 5:1 data reduction with inline deduplication and
compression.
 Resiliency: Extensive fault detection and isolation, allowing early wear-out
detection and prevention of passing bad data off as good.
Simple Operation
 Connectivity: Support for open systems, mainframe, IBM i, and file storage on
the same array.
 CloudIQ Support: CloudIQ provides proactive health checks with predictive
analytics. Cloud-based resource monitoring for PowerMax capacity and
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performance are also offered. To learn more about CloudIQ go to,

https://www.dellemc.com/resources/en-us/asset/briefs-
handouts/products/storage-2/h15387-cloudiq-top-reasons.pdf.
 Future Proof Loyalty Program: Protects investment with the Future-Proof
Storage Loyalty Program.
Trusted Innovation
 Machine Learning: PowerMaxOS is the only storage operating system that is
optimized for next generation media—bringing autonomous storage to life with
integrated machine learning engine.
 Availability: PowerMax is designed for six-nines of availability.
 Protection: Gold standard in remote replication for Business
Continuity/Disaster Recovery.
 Security: Hardware encryption with Data at Rest Encryption (D@RE).
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PowerMax Family
Overview
PowerMax 2000 PowerMax 8000
1.7M IOPS 10M IOPS
1 PBe Capacity 4 PBe Capacity
1 to 2 Bricks 1 to 8 Bricks
64 FC/iSCSI Ports 256 FC/FICON/iSCSI Ports
PowerMax Software ESSENTIALS
SnapVX Non-disruptive Migration QoS

iCDM Basic
Compression Dedupe
(AppSync)
ABOVE + PRO
SRDF eNAS PowerPath
D@RE iCDM Advanced SRM

(AppSync)
The PowerMax family includes the PowerMax 2000 and PowerMax 8000 arrays.
The arrays are offered in simple appliance-based packaging that combines both
hardware and one of two software packages – Essentials or Pro.
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PowerMax 2000 is the entry point delivering modern storage at midmarket

economics. PowerMax 8000 is ideal for large enterprises and consolidating
mixed/open and mainframe workloads.
AppSync is software that enables Integrated Copy Data Management (iCDM).
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PowerMax - Model Comparison
Overview
The table shows a comparison of the PowerMax models.
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PowerMax Architecture
Overview
Disk Level RAID Protection RAID-5 or RAID-6
Software enabled host Multi-Pathing
Multiple low latency back-end PCIe connections using NVMe

protocol
Dual Multi-Core CPUs
Multiple DRAM Memory Cards
Dual node engine addresses catastrophic failure

Redundant fabric to other engines
The PowerMax architecture is the most Reliable, Available, and Serviceable (RAS)
architecture in the storage industry. It was literally designed to never drop light
(access) to its connected hosts no matter what happens in the environment, due to
the no Single-Point-of-Failure design.
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1. On the disk front, both RAID-5 and RAID-6 are supported. RAID-5 is the
recommended choice of RAID due to the incredible reliability of Flash
technology. RAID-6 is also supported because it can recover from a dual drive
failure in a single RAID Group.
2. Using multiple paths on the front-end and supporting all pathing software
solutions, including differentiated PowerPath by Dell EMC, allows PowerMax to
avoid localized path failures.
3. If a back-end path or controller fails, dual pathing to the backend SSDs is used
for redundancy.
4. Multi-core and multi-socket CPUs can tolerate localized core failures.
5. Multiple memory cards, chips, and DRAM mirroring avoids localized and large-
scale memory failures.
6. The whole PowerMax engine itself is fully redundant with two High Availability
(HA) director boards. If a whole director board were to go down, all the data that
is stored on that engine would be serviceable from the second director board.
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PowerMax 2000 System Configuration
Overview
1 or 2 Bricks Up to 96 cores, 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB memory - mixed cache sizes
24 Drives per DAE, High Power (25W/slot), PCIe connected,

2 DAEs per Brick
NVMe protocol
Up to 64 Front
FC or iSCSI
End ports
Granular growth Start with 13 TBu, grow in 13 TBu increments
20U per system, 2nd system or 3rd party components can be

High Density
added to the same cabinet
The image shows a fully configured PowerMax 2000, consisting of two Bricks, each
with Standby Power Supplies (SPS), engines, and a pair of Drive Array Enclosures
(DAEs).
Each Brick includes dual director boards that use the new 12-core Broadwell CPUs
running at 2.5 GHz and each director board has four open slots for host port IO
Modules. Each provides up to four ports for external connectivity. Connectivity
options include 16 Gb FC, 10 Gb iSCSI, and eNAS. SRDF ports (FC and IP) can
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be configured from the same port cards but not on the same ports. eNAS requires
dedicated IP port cards.
Each Brick has 2 of the new 24-drive NVMe based DAEs for a total of 48 drives per
Brick.
The cache on the 2000 is based on DDR4 memory and supports 512 GB as well as
1 TB and 2 TB options. Cache sizes can be mixed across engines for cost effective
deployments and upgrades.
PowerMax systems use a new hardware data reduction module that delivers
deduplication and advanced compression.
For increased density, it is possible to configure 2 PowerMax 2000 systems in a

single cabinet.
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PowerMax 8000 System Configuration
Overview
1 to 8 Bricks Up to 576 cores; 1 TB or 2 TB memory - mixed

cache sizes with 4 or more engines
3 DAEs per 2 24 drives per DAE, High Power (25W/slot), PCIe

Bricks connected, NVMe protocol
Up to 256 Front End FC, iSCSI, or FICON

ports
Start with 54 TBu and grow in 13 TBu

Granular growth
increments
4 Bricks per Floor tile, 125K IOPs per U, supports 3rd

High Density
party racking and bay dispersion
The image shows a fully configured PowerMax 8000, consisting of eight Bricks,
each with Standby Power Supplies (SPS), engines, and DAEs.
A key advantage of PowerMax 8000 is the increased density, allowing up to four

Bricks per cabinet, compared to two. Another key advantage is the increased front-
end connectivity with up to 256 ports - assuming system ships with two or greater
Bricks from the factory. PowerMax 8000 uses the new 18-core Broadwell CPUs
running at 2.8 GHz.
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Also new to the PowerMax 8000 is support for mixed cache sizes, making system
scaling more affordable. Configure the engines with 2 TBs of memory only if
needed.
There is no Keyboard/Video/ Mouse (KVM) with the 8000 and as with the
PowerMax 2000, third-party racking is supported.
The bays can be dispersed by up to 25 meters for deployment flexibility.
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Multi-Controller with Multi-Dimensional Scale
Overview
PowerMax is built to handle high demand and heavy transaction workloads while
storing petabytes of vital data. The building block of PowerMax is an NVMe-
optimized Brick, which includes an engine with redundant controllers and two Drive
Array Enclosures (DAEs). Each Brick uses NVMe from the engine to the DAEs,
where each supports up to 24 drives in 2U. The array offers flexible scale-up and
scale-out architecture. You can start with a single 10U Brick with 13 TB of capacity.
(Contd.)
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Multi-Controller with Multi-Dimensional Scale (Contd.)
Overview
…And you can scale all the way up to eight Bricks, which provides 4 petabytes
(PB) of effective capacity in two floor tiles. PowerMax offers 40% lower power
consumption and doubles the storage density (vs. VMAX All Flash). So customers
get up to 2 PB of effective storage capacity in a single floor tile. The multi-
dimensional scale enables millions of IOPS, petabytes of effective capacity, and
hundreds of front-end ports.
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Introduction to VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F
Introduction
Introduction to VMAX All Flash

 VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F Offerings
 VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F Models
 VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F Architecture
 VMAX All Flash 250Fand 950F Configuration Options
 Array Scaling
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VMAX All Flash Offerings
Overview
Leverages the latest all-flash technology
Inline hardware compression
Appliance-based packaging with software included
V-Brick building blocks
Single-tier drive configuration
Mainframe support for VMAX 950F
VMAX All Flash is engineered to deliver the highest VMAX IOPS per TB per floor
tile. The VMAX All Flash provides hyper-consolidation for mixed workloads that
demand consistently low response times and world-class business continuity.
The Release of HYPERMAX OS 5977.945.890 and above includes inline

compression which maximizes the VMAX All Flash value proposition by providing
the best space savings. VMAX All Flash inline compression delivers higher space
efficiency, reducing the overall cost per usable TB.
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VMAX All Flash provides appliance-based packaging with software included. The
arrays are available with the base software bundle or the FX package, which
includes an expanded software bundle. The VMAX 950F model includes
mainframe support. Mainframe support is not available on the VMAX 250F.
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VMAX All Flash Models
Overview
VMAX 950F
VMAX 250F
Up to: Up to:
1 to 2 V-Bricks 1 to 8 V-Bricks
100 drives (2.5") 1920 drives (2.5")
1.1 Pbe Capacity 4.4 Pbe Capacity
The VMAX All Flash family was first introduced in Q1 2016 with the VMAX 450F
and VMAX 850F. The HYPERMAX OS 5977.945.890 and above includes support
for the VMAX 250F. This VMAX 250F expands the VMAX All Flash portfolio for
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enterprise storage at mid-market economics. The HYPERMAX OS 5977.1125.1125

and above includes support for the VMAX 950F.
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VMAX All Flash Architecture
Overview
1-2 V-Bricks 1-8 V-Bricks

1M IOPS 4M IOPS
4TB Cache 16 TB Cache
100 2.5" Drives 1920 2.5" Drives
1PBe Capacity 4 PBe Capacity
64 FC/iSCSI Ports 192 FC/iSCSI Ports
"F" PACKAGE: O/S, local snapshots, Management GUI, iCDM Starter Pack*, QoS, Thin Provisioning, VVols
"FX" PACKAGE: All "F" items, Remote Replication (Active-Active Datacenter, Encryption, ViPR, Embedded NAS (File), CloudArray
Connectivity, Unisphere 360 Datacenter Management, PowerPath
250F/FX 950F/FX
VMAX 250F and 950F All Flash arrays deliver an advanced architecture which
enables customers to consolidate demanding business processes across their
environments. They use trusted VMAX data services and achieve no compromise
performance with the leading response times for mission-critical workloads. VMAX
All Flash employs a simplified appliance-based modular building block architecture
to reduce complexity and simplify configuration and deployment. Building blocks
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called “V-Bricks” allow VMAX All Flash to scale to deliver predictable high
performance where needed.
The 250F uses state-of-the-art Intel technology and scales out to two V-Bricks. This
means up to 1 PB effective - including compression savings. The 250F delivers up
to 1 million 8 KB read cache hit IOPs with up to 64 physical 16 GB/s FC ports or 10
Gb iSCSI ports.
The 950F models are designed to take full advantage of the superior performance,
density, and economies of scale from cutting-edge flash storage media. The new
systems use the new high capacity SSDs in 3.8 TB, 1.9 TB, and 960 GB
capacities. These new drives offer high IO density to deliver extreme levels of
performance. The systems support Fiber Channel and iSCSI with up to 192 ports
on the 950. The 950F scales to 8 V-Bricks, 1920 total drives, and close to 4 usable
PB of capacity.
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VMAX All Flash - Model Comparison
Overview
The preceding table shows the comparison of the VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F
arrays.
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VMAX All Flash - Model Comparison (Contd.)
Overview
The preceding table shows the comparison of the VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F
arrays.
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Building Blocks of VMAX 250F
Overview
V-Brick (Base Configuration)
1 Engine, 2 DAEs
Drive type based on protection type

512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB cache per engine
Engine cache sizes can vary
No KVM, Infiniband, or Ethernet switches
Flash Capacity Pack
Minimum capacity upgrade per V-Brick is 13.2 TBu
960 GB, 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, and 15.36 TB drives supported
Drive type selected based on number of packs and protection scheme
A VMAX 250F V-Brick includes one engine and two 25-drive DAEs. The VMAX
250F array can be ordered as a single V-Brick or dual V-Brick array - two engines
and four 25-drive DAEs. The VMAX 250F engines can have mixed memory sizes.
The mixed memory sizes can only be one capacity size apart, meaning the two
engines can be 512 GB and 1 TB, or 1 TB and 2 TB. There are no KVM, InfiniBand
switches, or Ethernet switches in the VMAX 250F.
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To increase capacity, Flash Capacity Packs can be added to a V-Brick. Each Flash
Capacity Pack is 13.2 TB and consists of drive types that are based on the number
of packs and the protection scheme used.
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Building Blocks of VMAX 950F
Overview
V-Brick (Base Configuration)
1 Engine, 2 DAEs, and 53 TBu capacity

Drive type based on protection type
RAID5 (7+1) supports (16) 3.84 TB 2.5" drives + (1) Spare
RAID6 (14+2) supports (32) 1.92 TB 2.5" drives + (1) Spare
1 TB or 2 TB cache per engine
All Engines must have same cache size
Flash Capacity Pack
Minimum capacity upgrade per V-Brick is 13 TBu
960 GB, 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, and 15.36 TB drives supported
Drive type selected based on number of packs and protection scheme
RAID5 supports 1.92 TB and 3.84 TB drives
RAID6 supports 960 GB and 1.92 TB drives
The VMAX All Flash configuration has been greatly simplified. V-Bricks are used as
the base configuration. A VMAX 950F V-Brick consists of an engine, with two 120-
drive Disk Array Enclosures (DAEs). The usable capacity of a V-Brick is 53 TBu,
consisting of (16) 3.84 TB drives when using RAID5 (7+1), or (32) 1.92 TB drives
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when using RAID6 (14+2). To increase capacity, Flash Capacity Packs can be
added to a V-Brick. Each Flash Capacity Pack is 13 TBu and consists of drive
types that are based on the number of packs and protection scheme used.
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VMAX 250F Scaling
Overview
Scale Up
Flash Capacity Pack
11 TBu Increase Capacity
11 TBu Flash Capacity Packs
Scale Out
Increase performance and capacity
Flash Capacity
Pack 11 TBu
1 V-Brick
V-Brick V-Brick
1 V-Brick
Scaling the VMAX 250F systems includes increasing capacity using Flash Capacity
Packs, and increasing performance and capacity by adding more V-Bricks. Each
VMAX 250F V-Brick contains two DAEs with a maximum of (50) 2.5” drives. The
maximum usable capacity of a dual V-Brick VMAX 250F is 500 TB.
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VMAX 950F Scaling
Overview
Scale Up
Flash Capacity Pack
Increase Capacity
13 TBu
13 TBu Flash Capacity packs
Scale Out
Increase performance and capacity
53 TBu V-Bricks
Flash Capacity
Pack 13 TBu
V-Brick 53 TBu V-Brick 53 TBu V-Brick 53 TBu
Scaling the VMAX 950F systems includes increasing capacity using Flash Capacity
Packs, and increasing performance and capacity by adding more V-Bricks. Each V-
Brick contains two DAEs, with a maximum of (240) 2.5” drives, which is achieved
by adding Flash Capacity Packs to the V-Brick. The maximum capacity per V-Brick
is 500 TB, for a total maximum usable capacity of over 4 Petabytes (PB) in the
largest VMAX All Flash.
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Operational Environment

 Model Identification
 PowerMaxOS/Hypermax OS
 Data Protection
 Director Emulations and Modules
 Guest Operating Systems (Guest OS)
 Vaulting
 Data Reduction Techniques
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Model Identification
Overview
Serial numbers can be used to identify the VMAX All Flash or PowerMax model.
Shown here are the serial number identifiers for the different models. The first
character, which is shown here as an X is typically a 1, 2 or 3, and prefaced with
two alpha characters.
System serial numbers differ from bay serial numbers. Each bay has an individual
serial number. The bay serial number is is not the system serial number and should
not be referenced. Always use the system serial number tag when referencing the
serial number of the system.
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HYPERMAX OS
Overview
The numbers of a HYPERMAX OS level have specific meaning. In this example,

the 59 represents the array hardware and is for VMAX All Flash only. 77 is the
microcode family, 945 is the HYPERMAX OS field release level, and 890 is the
field release to the service processor code.
Non-disruptive HYPERMAX OS upgrades and load capabilities are available.
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PowerMax OS
Overview
PowerMaxOS 5978 is the software operating environment for PowerMax arrays.

PowerMax OS is the new version of HYPERMAX OS rewritten for the NVMe
platform. It manages the storage and controls communications with the host
systems. There are more features for PowerMaxOS that provide specific
capabilities such as remote replication. PowerMaxOS can run natively on both
PowerMax systems and on legacy VMAX All Flash systems as an upgrade.
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Data Protection: Smart RAID
Overview
Smart RAID provides active/active shared RAID support for PowerMax arrays.
Smart RAID allows RAID groups to be shared between back-end directors within
the same engine. Each back-end director has access to every physical drive within
the DAE but each TDAT on that physical drive is primary to only one back-end
director. Smart RAID helps in cost reduction by allowing a smaller number of RAID
groups while improving performance. Two directors are allowed to run I/O
concurrently to the same set of drives. The image on the slide illustrates Smart
RAID connectivity between directors (DA), spindles, and TDATs.
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Data Protection: RAID 5
Overview
RAID 5 is an industry-standard data protection mechanism with rotating parity

across all members of the RAID 5 set. If a physical drive fails, the missing data is
rebuilt by reading the remaining drives in the RAID group and performing XOR
calculations.
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Data Protection: RAID 6
Overview
If two drives fail within a RAID group, RAID 6 enables the rebuilding of data. Dell
EMC implementation of RAID 6 calculates two types of parity. Double parity is
important during events when two drives within the same RAID group fail, as it still
allows the data in this scenario to be reconstructed. Horizontal parity is identical to
RAID 5 parity, which is calculated from the data across all the disks in the RAID
group. Diagonal parity is calculated on a diagonal subset of data members. For
applications without demanding performance needs, RAID 6 provides the highest
data availability. PowerMax systems implement RAID 6 (6+2) – Data striped across
eight drives (6 data, 2 parity).
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Data Protection: Sparing
Overview
PowerMaxOS supports Universal Sparing to automatically protect a failing drive

with a spare drive. Universal Sparing increases data availability of all volumes in
use without loss of any data capacity, transparently to the host, and without user
intervention. When PowerMaxOS detects a drive is failing, the data on the faulty
drive is copied directly to a spare drive attached to the same engine. If the faulty
drive has failed, the data is rebuilt onto the spare drive through the remaining RAID
members. When the faulty drive is replaced, data is copied from the spare to the
new drive.
PowerMax systems have a minimum of one spare drive per engine. The spare
drives reside in dedicated DAE slots. To allow all drives in the engine to share the
spare drive, the spare type is the same as the highest capacity and performance as
the other drives in the engine.
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Advanced Features
Overview
Advanced features available in PowerMax and VMAX All Flash arrays provide
flexibility, protection, security, and cost-savings.
TimeFinder local replication capabilities use pointer-based or full copies of data,

enabling tasks such as backup and testing without affecting production data.
SRDF, the gold standard for remote replication, enables disaster recovery and
business continuance for added protection in data center environments.
eNAS allows consolidation of block and file storage within an array, providing
simplified management and reduced deployment costs.
D@RE delivers hardware-based, on-array encryption, protecting storage from

unauthorized access when drives or arrays are removed from a data center.
NDM enables migrating data from VMAX or VMAX3 arrays to PowerMax or VMAX
All Flash arrays without any downtime of application hosts.
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PowerMax OS Emulations
Overview
PowerMax OS provides emulations that perform specific data service and control
functions in the PowerMax OS environment.
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PowerMax OS Emulations (Contd.)
Overview
PowerMax OS provides emulations that perform specific data service and control
functions in the PowerMax OS environment. The available emulations are listed on
the slide.
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Director Board Modules
Overview
The Brick engine architecture uses a series of hot swappable modules that plug
into slots in the engine director boards.
These modules include:

 Engine cooling fans and power supplies in slots accessible from the front of the
engine director board.
 I/O modules, management modules, and control stations in slots accessible
from the rear of the engine director board.
The table describes the module components that are used in a Brick engine
director board.
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Director Board Modules (Contd.)
Overview
The table describes the module components that are used in a Brick engine
director board.
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Vaulting
Overview
As cache size has grown, the time that is required to move all cached data to a
persistent state has also increased. Vaulting is designed to limit the time that is
needed to power off the system if it switches to a battery supply. Upon complete
system power loss or transitioning a system to an offline state, PowerMaxOS
performs a vault of cache memory to dedicated I/O modules known as flash I/O
modules. The flash I/O modules use NVMe technology to safely store data during
the vaulting sequence.
Lithium-ion standby power supply (Li-Ion SPS) modules provide battery backup
functionality to the engines during the vault operation. Two SPS modules are
configured per engine. The SPS modules also provide back-up power to the
InfiniBand switches in applicable configurations.
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PowerMax Data Reduction
Overview
Data reduction is set at the Storage Group level, and deduplication and
compression are applied to writes together. Deduplication cannot be set alone for a
specific SG.
The PowerMax supports hardware-level deduplication and as compression with

almost zero performance cost due to the adaptive nature of the data reduction
process. It operates at the PowerMax track level (128 KB), the dedupe domain is
the Storage Resource Pool (SRP) and only applies to Open Systems (FBA)
workloads. Dedupe is not supported for mainframe.
As it uses the same card as compression, it is subjected to the same design

principles in that it is adaptive in nature and interoperable with all data services.
The hash is generated on each new write as the data is compressed.
In the event the Data Reduction module fails, reads happen as normal - there is no
special processing that is required to read a logically deduped block. All writes are
written as unique writes and do not benefit from data reduction until the card is
replaced.
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Inline Deduplication and Compression
Overview
PowerMax features inline deduplication and compression to minimize storage

footprint and in everyday use can deliver up to 5:1 compression for workloads.
Compression and dedupe friendly applications include VMware boot images/VDI,
Oracle, or SQL with host-based database copies and others. These data reduction
technologies are hardware assisted, selectable together, and can be turned on and
off at the Storage Group level for maximum flexibility. Also, they are fully
compatible with the use of all data services with no performance impact. The
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efficiencies gained with dedupe, and compression are reported as an overall data
reduction ratio that can be viewed in Unisphere. Like the rest of the industry leading
all flash storage portfolio, PowerMax comes with a 4:1 overall storage efficiency
guarantee.
The Adaptive Compression Engine (ACE) is intelligent and uses hardware

acceleration that has a “Do No Harm” policy to minimize any impact to storage
array performance. It is smart enough to ensure that active data is not compressed
and deduped until it becomes less active. This allows the system to deliver the
lowest latency with the maximum throughput using PowerMax cache and SSD
technology.
PowerMax delivers no compromise compression and dedupe and works with all
PowerMax trusted data services. PowerMax can encrypt compressed data in real-
time. PowerMax compression and dedupe operate granularly, at the Storage Group
(application) level so customers can target those workloads that benefit the most.
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Summary
Summary
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Bays and Components
Introduction
This module covers components of PowerMax and VMAX All Flash systems.

 Describe PowerMax components
 Identify VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F components
 List common components
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax Components
Introduction
This lesson covers components of PowerMax 2000 and PowerMax 8000 systems.

 PowerMax components
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax Bays
Overview
Common Components
PowerMax 8000 only
Engine
I/O Modules InfiniBand (IB) switches*
Drive Array Enclosure (DAE) Ethernet switches
Standby Power Supply (SPS) Service tray
Power Distribution Unit (PDU)
*Present in multi-engine systems only
Common components that are installed in PowerMax arrays are engines, DAEs,
and SPSs. The PowerMax 8000 contains InfiniBand (IB) switches when multiple
engines are installed. IB switches are not used in the PowerMax 2000 arrays. Also
in all PowerMax 8000 systems are Ethernet switches and a service tray. PowerMax
2000 systems do not have Ethernet switches or a service tray.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax Building Blocks
Overview
PowerMax 2000
Two Bricks
PowerMax 2000
One Brick
Second Brick
First Brick
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax 8000
Two Bricks
PowerMax 8000
One Brick
Even-numbered
Brick
Odd-numbered
Brick
Even-numbered
Brick
Odd-numbered
Brick
The building block of a PowerMax system is a Brick, which consists of an engine

and two Drive Array Enclosures (DAEs), supported by a pair of Standby Power
Supplies (SPSs). In the PowerMax 2000 system, all drives in both DAEs are
associated with the Engine. In a PowerMax 8000 system, the second DAE is
shared between two Engines. Drive slots 0 through 13 are populated and
associated with the first or odd-numbered Engine. When a second or even-
numbered Engine is installed, drive slots 14 through 23 are populated and
associated with that engine.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax Engine
Overview
Front Rear
Even Director
Power Supply B
Power Supply A
Odd Director
Power Supply B
Power Supply A
Cooling Modules
Up to 16 front-end ports
Boot Drive
The PowerMax engine is a 4U enclosure that supports two multi-core director

boards. The odd numbered director board is on the bottom and the even numbered
director board is on top. Each engine uses a core pooling mechanism which load
balances the director cores based on workload demands. Dynamic distribution of
the cores to the front end, back end, and data services, such as SRDF, eNAS, and
embedded management optimizes performance on the array.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax Director Boards
Overview
PowerMax 2000 and 8000 multi-core director boards have similar attributes. Each
director board has its own redundant power and cooling modules. A boot drive,
which holds emulation binaries and contains firmware binaries for the devices in
the system, is included in each director board. The boot drive also contains the
error logs for the director board and some configuration data, and is hot-
swappable. Each director board has one management slot and 11 I/O module slots
in the rear of the director board. PowerMax 2000 and 8000 I/O module
configurations differ. Shown here is an example of the rear view of a fully populated
PowerMax 8000 single-engine director board.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax 2000 I/O Module Population
Overview
PowerMax 2000 engines support one management module and eleven I/O module
slots per director board. I/O modules in the PowerMax 2000 models include back-
end modules in slots 4 and 5. Non-Volatile Memory express (NVMe) Flash modules
are installed in slot 0 and slot 6. Slot 1 is reserved for future use, and is unused. A
compression and deduplication (dedupe) module is installed in slot 7. Front-end
modules, including remote adapters for SRDF, are installed in slots 2, 3, 8, and 9.
In dual-engine systems, fabric modules are installed in slot 10 for inter-engine
connectivity.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax 8000 I/O Module Population
Overview
PowerMax 8000 initially ordered as single-engine PowerMax 8000 initially ordered as multi-engine
PowerMax 8000 engines support one management module and eleven I/O module
slots per director board. I/O Module population in the PowerMax 8000 systems
varies based on the initial order. The back-end I/O modules are always installed in
slots 4 and 5. If a single-engine system is ordered, slots 0, 1, 6, and 7 are reserved
for Non-Volatile Memory express (NVMe) Flash modules. Flash modules are
populated in slot 0 first, slot 6 second, slot 1 third, and slot 7 fourth. The
compression and deduplication (dedupe) module is installed in slot 9, and
therefore, there are fewer slots available for front-end and/or remote I/O modules.
Every additional engine added to this system will be configured the same way, with
the compression and dedupe module in slot 9. When a PowerMax 8000 system is
ordered as a multi-engine system for the initial order, the I/O module layout is
different. Slots 4 and 5 are again used for the back-end modules. However, the
Flash module slots used in multi-engine systems are slot 0, slot 1 and slot 6,
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PowerMax Components
leaving slot 7 available for the compression and deduplication module. In the multi-
engine systems, slots 2, 3, 8 and 9 are used for front-end and/or remote modules in
all engines. Fabric modules are installed in slot 10 when multiple engines are
configured, regardless of whether they were initially ordered as single- or multi-
engine systems.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax Management Modules
Overview
Embedded
"MiniSP"
Management Module Control Station (MMCS) Management Module (MM)
Within each PowerMax engine, two Management Modules are used by the director
boards to monitor and control the environment in which it operates. The
Management Modules are responsible for monitoring the SPS units and
communicating with the other engines in the system. In Engine 1, Management
Module Control Stations (MMCSs) are used. MMCSs have an embedded “MiniSP”
used as the Service Access or Service Processor for the system. In Engines 2
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PowerMax Components
through 8, when present, standard Management Modules (MMs) are used for
monitoring and communications. The Management Modules do not have the
embedded “MiniSP”.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax Back-end I/O Modules
Overview
PowerMax back-end I/O modules are used for NVMe over PCIe connectivity to the
drives in a DAE. NVMe is a high performance protocol designed for modern media.
NVMe was architected to take advantage of the parallelism of modern CPUs and
SSDs. The modules are redundant across director boards, with each module
providing connectivity to the DAEs in a Brick.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax Front-end I/O Modules
Overview
Front-end directors provide front-end host or remote array connectivity to

PowerMax arrays. Shown here is a 4-port 8 GB Fibre Channel module, used for
tape backup with eNAS solutions. PowerMax arrays support Fibre Channel, iSCSI,
FICON, SRDF, and eNAS front-end modules. Module support is model-specific and
the number of ports per module varies. See configuration options at www.dell.com.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax NVMe Vault to Flash Modules
Overview
Vault to Flash, or Flash modules are used to store data from cache during a
vaulting event, such as a power-down of the system. Multiple sizes of Flash
modules are available for PowerMax arrays. See model-specific configuration
options at www.dell.com. One, two, three, or four Flash modules are used in
PowerMax arrays, which varies based on configuration of the array.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax Data Reduction Modules
Overview
Data reduction in PowerMax arrays is accomplished using a compression and

deduplication (dedupe) module. The compression and dedupe module is installed
in each director board in a Brick, and is standard with any PowerMax array. Slot
location for the module is dependent on the configuration of the array. It performs
data reduction by compressing and deduplicating data on the array. The
compression and dedupe module is also used to compress SRDF data before it is
transferred across links to a remote array.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax Fabric Connect Modules
Overview
The Fabric module provides connectivity between director boards. It is installed in

multi-engine systems only. If a single-engine system is upgraded to add another
engine, Fabric modules must be installed in the initial engine, and are part of the
upgrade process.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs)
Overview
Access to DIMMs in PowerMax systems is through the top of the director board. A
black plastic cover protects the director board components and must be removed to
access the DIMMs. PowerMax director boards have 16 DIMM slots for system
cache. All 16 slots must be populated with the same sized DIMMs. 16 GB, 32 GB,
and 64 GB DIMMs are available for PowerMax configurations. A map of the DIMM
slots is provided on the director board, as shown in the diagram.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax Drive Array Enclosures (DAEs)
Overview
LCC B LCC A
PS B PS A
Front Rear
24-drive DAEs are used in the PowerMax systems. Each DAE contains up to 24
flash drives, which are installed in the front. Disk drive sizes vary. Always check
www.dell.com for the latest supported disk drives available for PowerMax arrays. In
the rear of the DAE, dual link control cards (LCC) connect to the back-end director
modules, and two power supplies (PS) with fans provide redundant power and
cooling to the DAE. Air is drawn in from the front of the DAE and expelled through
the back using N+1 adaptive cooling. If one of the fans in the DAE fails, the other
will speed up to ensure proper cooling to the drives.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax Standby Power Supplies
Overview
If there is a power failure, Li-Ion batteries are used to keep system components
running for up to five minutes. To prevent loss from a "brown out" situation when
power is lost, returns, and is lost immediately again, two five-minute battery
backups are available with the SPSs. When replacing a Li-Ion battery, a battery
safety and return kit is enclosed with each battery replacement unit.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax Power Distribution Unit (PDU)
Overview
Input power in PowerMax arrays is provided by redundant Power Distribution Units

(PDU). The PDUs provide power to the Engines, DAEs, and SPSs in the system.
Vertical PDUs are mounted to the sides of the rack, and are accessible from the
rear of the system.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax 8000 InfiniBand (IB) Switches
Overview
IB switches are used in PowerMax 8000 systems when multiple engines are
installed. Dual 18-port switches connect redundantly over InfiniBand to each
director board for data transfer. Ethernet ports on the IB switches are used to
connect to the Ethernet switches for communications. The IB switches have
redundant, hot-pluggable power supplies with a fan assembly for cooling. Battery
backup is provided by the SPSs in the system and the IB switches continue to run
in the event of a power failure.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax 8000 Ethernet Switches
Overview
Two Dell Ethernet switches are installed in the first bay of every PowerMax 8000
system for communications. Each switch is a 16-port, unmanaged switch with a
single power supply. Cabling to the switches is port-specific. Each switch connects
to every engine and the IB switches in multi-engine systems for redundancy.
Switch A connects to odd-numbered director boards using a lime green Ethernet
cable. Switch B connects to even-numbered director boards using a violet Ethernet
cable.
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PowerMax Components
PowerMax 8000 Service Tray
Overview
A service tray is provided in the PowerMax 8000 system bays to connect a service
laptop for maintenance activities. The red cable that is shown can be attached to
the service laptop and a remote connection is made to the system for serviceability.
When servicing PowerMax arrays onsite, the service technician must provide a
laptop as service laptops are not provided with the array.
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VMAX All Flash Common Components
Introduction
This lesson covers VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F common components.

 VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F common components
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VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F Bays
Overview
The VMAX All Flash family of arrays includes the VMAX 250F and VMAX 950F,
shown here. Both systems support the highest capacity 7.68 TB and 15.36 TB
Enterprise Flash drives, and provide the highest levels of performance, scalability,
and availability.
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VMAX All Flash Building Blocks
Overview
The building block of a VMAX All Flash system is a V-Brick, which consists of an
engine and two Drive Array Enclosures (DAEs), supported by a pair of Standby
Power Supplies (SPSs).
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VMAX All Flash Standby Power Supplies
Overview
If there is a power failure, Li-Ion batteries are used to keep system components
running for up to five minutes. To prevent loss from a "brown out" situation when
power is lost, returns, and is lost immediately again, two five-minute battery
backups are available with the SPSs. When replacing a Li-Ion battery, a battery
safety and return kit is enclosed with each battery replacement unit.
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VMAX All Flash Engine
Overview
Front Rear
Even Director
Power Supply B
Power Supply A
Odd Director
Power Supply B
Power Supply A
Cooling Modules
Up to 16 front-end ports
Boot Drive
The VMAX All Flash engine is a 4U enclosure that supports two multi-core director
boards. The odd numbered director board is on the bottom and the even numbered
director board is on top. Each engine uses a core pooling mechanism that load
balances the director cores based on workload demands. Dynamic distribution of
the cores (within an emulation) to the front end, back end, and data services, such
as SRDF, eNAS, and embedded management, optimizes performance on the
array.
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VMAX All Flash Director Boards
Overview
Front Rear
Boot Drive Cooling Modules Management Module I/O Modules (x 11)
VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F multi-core director boards have similar attributes.
Each director board has its own redundant power and cooling modules. A boot
drive, which holds emulation binaries and contains firmware binaries for the
devices in the system, is included in each director board. The boot drive also
contains the error logs for the director board and some configuration data, and is
hot-swappable. Each director board has one management slot and 11 I/O module
slots in the rear of the director board. VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F I/O module
configurations differ. Shown here is an example of the rear view of a fully populated
VMAX 950F director board.
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VMAX All Flash Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs)
Overview
Access to DIMMs in VMAX All Flash systems is through the top of the director
board. A black plastic cover protects the director board components and must be
removed to access the DIMMs. VMAX All Flash director boards have 16 DIMM
slots for system cache. All 16 slots must be populated with the same sized DIMMs.
16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB DIMMs are available for VMAX All Flash configurations.
A map of the DIMM slots is provided on the director board, as shown in the
diagram.
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VMAX All Flash Management Modules
Overview
Embedded "MiniSP"
Management Module Control Station (MMCS)

Management Module (MM)
Within each VMAX All Flash engine, two Management Modules are used by the
director boards to monitor and control the environment in which it operates. The
Management Modules are responsible for monitoring the SPS units and
communicating with the other engines in the system. In Engine 1, Management
Module Control Stations (MMCSs) are used. MMCSs have an embedded “MiniSP”
used as the Service Access or Service Processor for the system. In Engines 2
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through 8, when present, standard Management Modules (MMs) are used for
monitoring and communications. The Management Modules do not have the
embedded “MiniSP”.
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VMAX All Flash Back-end I/O Modules
Overview
Back-end I/O modules are used for connectivity to the drives in a DAE. The
modules are redundant across directors, with each module providing connectivity to
the DAEs in a V-Brick.
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VMAX All Flash Front-end I/O Modules
Overview
Front-end directors provide front-end host or remote array connectivity to VMAX All
Flash arrays. Shown here is a 4-port 8 GB Fibre Channel module. VMAX All Flash
arrays support Fibre Channel, iSCSI, FICON, SRDF, and eNAS front-end modules.
Module support is model-specific and the number of ports per module varies. See
configuration options at www.dell.com.
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VMAX All Flash Vault to Flash Modules
Overview
Vault to Flash, or Flash modules are used to store data from cache during a
vaulting event, such as a power-down of the system. Multiple sizes of Flash
modules are available for VMAX All Flash arrays. See model-specific configuration
options at www.dell.com.
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VMAX All Flash Data Reduction Modules
Overview
Data reduction in VMAX All Flash arrays is accomplished using a compression

module. The compression module is installed in each director board in a V-Brick,
and is standard with any VMAX All Flash array. It performs data reduction by
compressing Open Systems data only. The compression module is also used to
compress SRDF data before it is transferred across links to a remote array.
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VMAX All Flash Fabric Connect Modules
Overview
The Fabric module provides connectivity between director boards. It is installed in

multi-engine systems only. If a single-engine system is upgraded to add another
engine, Fabric modules must be installed in the initial engine, and are part of the
upgrade process.
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VMAX All Flash 250F Components
Introduction
This lesson covers components specific to VMAX All Flash 250F arrays.

 VMAX All Flash 250F components
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VMAX All Flash 250F V-Brick
Overview
2 DAEs
Two SPSs
Two 25-Drive DAEs
Engine
The VMAX 250F V-Brick consists of an engine, two 25-drive DAEs, and two SPSs.
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VMAX All Flash 250F Director Boards
Overview
Each VMAX All Flash director board has dual CPU sockets that support multi-core,
multi-threaded Intel processors. The VMAX 250F director board has two Intel
Broadwell 12-core CPUs for a total of 24 cores per director board. Cache
configurations per director board include 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB.
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VMAX All Flash 250F I/O Module Population
Overview
The VMAX 250F engine supports two Management Modules and eleven I/O
module slots are available per director board. The VMAX 250F director boards
support up to three Vault to Flash modules in slots 0, 1, and 6. The Vault to Flash
module population order is slot 0 first, slot 6 second, and slot 1 third. All Vault to
Flash modules in the engine need to be the same capacity. There are up to four
front-end I/O modules in slots 2, 3, 8, and 9. Front-end I/O modules are always
added in pairs across director boards. Slot 4 is used for the back-end I/O modules
for connections to the disk drives in the DAEs. Slot 5 is empty and slot 7 is used for
the hardware compression I/O module. Finally, slot 10 is used for the directly
connected 56 Gb/s inter-director links in dual-engine systems.
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VMAX 250F Drive Array Enclosures (DAEs)
Overview
Front
Rear
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Shown here is the VMAX 250F 25-drive DAE. Up to 25 2.5" drives are installed in
the front of the DAE. The VMAX 250F DAE supports 12 Gb/sec SAS connectivity
and requires 12 Gb/sec SAS flash drives. In the rear of the DAE, dual link control
cards (LCC) connect to the back-end director modules, and two power supplies
(PS) with fans provide redundant power and cooling to the DAE. Air is drawn in
from the front of the DAE and expelled through the back using N+1 adaptive
cooling. If one of the fans in the DAE fails, the other will speed up to ensure proper
cooling to the drives.
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VMAX 250F Power
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Overview
Power Disribution Unit

(PDU)
Power Disribution Panel

(PDP)
VMAX 250F Rear
VMAX All Flash 250F power components include a Power Distribution Panel (PDP)
and a Power Distribution Unit (PDU). The PDP enables power input to the system
for single- or three-phase power depending on the configuration. The PDU provides
power to the engines, DAEs, and SPSs in the system. Vertical PDPs and PDUs are
mounted to the sides of the rack, and are accessible from the rear of the system.
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VMAX 250F V-Brick Configurations
Overview
Additional 250F system or third-party

components
Single VMAX 250F System Two VMAX 250F Systems
A VMAX 250F V-Brick includes one engine, two 25-drive DAEs, and a pair of
SPSs, and requires just 10U of rack space. A single VMAX 250F consists of one or
two V-Bricks. In a VMAX 250F with two V-Bricks, the upper 20U of a standard Dell
EMC rack can be used for third-party components, such as servers or switches, or
a second, independent VMAX 250F system. Third-party racking is also available.
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Introduction
This lesson covers components specific to VMAX All Flash 950F arrays.

 VMAX All Flash 950F components
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VMAX All Flash 950F V-Brick
Overview
Two SPSs
Engine
Two 120-Drive DAEs
The building block of a VMAX All Flash system is a V-Brick, which consists of an
engine and two Drive Array Enclosures (DAEs), supported by a pair of Standby
Power Supplies (SPSs). The VMAX 250F uses a 25-drive DAE, while the VMAX
950F uses a 120-drive DAE.
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VMAX All Flash 950F Director Boards
Overview
Each VMAX All Flash director board has dual CPU sockets that support multi-core,
multi-threaded Intel processors. The VMAX 950F director board has two Intel
Broadwell 18-core CPUs for a total of 36 cores per director board. Cache
configurations per director board include 512 GB and 1 TB.
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VMAX All Flash 950F I/O Population
Overview
The VMAX 950F engine supports two Management Modules and eleven I/O
module slots are available per director board. The VMAX 950F director boards
support up to four Vault to Flash modules in slots 0, 1, 6, and 7. The Vault to Flash
module population order is slot 0 first, slot 6 second, slot 1 third, and slot 7 fourth.
All Vault to Flash modules in the engine need to be the same capacity. There are
up to three front-end I/O modules in slots 2, 3, and 8. Front-end I/O modules are
always added in pairs across director boards. The compression module is installed
by default in slot 9 in Open Systems and Mixed configurations. In Mainframe-only
VMAX 950F models, compression modules are not used and slot 9 can be used for
front-end IO modules. Slot 4 and 5 are used for the back-end I/O modules for
connections to the disk drives in the DAEs. Finally, slot 10 is used for the directly
connected 56 Gb/s inter-director links in multi-engine systems only.
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VMAX 950F Drive Array Enclosures (DAEs)
Overview
Top
Front Rear
Shipping screws to be removed for service
The DAE used in the VMAX 950F contains up to 120 2.5" drives, accessed from
the top of the DAE as shown here. VMAX 950F DAE supports two 6 Gb/sec SAS
connections on the back end. Up to ten cooling fans are included in the 120-drive
DAE providing N+2 adaptive cooling. If one fan fails, the others will speed up to
ensure proper cooling to the DAE. The 120-drive DAE has a System Status Card
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(SSC) in the front. The SSC is responsible for environmental monitoring of the DAE
components. In the rear of the DAE, dual Link Control Cards (LCCs) are used to
connect to the back-end directors. Four power supplies, two in each power zone (A
and B) are included and provide redundant power to the DAE. Shipping screws,
used to secure the DAE in the rack for shipping, need to be removed in order to
provide access to and service components of the DAE.
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Ethernet Switches
Overview
Every VMAX All Flash 950F system contains two Ethernet switches for the internal
management network. Each switch connects to every engine in the configuration
through Ethernet ports on the MMCS or MM of the director board. The Ethernet
switches also connect to the InfiniBand switches through the management ports.
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Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM)
Overview
The Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) component is located in System Bay 1 of

VMAX All Flash 950F systems. The KVM provides service access to Simplified
Symmwin for onsite service activities.
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InfiniBand (IB) Switches
Overview
MIBE B
MIBE A
Dual 18-port InfiniBand Switches
Dual 18-port InfiniBand (IB) switches, also known as Matrix Interface Board
Enclosures (MIBEs), are installed in multi-engine VMAX All Flash 950F systems
only. MIBE A is located on the bottom and MIBE B is located on the top. If a single-
engine system is upgraded to a multi-engine system, IB switches are included as
part of the upgrade and need to be installed in the rack. Both IB switches connect
to each Ethernet switch and to every director board through the fabric module for
inter-director communications. IB switches are located in System Bay 1, and
connect redundantly to every director board in all bays in the configuration.
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VMAX 950F Power
Overview
Power Distribution Unit (PDU)
VMAX 950F Rear
VMAX All Flash 950F systems use a 2U horizontal Power Distribution Unit (PDU)
pair. The PDU combines the Power Distribution Panel (PDP) and PDU
functionality. Two PDU units are installed, each with six groups of four outlets
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protected by a breaker. The PDU provides redundant power to the components in

the array.
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VMAX 950F V-Brick Configurations
Overview
SPS
InfiniBand Switches
PDU
Ethernet Switches
KVM Work Tray
SPS
SPS
System Bay 1 System Bay 1 System Bays 2-4 System Bays 2-4
Single V-Brick Dual V-Brick Odd number V-Brick Even number V-Brick
A VMAX 950F can have up to 8 V-Bricks in four System Bays. A VMAX 950F V-
Brick includes one engine, two 120-drive DAEs, and a pair of SPSs. With this
minimum configuration, System Bay 1 would also contain two Power Distribution
Units (PDUs), two Ethernet switches, and a Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM)
component. Each bay in a VMAX 950F can contain up to two V-Bricks. The first
bay in a configuration contains a KVM and Ethernet switches. When a second V-
Brick is installed in the first bay, a pair of InfiniBand (IB) switches for multi-engine
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Fabric interconnect and a pair of SPSs are also installed. Each additional bay
added to the configuration can contain up to two V-Bricks. The KVM, Ethernet
switches, and IB switches with their supporting SPSs are in the first system bay
only. A work tray is included in all other bays for connecting a service laptop, if
desired.
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Component Locations Lab Exercise
Introduction
This lab is designed to help identify and locate different components in PowerMax
and VMAX All Flash arrays.
In this lab, you perform the following tasks:

 Locate and identify PowerMax components
 Locate and identify VMAX All Flash components
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Summary
Summary
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Cabling and Configuration
Introduction
This module focuses on the cabling and configuration of PowerMax 2000 and
8000, and VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F arrays.
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Introduction

 Describe bay configurations
 Identify various cabling schemes in PowerMax and VMAX All Flash arrays
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System Bay Layouts
Overview
The number of bays in PowerMax and VMAX All Flash arrays depends on the
model, customer requirements and the organization of the data center. The layout
of bays depends on what type of layout is preferred or available. In certain data
centers, walls, poles, or other bays may interrupt and prevent an adjacent layout.
Dell EMC offers flexible dispersion of PowerMax and VMAX All Flash bays.
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Bay Cabling
Overview
Cabling for PowerMax 8000 and VMAX All Flash 950F arrays includes power,
Ethernet, Fabric, back-end, and front-end. Cutouts in bays enable proper cable
routing between bays. Since PowerMax 2000 and VMAX All Flash 250F are single-
bay configurations, all cabling is done within the bay. Cabling for PowerMax 2000
and VMAX All Flash 250F include power, back-end, front-end, and inter-director
connections. No Ethernet or IB switches are installed in PowerMax 2000 or VMAX
All Flash 250F systems.
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Cable Routing
Overview
Dell EMC racks contain vertical channel brackets for routing system, host, and
power cables. There are also horizontal brackets and trays used to properly dress
system and host cables attached to the engines.
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Adjacent Bay Layouts
Overview
PowerMax 8000 systems have a maximum of eight engines in two bays. VMAX All
Flash 950F systems have a maximum of eight engines in four bays.
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Dispersed Bay Layouts
Overview
Dispersion of PowerMax 8000 and VMAX All Flash 950F systems is supported for
up to 25 meters (82 feet) from System Bay 1, allowing flexibility in layout. System
bays two, three, and four must be cabled to System Bay 1 for Ethernet and IB
switch connections. Lines shown connecting bays represent multiple InfiniBand and
Ethernet links.
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Mixed Layout Configurations
Overview
Mixed layout configurations of VMAX All Flash 950F systems indicates a mixing of
adjacent and dispersed bays. Lines shown connecting bays represent multiple
InfiniBand and Ethernet links.
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Inter-Engine Connectivity
Overview
In multi-engine PowerMax 8000 and VMAX All Flash 950F arrays, all engines are
connected to System Bay 1. System Bay 1 has a Fabric which is a pair of
InfiniBand switches also known as MIBEs. MIBEs are present in multi-engine
configurations only. Also located in System Bay 1 is a pair of Ethernet switches.
The Ethernet switches are present in both one-engine and multi-engine
configurations.
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Director Board and Fabric Connections
Overview
18-port MIBEs are factory installed in System Bay 1 of a multi-engine PowerMax

8000 or VMAX All Flash 950F array. Connectivity from the director boards to the
18-port MIBEs is done through the Fabric module, or SIBs, in the rear of the
director boards. If engines are added to one-engine configurations, a pair of IB
switches is included in the upgrade and must be installed in System Bay 1.
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MIBE Cable Routing
Overview
PowerMax 8000 VMAX 950F
Cables run between bays use cutouts on the sides of the bays. MIBE cabling is
done through upper cutouts in bays from the Fabric modules to the IB switches.
Systems with adjacent layouts use three, five, or eight-meter copper cables to
connect engines back to the MIBE in System Bay 1.
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Management Modules and Ethernet Switches
Overview
Each engine has modules used for management, which provide ports for
connection to Ethernet switches located in System Bay 1. Ethernet switches are
installed in PowerMax 8000 and VMAX All Flash 950F systems only. Engine 1
includes two Management Module Control Stations (MMCSs), one per director
board. Both MMCSs in Engine 1 are connected to each Ethernet switch. In all other
engines, Management Modules (MMs) are installed in each director board.
Management cables are run from the MM of the odd director using lime green
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Ethernet cables to Ethernet switch A. Management cables are run from the MM of
the even director using violet Ethernet cables to Ethernet switch B.
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Ethernet Cable Labels
Overview
Engine 1 - Director 2
MMCS 2
MMCS 1
From: Eng-2 MM 4
To: EtherSwitch-B Port 5
MM B Engine 2 - Director 4
MM A
From: Eng-2 MM 3 VMAX 950F

To: EtherSwitch-A Port 5
Ethernet Switch B (even directors) Ethernet Switch A (odd directors)
In PowerMax 8000 and VMAX 950F systems, the cabling of each director board to
the Ethernet switches is very specific. In this example, a VMAX 950F is shown.
MMCSs in engine 1 connect to both switches, and MMs in all other engines
connect to a single switch. Even-numbered director boards connect through the
MMs to Ethernet switch B using violet-colored cables. Odd-numbered director
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boards connect through the MMs to Ethernet switch A using lime green-colored
cables. Labels are attached to each cable to identify to and from locations. Use
these cable labels to facilitate any cabling that may need to be completed. Port 3
on each Ethernet switch is intentionally left unpopulated. Port 4 is used to connect
to the MIBEs. Ethernet switch B Port 4 connects to MIBE B and Ethernet switch A
Port 4 connects to MIBE A. Wiring diagrams are available through Simplified
Symmwin verification scripts.
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Ethernet Cable Routing
Overview
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PowerMax 8000 and VMAX All Flash 950F MMCS Cabling
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Overview
PowerMax 8000 and VMAX 950F routing for Ethernet cables is very similar to the
MIBE cabling in that the upper cutouts and brackets are used. Once in System
Bay 1, the cables are routed through the middle cable channel and into the
Ethernet switch.
In all PowerMax and VMAX All Flash models, Engine 1 includes two MMCSs (one
per director board). MMCS cabling in PowerMax 8000 and VMAX All Flash 950F
arrays include cables from the MMCSs that run to Ethernet switches for
management and communications. An Ethernet cable connection is also provided
for customer access to GuestOS services, such as embedded Unisphere for
PowerMax and Solutions Enabler. MMCSs connect to the SPSs that support the
engine for monitoring. Additional cables from the MMCS are used for service
activities such as connection to a service laptop or a KVM component. A
connection for a USB device for code load and file transfer, as well as a connection
for the customer network is also available. In rare instances, a modem can be used
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for dial-in and dial-out functionality. A modem cable is included but generally not
used.
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PowerMax 2000 and VMAX All Flash 250F MMCS Cabling
Overview
In PowerMax 2000 and VMAX All Flash 250F models, Engine 1 includes two
MMCSs (one per director board). MMCS cabling in PowerMax 2000 and VMAX
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250F include a violet Ethernet cable that connects director 1 to director 2 for inter-
director communications. An Ethernet cable connection is also provided for
customer access to GuestOS services, such as embedded Unisphere for
PowerMax and Solutions Enabler. A green cable and connector have a red
Ethernet cable attached and dressed to the side of the cabinet for connection to a
service laptop, which is not included with these systems. MMCSs connect to the
SPSs that support the engine for monitoring. A connection for a USB device for
code load and file transfer, as well as a connection for the customer network is also
available. In rare instances, a modem can be used for dial-in and dial-out
functionality. A modem cable is included but generally not used.
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PowerMax 8000 24-Drive DAE Connections
Overview
PowerMax 8000 systems use 24-drive DAEs. A brick consists of an engine and two
DAEs. The first DAE and part of the second DAE are populated for the first or odd
engine. When a second or even engine is installed, a third DAE is installed. The
remainder of the drives in the second DAE and all of the drives in the third DAE are
populated for the second engine. The DAE connections run from the LCCs to the
back-end director ports as shown. Notice that the second DAE, known as the
shared DAE, is connected to both engines.
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PowerMax 2000 24-Drive DAE Connections
Overview
PowerMax 8000 systems use 24-drive DAEs. A brick consists of an engine and two
DAEs. The DAE connections run from the LCCs to the back-end director ports as
shown.
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VMAX 950F 120-Drive DAE Connections
Overview
VMAX 950F systems use a 120-drive DAE. The DAE connections run from the
LCCs to the back-end director ports as shown. Port 0 from each DAE is connected
to the odd (bottom) director board, and Port 1 is connected to the even (top)
director board.
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VMAX 250F 25-Drive DAE connections
Overview
Cabling for the 25-drive DAE used in the VMAX 250F models is shown here. Note
that there is only one back-end module per director board connecting to the DAEs
in the VMAX 250F. This differs from all other VMAX All Flash and all PowerMax
models.
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LCC Configuration
Overview
LEDs on 25-drive and 120-drive DAE LCCs indicate connectivity and status. 24-
drive DAE LCCs do not have the LED indicators. The Enclosure ID is 0 for direct-
attached DAEs. The dual 7-segment display, or link as it is marked, is the logical
port from the back-end director port that is attaching to this DAE/LCC.
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PowerMax 8000 SPS Cabling
Overview
Each PowerMax 8000 system bay can include up to eight Li-Ion SPS modules. The
number of SPSs depends on the number of bricks in the bay.
 SPS 1A and 1B provide back-up power to the first engine in a system bay
– Engine 1 in System Bay 1
– When there is more than one brick in a system
o SPS 1A powers MIBE A, PS A
o SPS 1B powers MIBE A, PS B
 SPS 2A and 2B provide back-up power to the second engine in a system bay
– When there is more than one brick in a system
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o SPS 2A powers MIBE B, PS A

o SPS 2B power MIBE B, PS B
 SPS 3A and 3B provide back-up power to the second odd-numbered engine in
a system bay
 SPS 4A and 4B provide back-up power to the second even-numbered engine in
a system bay

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PowerMax 2000 SPS Cabling
Overview
PowerMax 2000 systems contain up to four Li-Ion SPS modules. the number of
SPSs depends on the number of bricks in the system.
 SPS 3A and 3B provide back-up power to engine 1
– Located in the bottom of the rack
– Installed when second brick is installed
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VMAX 950F SPS Cabling
Overview
Each VMAX All Flash 950F system bay can include up to six Li-Ion SPS modules.
The number of SPSs depends on the number of V-Bricks in the bay.
 SPS 1A and 1B provide back-up power to the odd engine in a bay
– Engine 1, 3, 5, 7
– Provide power to IB switch A in System Bay 1 when installed (multi-engine
systems only)
 SPS 2A and 2B provide back-up power to the even engine in a bay
– Engine 2, 4, 6, 8
 SPS 3A and 3B provide back-up power to the odd engine in a bay
– Engine 1, 3, 5, 7
– Provide power to IB switch B in System Bay 1 when installed (multi-engine
systems only)
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VMAX 250F SPS Cabling
Overview
Each VMAX All Flash 250F system can include up to four Li-Ion SPS modules. The
number of SPSs depends on the number of V-Bricks in the system. There is no
SPS 1A and 1B in VMAX 250F systems.
– Located in the bottom of the rack
– Installed when second brick is installed
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Verify Cabling Lab Exercise
Introduction
This lab is designed to help verify cabling and proper module installation in
PowerMax and VMAX All Flash arrays.

 Verify cabling of PowerMax and VMAX All Flash arrays
 Answer questions and complete diagrams
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Summary
Summary
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System Installation
Introduction
This module introduces the tools used to perform a successful installation of a

PowerMax or VMAX All Flash array. The location and use of the software
applications, product reference guides, and physical tools used to install the arrays
are shown.

 Identify tools required for installation
 Perform an installation of a PowerMax or VMAX All Flash array
 Use Simplified Symmwin to complete installation
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Install Preparation
Install Preparation
Introduction
This lesson introduces reference guides, websites, and other software tools that
are used to install and perform an initial configuration of PowerMax and VMAX All
Flash arrays.

 The software tools required for installation
 Using the SolVe Desktop\SolVe Online tool
 Accessing the Procedure Generators
 Navigating and logging into Central Manager
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Install Preparation
Software Tools Used for Installing PowerMax/VMAX All Flash

Arrays
Overview
Shown here is a list of websites and software applications that are used to properly
install PowerMax and VMAX All Flash arrays. These tools are covered in the order
that they are used during an installation.
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Install Preparation
Dell EMC Online Support
Overview
There are two primary locations to obtain product documentation and support, the
Dell EMC Online Support website and the SolVe Desktop Tool. The home page of
Dell EMC Online Support is shown here. To go to the support site, click the link
https://www.dell.com/support. Information can be found by performing a general
search, finding a product by name, or finding a product by product ID. Dell EMC
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Install Preparation
Online Support contains links to Support Tasks. Here you can create/manage
service requests, chat with a support agent, order parts, and so on. There are also
links to other valuable tools and sites such as Symmipedia and the SolVe Desktop
tool.
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Install Preparation
Symmipedia
Overview
Symmipedia is the configuration group website for PowerMax, VMAX All Flash,
VMAX3, VMAX, DMX, and Symmetrix arrays. Information and links to supported
hardware, PowerMaxOS/HYPERMAX OS releases and target code levels, release
notes, updates, and general service configuration information can be found here.
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Install Preparation
To access the Symmipedia website, click the link

http://www.corkc4.isus.emc.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page.
To locate and download the correct code level for the installation, click the Code
Information link.
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Install Preparation
Symmipedia Code Information Page
Overview
Shown here are the LATEST and TARGET code levels at course publication time.
The LATEST and TARGET code levels may or may not differ. Most installations
use the TARGET version. However, there are exceptions when a customer
requires or requests a previous version or the LATEST version.
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Install Preparation
SolVe Desktop Home Page
Overview
Shown here is the home page of the SolVe Desktop tool. SolVe Desktop is an
interactive, stand-alone application that provides access to documentation and
Procedure Generators. Procedure Generators create specific, step-by-step
procedures for servicing Dell EMC products. To download the SolVe Desktop tool,
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Install Preparation
go to Dell EMC Online Support at https://www.dell.com/support and search for

SolVe Desktop. There is also an online version available. To access the online
version, click the link https://solveonline.emc.com/solve/home.
In this case, the PowerMax and VMAX generator has been downloaded and is
ready to access. To proceed, select the product family and click Next.
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Install Preparation
SolVe PowerMax and VMAX Home Page
Overview
SolVe Desktop SolVe Online
Shown here on the left is the SolVe Desktop PowerMax and VMAX home page
with the various model menus expanded. Each model displays a Partner and
Internal Procedures section and a Customer Service Documentation section.
The right side shows the SolVe Online version of the PowerMax and VMAX home
page with a similar layout.
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Install Preparation
PowerMax Customer Documentation
Overview
Shown here are the available SolVe Desktop PowerMax Family customer service
documents. The latest copy of all documents in the Reference Material section
should be downloaded and studied before the installation occurs.
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Install Preparation
Depending on the model, locate and download the appropriate installation guide.
Each installation guide is custom generated dependent on selections made, such
as model, power phase, rack type, with/without eNAS or eMGMT, and if the site is
connected to the Internet. All documents are also available using the SolVe Online
version.
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Install Preparation
Partner and Internal Procedures
Overview
There are two different Procedure Generators, one for internal Dell EMC
employees and one for Dell EMC Business partners. After selecting the appropriate
model, locate and run the appropriate Procedure Generator. Download and run the
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Install Preparation
appropriate Procedure Generator before going to the customer site, as your

network connection is not guaranteed onsite.
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Install Preparation
CreateProc.smp File
Overview
When the Procedure Generator is downloaded, the SymmWin script

CreateProc.smp is copied to the C:\CreateProcedure\Script directory for each
code level. The CreateProc.smp file must be copied from the appropriate code
folder and pasted into the proper directory on your local personal computer. Copy
the file to the C:\EMC\SymmWin\bin directory for code levels 5978, 5977, 5876,
and 5773. For code levels 5671 and 5568, copy and paste the file into the
C:\EMC\SymmWin\ucode directory.
Open the appropriate code folder and copy the

CreateProc.smp file to the C:\EMC\SymmWin\bin
directory.
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Install Preparation
Symmetrix Enhanced Procedure Generator (Internals)
Overview
Users who select the Procedure Generator (Internal) link that are Dell EMC
employees or contractors with the proper credentials are directed to the
Symmipedia page displayed here. This page includes an overview of the tool and
instructions to download, install, and run the Symmetrix Enhanced Procedure
Generator (EPG).
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Install Preparation
The EPG is run through SymmWin using a script that is named createproc.smp.
This script requires the user to select the activity, enter scheduling information, and
select the relevant BIN files that are created. If a Solve Engine Activity is required,
the EPG reviews the SymmWin Build plan and informs the user.
The EPG will:

 Automate customer data entry through integration with SYR (except for new
installs).
 Provide real-time warnings and alerts through integration with
PowerMax/HYPERMAX Reference Database.
 Produce a specific procedure for the activity.
 Provide an ETA Warning List for the activity.
 Determine if a SolVe Engine Activity is required.
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Install Preparation
Enter and Run Procedure - Internals
Overview
After the EPG has been downloaded and the SymmWin folder has been updated,
launch SymmWin. Note that the EPG must run from within the SymmWin
application. If you attempt to run the EPG as a stand-alone program, an error
message is displayed.
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Install Preparation
Once logged in, select Procedures then Enter and Run a procedure. In the
Module name field, type CreateProc, in the Procedure field, type run(). Click Ok.
The script asks which activity is wanted and requests a bin (configuration) file.
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Install Preparation
EPG Output - Internals
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Install Preparation
Overview
Shown here is an example of a Verify VMAX Setup script EPG output. Page one of
thirteen is displayed here.
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Install Preparation
Symmetrix Procedure Generator for Partners
Overview
If the Procedure Generator for a Partner is selected from within SolVe, an

installation wizard is started. The wizard attempts to install the partner version of
the Symmetrix Procedure Generator. It is installed to C:\CreateProcedure. The
wizard copies a CreateProc.smp file for each PowerMaxOS/HYPERMAX OS
Family to the C:\CreateProcedure\Script directory. As stated earlier, the Symmetrix
Procedure Generator must be run through SymmWin using the CreateProc script.
So, the SymmWin application must be installed also.
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Install Preparation
Central Manager
Overview
Logging on to a PowerMax or VMAX All Flash array requires a secure credential

and password. Secure Credentials are obtained from a website application named
Central Manager. To proceed, login to http://slc.emc.com/psscm/. You are
prompted to provide your RSA credentials (NT username and FOB password). If
successful, the Central Manager home page is displayed as shown here.
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Install Preparation
Under the Credential Manager drop-down, choose Request Credential. In the

pop-up dialog, enter the serial number of the array. If you only use a portion of the
serial number, as done in this example, be sure to select the correct system. In this
example, the serial number characters 0541 are entered. Displayed are
HK19770541, HK197600541, HK197200541, and so on. To create a credential,
click the appropriate serial number. In this example, HK197600541, a PowerMax
8000 located in Franklin, MA, USA is chosen.
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Install Preparation
Credential Output
Overview
Once the correct serial number has been chosen, details for the credential are
required. The Duration can be 1 hour to 240 hours. Choose the Activity level and
the Start Hour. Click the Create button. The created credential is displayed on the
screen. If you check the Email box under the Dispatch Preferences, an email
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Install Preparation
providing the credential information is automatically generated and sent to you. The
credential is based on the user, access level, serial number of the array, time,
duration, and activity. This login information is held in a logfile and can be traced
back to a specific user and a specific event if required.
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Install Preparation
Central Manager My Profile
Overview
The Central Manager My Profile page enables you to change or email your current
password, register or unregister your phone, and change some of the default
Configuration Parameters. To proceed, click the Update button.
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Install Preparation
Connect Service Laptop to POS Port
Overview
Unlike VMAX 950F arrays, Keyboard Video Mouse (KVM) components are not
included with PowerMax or VMAX 250F arrays. A service laptop, which is not
provided, must be connected to a POS port when onsite to act as the KVM. A red
Ethernet service cable is provided with the system for connecting a service laptop
to the POS port. In PowerMax 8000 arrays, the red cable is coiled and attached to
the service tray. With the PowerMax 2000 and VMAX 250F systems, the cable is
coiled and attached to the rails of the rack. Another option is a user-provided KVM.
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Install Preparation
IP Switcher Tool
Overview
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Install Preparation
The IP Switcher Tool is used when connecting a service laptop to PowerMax and
VMAX All Flash systems that do not have a KVM. These models include the VMAX
250F, PowerMax 2000, and PowerMax 8000 arrays. Knowledge Base (KB) article
304284 defines what the IP Switcher Tool is and how to use it.
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Install Preparation
Manual MMCS Connection
Overview
If the IP Switcher Tool is not installed or is otherwise unavailable, a manual

connection can be used.
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Install Preparation
MMCS Desktop
Overview
Shown here is the MMCS desktop. To launch Simplified Symmwin, click the
Simplified Symmwin button.
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Install Preparation
Simplified Symmwin
Overview
Site Note View Block Tasks View Block
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Install Preparation
Upon logging into Simplified Symmwin, View Blocks for Site Note and Tasks are
displayed. Across the bottom of the screen, you can see other buttons for View
Blocks that can be opened, including: Site Info, Lock Management, System
Management, Cabling Diagrams, Environmental Reports, Configuration Physical,
SolVe Diagrams, and Replacement Logs. On the lower right of the screen, the User
and Role are displayed. Depending on the access level of the user, options differ.
In this example, the user is logged in as Engineering Support.
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Install Preparation
Software Licensing Central
Overview
To access the Software Licensing Central page, click the link

https://licensing.emc.com/#/homepage.
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Install Preparation
Activate Software
Overview
Enter the License Activation Code (LAC). Note that for a new system, the LAC is
identical to the VMAX/PowerMax Serial Number. The LAC file is generated and
made available for download and emailed to you. This license activation file must
be installed on the PowerMax or VMAX All Flash system during system installation.
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Install Preparation
SolVe Desktop and Procedure Generator Lab Exercise
Introduction
To download, install, and explore SolVe Desktop and to download, install, and
explore the Symmetrix Enhanced Procedure Generator.

 Install and explore the SolVe Desktop tool
 Install and run the Symmetrix Enhanced Procedure Generator
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Install Preparation
Obtaining Service Level Credentials Lab Exercise
Introduction
To familiarize the student with the process of obtaining a service level credential for
access to a PowerMax or VMAX All Flash array.

 Log on to Central Manager and generate a service level credential
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Install Preparation
Onsite Remote Service Access Lab Exercise
Introduction
Download and use the IP Switcher Tool, or manually connect to the Point of
Service (POS) ports.

 Use the IP Switcher Tool to connect to the POS ports
 Manually connect to the POS ports
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Hardware Installation
Introduction
This lesson covers tools and information to assist in installing and initially
configuring a PowerMax or VMAX All Flash array.

 System acclimation
 Verify cable connections
 Power cable connections to customer site
 MIBE A/Fabric power connections
 I/O module verification and power on
 Logging into Simplified Symmwin
 Configure and install new script
 Configure SRS
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Relevant Installation Documentation
Overview
Here are more documents and tools to locate, download/access, and study before
going on site for an installation. To open the E-Lab Interoperability Navigator, click
the link https://elabnavigator.emc.com/eln/elnhome.
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Required Physical Tools to Install Hardware
Overview
The number and type of kits that are shipped with the system depend on whether
the system bays are adjacent or dispersed, and the number of DAEs present.
Although some tools are shipped with the system kits, other tools are required to
complete installation.
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Single Person Lift Tool - Alum-a-Lift
Overview
A lift tool is used to help with installing switches, SPSs, DAEs, or engines by a
single individual. The use of the portable lift to move components is recommended
but not required for installations into a rack that are under 49 inches (1.24 meters).
However, if the component is being installed in a rack position that is above 49
inches, then a portable lift should be used.
The portable lift that service personnel commonly use is manufactured by Alum-a-
Lift. Instructions for this lift are in the lift kit. To access more information including
assembly, use, and ordering information, click the link to the Symmipedia lift tool
page http://www.corkc4.isus.emc.com/wiki/index.php/Lift_Tool.
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System Acclimation
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Overview
The PowerMax and VMAX All Flash systems and components must acclimate to
the operating environment before applying power. Otherwise, the components may
experience changes in temperature and humidity which could cause condensation
to form. Find the hardware acclimation times in the Dell EMC PowerMax Family
Site Planning Guide or the Dell EMC VMAX All Flash Site Planning Guide. Do not
apply power before the number of hours specified in the table.
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Verify Cable Seating
Overview
Before applying power, ensure that all cables and module components are properly
seated. Remove all shipping hardware. Remove the DAE shipping screws on
VMAX 950F systems.
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Verify Site Power
Overview
Circuit breakers ON –
AC power within
specification
Circuit breakers OFF –

No AC power
Providing the correct source AC power is the responsibility of the electrician at the
customer site. However, the Customer Engineer should verify that the correct
power is being supplied. The output on each customer supplied PDU should be
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within the AC power specification. Dell EMC recommends that the electrician is
present at the customer site during installation to verify power redundancy.
Each bay in a PowerMax or VMAX All Flash array has two power zones, A, and B.
Each power zone must be connected to different PDUs at the customer site. Not
having proper power connections leaves the array in a vulnerable state and causes
the array to vault and go to an offline state. It remains that way until sufficient
power can be restored to the unit.
Connect separate customer-supplied power cables to power zone A and power

zone B in each bay. Zone A has gray cables. Zone B has black cables.
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Single-phase AC Power Specifications
Overview
PowerMax and VMAX All Flash arrays can be supplied power using one of three
wiring configurations, single-phase, three-phase delta, and three-phase wye.
Shown here are the single-phase AC power specifications for a PowerMax 8000
array. Refer to the applicable installation guide for the specifications of the different
models. The currently available installation guides include the PowerMax 2000
Installation Guide, PowerMax 8000 Installation Guide, VMAX All Flash 250F
Installation Guide, and the VMAX All Flash Installation Guide. The VMAX All Flash
Installation Guide is specific to the VMAX 450F, VMAX 850F, and VMAX 950F
models.
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Three-phase AC Power Specifications
Overview
Shown here are the AC power specifications for both three-phase delta and three-
phase wye configurations for a PowerMax 8000 array. Refer to the applicable
installation guide for the specifications of the different models.
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PowerMax 2000 and 8000 Power Distribution
Overview
For a single PowerMax 2000 system in a rack on three-phase power, a line cord in
the P1 outlet energizes PDU outlets 1-18 on circuit breakers 1-6. If a second
system is added to the rack, you must add a line cord in the P2 outlet to energize
PDU outlets 19-37 on circuit breakers 7-12. No jumpers are required for three-
phase power.
The line cords and jumpers vary depending on the model and whether the input is
three-phase or single-phase. See the Dell EMC PowerMax Family Site Planning
Guide for the complete details.
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PDU Labels
Overview
For all bays, locate and complete a PDU label. Include the customer circuit breaker
number for each PDU. For three-phase power, enter data only in the P1 column.
Place the labels on the rear cabinet sidewall for side A and B.
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PowerMax 2000 and 8000 Power On
Overview
To power up a PowerMax 2000 or 8000, turn on the yellow breakers on each

Power Distribution Unit (PDU). Do not energize outlet groups that do not have
power cables that are connected to them.
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VMAX 250F Power Distribution
Overview
1 V-Brick 2 V-Bricks
Each rack contains two sets of power distribution equipment consisting of a Power
Distribution Panel (PDP) and a Power Distribution Unit (PDU). PDP input
connectors differ depending on the customer input power.
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VMAX 250F Power On
Overview
With Rear Door Removed With Rear Door Attached
To power on a VMAX 250F system, press the PDP switch to the ON position for
both zone A and zone B.
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VMAX 950F Power Distribution
Page
Overview
Three-phase VMAX 950F PDU
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VMAX 950F Power On
Overview
On the rear door of each bay, push in the power tee breakers (1-6) for zone A to
the ON position. Then immediately push in the power tee breakers (1-6) of zone B.
When powering on the system, turn on power to all breakers in all bays
sequentially without significant delay. The bays can be powered up in any order.
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Logging in Using Simplified Symmwin
Overview
Simplified Symmwin is used to run the Verify VMAX Setup script. Launch Simplified
Symmwin from the desktop and log in using your SSC credential and password.
Upon login, based on user credentials, Simplified Symmwin (or SymmWin for
PSE/Engineering) is automatically launched.
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General Site Information
Overview
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To verify the system information, launch Simplified Symmwin and click the Site Info
View Block. Next, go to the desktop of the MMCS (KVM desktop for VMAX 950F)
and verify the computer name matches the serial number of the array.
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Verify VMAX Setup Script
Overview
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Run the Verify VMAX Setup script located in the System Management tab of
Simplified Symmwin. The Verify VMAX Setup script verifies the configuration and
status of the system hardware and software.
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Secure Remote Services
Page
Overview
Secure Remote Services Version 3 (SRSv3) is an IP-based automated connect

home and remote support solution with a comprehensive security system. Secure
Remote Services creates both a unified architecture and a common point of access
to perform remote support activities on Dell EMC products. Here are some of the
Secure Remote Services publications with additional information. To open KB
article 527956, click the link https://emcservice--
c.visualforce.com/apex/KB_How_To?srKp=ka5&id=kA5f1000000H1qo&srPos=0&l
ang=en_US.
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Configuring Secure Remote Services
Overview
Secure Remote Services is configured during the Verify VMAX Setup script. Shown
here are steps 19 and 20 of a recent Verify VMAX Setup script on a PowerMax
8000. Secure Remote Services deployment requires an IP address for both
MMCS-1 and MMCS-2.
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Perform an Install Lab Exercise
Introduction
Perform a PowerMax or VMAX All Flash array installation.

 Perform a PowerMax or VMAX All Flash installation using Simplified
Symmwin
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Summary
Summary
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Summary
SolVe Desktop and Procedure Generator Lab Exercise
Introduction
To download, install, and explore SolVe Desktop and to download, install, and
explore the Symmetrix Enhanced Procedure Generator.

 Install and explore the SolVe Desktop tool
 Install and run the Symmetrix Enhanced Procedure Generator
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Management
Introduction
This module focuses on the navigation of Simplified Symmwin and the gathering of
log files.

 Navigate Simplified Symmwin
 View and gather log files
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Simplified Symmwin
Simplified Symmwin
Introduction
Simplified Symmwin is the tool used to perform authorized field maintenance tasks.
 Navigating Simplified Symmwin View Blocks
 Viewing Simplified Symmwin Replacement Logs
 Running Simplified Symmwin Tasks
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Simplified Symmwin
View Block Navigation
Overview
Refresh
Full Screen/ Fit
on Screen
Minimize
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Simplified Symmwin
Shown here is the landing page for Simplified Symmwin. When first logging in,
confirm the Serial Number and MMCS display the expected values. This
information is shown across the top along with any software options added and the
Code level.
When multiple View Blocks are open, it may be difficult to read what is on the
screen. To expand a View Block to full screen for better viewing, click the far right
icon in the View Block. To exit full screen view, click the icon again.
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Simplified Symmwin
Site Note
Overview
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Simplified Symmwin
Shown here is the Site Note View Block. Notes pertaining to the site and system
are read and updated here before starting any maintenance activities.
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Simplified Symmwin
Site Info
Overview
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Simplified Symmwin
The Site Info View Block contains site-specific details such as the system code
level, serial number, model, and spare service type.
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Simplified Symmwin
Tasks
Overview
Task Actions
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Simplified Symmwin
Maintenance procedures are run in the Tasks View Block. The Tasks View Block
displays completed, failed, and pending tasks. Actions such as running a FRU
replacement script can be performed using the buttons on the lower left of the
screen. The available actions vary based on the user and role.
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Simplified Symmwin
Replacement Logs
Overview
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Simplified Symmwin
Details of Replacement Logs can be displayed using the Show Details button. You
can also click the Change Timeframe button to adjust the timeframe of the
replacements listed.
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Simplified Symmwin
System Management
Overview
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Simplified Symmwin
The System Management View block provides access to configuration, verification,

management, and recovery procedures. To launch a script for a procedure, click
one of the options. The options available in the System Management View Block
differ based on the user credentials.
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Simplified Symmwin
Other View Blocks
Overview
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Simplified Symmwin
 Other view blocks available in Simplified Symmwin include Lock Management,

Environmental Reports, Cabling Diagrams, and SolVe Diagrams.
 Lock Management is used to release locks that were taken for maintenance
procedures such as upgrades. Locks taken from MMCS-1 must be cleared from
MMCS-1. Locks taken from MMCS-2 must be cleared from MMCS-2.
 Environmental Reports include more detail on Health Check results. Note the
banner on the left of the Environmental Reports screen. There are other
selections such as viewing alarms in a tree format or in a table format.
 Cabling and SolVe diagrams include diagrams that are used to verify cabling.
These diagrams are also shown in replacement scripts where applicable.
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Simplified Symmwin
Simplified Symmwin Lab Exercise
Introduction
To familiarize students with the Simplified Symmwin UI.

 Log in to Simplified Symmwin and explore the menus and functions
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Gathering Log Files
Gathering Log Files
Introduction

 Gathering logs using Solutions Enabler
 Viewing Audit Logs in Unisphere for PowerMax
 Gathering STP Data
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Gathering Log Files
Gathering Logs from Solutions Enabler
Overview
Run the symcfg discover command to update the Solutions Enabler database.
Then, run the symaudit list –sid <sid number> > audit.log command
to gather logs from Solutions Enabler. In this example, the output is directed to the
C:\Temp folder. The bottom graphic shows the location of the audit.log file.
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Gathering Log Files
Viewing Audit Logs In Unisphere
Overview
Select Events > Audit Log to view the Audit Log in Unisphere for PowerMax. To
view the Audit Log, the user must have Auditor or higher permissions.
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Gathering Log Files
Gathering STP Data
Overview
Symmetrix Trends Performance (STP) data from a PowerMax or VMAX All Flash
array is gathered using the Container Service Access tool. Double-click the
Container Service Access icon on the MMCS desktop, choose vAPP Manager,
click Next, check off TOOLS-0 and/or TOOLS-1, and select Next to proceed.
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Gathering Log Files
Container Service Access
Overview
Once the TOOLS Container you selected is displayed, select it and click Connect.
Choose Yes to proceed.
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Gathering Log Files
vApp Manager
Overview
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Gathering Log Files
The vApp Manager opens. Click the DOWNLOAD link to proceed.
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Gathering Log Files
vApp Manager Downloads
Overview
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Gathering Log Files
The vApp Manager Download Logs page is displayed. Select the Export log and
data files link.
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Gathering Log Files
STP Data
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Gathering Log Files
Overview
Select the STP radio button, and click Next.
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Gathering Log Files
Select Files
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Gathering Log Files
Overview
Choose the files to download, or click the Select all files checkbox to download all
the files. The files are selected when the boxes on the left are colored blue. Click
Next to continue.
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Gathering Log Files
Confirm Download
Overview
To confirm the download, click YES. The wizard asks you whether you want to
open or save the file on the local disk. Make your selection to continue. Click the
Finish button when the downloads are complete.
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Gathering Log Files
Gather Log Files Lab Exercise
Introduction
Practice obtaining log information from a PowerMax or VMAX All Flash array.

 Gather audit logfile information using Solutions Enabler or Unisphere for
PowerMax
 Optional: Gather STP Data
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Summary
Summary
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Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)
Introduction
Field Replaceable Units (FRU)

 Follow procedures using ESD best practices
 Identify and run VMAX Family scripts for FRUs
 List some special considerations related to FRU activities
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Field Replaceable Units - FRUs
Introduction

 ESD precautions
 Access methods
 IP Switcher Tool
 Simplified Symmwin for FRUs
 Drive and engine identification
 Special considerations
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Electrostatic Discharge - ESD
Overview
Please take note of ESD precautions before replacing FRUs. Store circuit boards in
an anti-static bag. Use a ground strap whenever you handle hot replaceable parts.
You must use the ESD kit when handling director boards, DIMMs, and I/O
modules. If an emergency arises and an ESD kit is unavailable, follow the
procedures under “Procedures without an ESD Kit” in the maintenance manual.
Warning: Do not use ESD without the ESD kit.
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Access Methods
Overview
Onsite connectivity options available for PowerMax and VMAX All Flash arrays
include remote connectivity through Point of Service (POS) ports. Note that
PowerMax and VMAX All Flash 250F arrays do not have a KVM, and therefore,
remote connectivity is only available using remote service ports. In the PowerMax
and VMAX All Flash 450F/850F/950F models, red service cables are provided in
the rear of each bay for remote connectivity. Red service cables are also included
with the work trays in the front of these arrays. VMAX All Flash 250F models
include the red service cable in the front of the array for remote connectivity. No
work tray is included in this model.
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IP Switcher Tool
Overview
The IP Switcher Tool, available at support.emc.com, provides a tool for service

personnel to use to connect a service laptop to PowerMax or VMAX All Flash
arrays. The IP Switcher Tool is used when connecting a service laptop to
PowerMax and VMAX All Flash systems that do not have a KVM. These models
include the VMAX 250F, PowerMax 2000, and PowerMax 8000 arrays. Knowledge
Base (KB) article 304284 defines what the IP Switcher Tool is and how to use it.
Service laptops are not included with the system.
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Connecting from POS Work Tray
Overview
Download the IPSwitcher Tool from support.emc.com and install on the service
laptop for connectivity from the POS Work Tray. Be sure to disable your wireless
adapter. Once you have selected the Connect To MMCS button, the IP Address
will be changed on the local service laptop. The IPSwitcher Tool launches your
Internet Explorer browser. It will populate the browser URL with the correct path
and port number to automate the connection to the MMCS. For example:
https://172.16.255.252:9519/ would be the connection IP if we were to click
Connect to MMCS in the above picture. Once you have completed your work it is
important to properly disconnect by clicking the Disconnect button. This will set
your laptops NIC back to the Dell EMC standard default setting of DHCP.
A. Product Select - Used to select the product you wish to connect to.
B. Local Ethernet Network Card - This field is the physical network card on the
local field service laptop. The local field service laptop connection will default to
the laptop’s onboard Ethernet card.
C. MMCS Connection – Selects which MMCS you wish to connect to. Options
offered currently are MMCS-1 and MMCS-2.
D. VMAX Internal Subnet Connection – This drop down provides the user with an
option to select either the 172.16.255 or 172.17.255 subnets, allowing flexibility
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to connect to either subnet in the event that one of the internal subnets is
offline.
E. Connect/Disconnect Button – When selected, utility will change the local service
laptop network IP address and start the Remotely Anywhere session.
Note: On some laptops, this program may need to be launched with a right click,
using run as admin and may also require the user to change from https to http.
Component Front POS ports for Rear POS ports for

System Bays 2-8 System Bays 1-8 -
(172.16.255) (172.17.255)
MMCS-1 172.16.255.252 172.17.255.252
MMCS-2 172.16.255.253 172.17.255.253
Field Service Laptop 172.16.255.110 172.17.255.110
*Netmask 255.255.0.0 255.255.0.0
*Netmask will not be required for a point to point connection.
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Simplified Symmwin for FRUs
Overview
For purposes of reference throughout this course, the following terms are used:
 “CE” refers to on-site technicians, such as, but not limited to: CSE_REP,
CSE_MNT, CSE_UPG, CSE_ENG, CSE_ERS, and ASP_DSK
 “PSE” refers to people in the PSE lab, such as, but not limited to: PSE_REP,
PSE_MNT, PSE_UPG, PSE_ENG, ENG_REP, and ENG_ENG
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Running a Replacement Task
Overview
As an example of using Simplified Symmwin for running scripts, you will lead
through a Director Power Supply replacement script. After logging in, select the
Tasks View block in Simplified Symmwin to display the available tasks to be run.
Highlight the task to be performed by single clicking it, and then clicking on the Run
button.
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Identify Task in the Replacement Script
Overview
The component replacement script will check to make sure you want to proceed
with the replacement task previously selected. In this example, you have the option
to continue executing the replacement script for the Director Power Supply by
selecting the Next button, or abort the script by selecting the Cancel button. Select
Next to advance the script.
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Script Confirmation Page
Overview
The Confirmation page contains an image to indicate the location of the

component, any status information the on-site technician should be aware of, and
any notifications needing to be confirmed with the customer. Again, there is the
opportunity to halt the script, if the wrong component was identified or if the
customer will have data access impacted by proceeding with the script.
The Roll on to Zoom check box enables the zoom function.
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Roll On to Zoom
Overview
After checking the box, place the cursor over the highlighted component in the
photo to enlarge the view for easier identification.
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Replace Component Instructions Page
Overview
Links to diagrams and animations
Step-by-step instructions
The Replace Component instructions page gives the on-site technician several
very useful tools to proceed with the component replacement. Links to wiring
diagrams, where appropriate, and animations of the replacement tasks are
provided. Depending on the scope of the replacement, other documentation or
diagrams may also be provided.
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A sequence of check boxes is provided as a guide for all the necessary steps to
replace the component. Check the boxes as each step is completed or click the
Check all button.
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Wiring Diagram
Overview
A wiring diagram may be viewed by selecting the wiring diagram link.
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Animated Instructions
Overview
Replacement animations provide a visual aid for uncabling, removing, replacing,

and recabling the selected FRU.
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Component Replacement
Overview
After all steps of the component replacement have been performed, and the step
boxes are checked, select the Finish button to proceed with the script.
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Script Summary Page
Overview
The Summary page contains a message that the script has completed successfully
and any relevant status information.
If the script does not complete successfully, the user will not see the Summary
Page. Instead, a Red Box or fault page will be displayed with error codes and a
status for the fault, as well as a pointer to the script error log. In the event of a failed
script (red box), contact Dell EMC Support immediately.
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Select Replacement Logs
Overview
By selecting Replacement Logs from the main screen of Simplified Symmwin,

important information about the component replacement—recently attempted, and
likely completed— can be located.
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Choose a Replacement Log
Overview
A brief summary of replacement activities is shown. For additional log file

information, click Show Details.
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Replacement Log Information
Overview
This is a sample of replacement log information.
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Drive Identification
Overview
Drive identification in the PowerMax and VMAX All Flash arrays includes the
System Bay in which the drive resides, the DAE type and number, and the drive
physical location by row and column within a DAE. In addition, the engine, chain,
enclosure, disk, and spindle information are provided.
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DAEs
Overview
The VMAX All Flash 250F model uses a 25-drive DAE, known as a 25S. The
VMAX All Flash 450F, 850F, and 950F models use the 120S, which is a 120-drive
DAE. The PowerMax 2000 and 8000 systems use the 24-drive DAE, or 24S. Also
included in the drive identification string is the DAE number within the associated
bay, as shown here.
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Drive Location
Overview
The drive physical location within a DAE includes a Row and Column indication.
Note that there are no Row indicators in the 25S DAE, as there is only one row,
and there are 25 columns, or slots, for drives, labeled 0 through 24 in decimal.
There are also no Row indicators in the PowerMax 2000 and PowerMax 8000
DAEs. There are 24 columns and the slots are labelled 0 through 23 in decimal in
the 24S DAE. The 120S has six rows of drives, labeled A through F, and 20
columns (slots) for drives, numbered (in decimal) 0 through 19. It is important to
follow scripts and diagrams for drive numbering when replacing drives in VMAX All
Flash and PowerMax DAEs.
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Engine, Chain, Enc
Overview
Shown here are the Engine, Chain and Enclosure (Enc). The engine is 1 through 8,
based on the configuration. Chain indicates the port from the back end IO module.
Port A is known as Chain 0, and port B is Chain 1. The Enclosure ID designates
direct-attached DAEs, labeled Enc 0.
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Special Considerations
Overview
There are special considerations with certain FRU activities. Some FRU activities
require more work outside of scripted procedures. Here are some examples that
we will look at.
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MMCS Special Considerations
Overview
The most important thing to remember in the event of an MMCS-1 failure is to

replace MMCS-1 before any other failed component.
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MMCS - FRU Replacement Error
Overview
Any attempted repair task for MMCS-1 related components from MMCS-1 will
generate a warning reminder to switch to and run the task from MMCS-2.
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Connecting to MMCS-2
Overview
When connected to Secondary MMCS-2 you will notice the gadget box is yellow
and displays that you are, in fact, connected to Secondary MMCS-2. The Site Info
page will also display which MMCS is currently communicating with the storage
array.
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Select MMCS FRU Replacement Task
Overview
After logging into MMCS-2, select the Tasks view, highlight the replacement task,
and then select the Run button.
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MMCS-2 Elevated Mode
Overview
MMCS-2 will very likely go into an elevated privilege mode. If not, use the script to
promote MMCS-2 to elevated state.
When MMCS-2 is in Elevated Privilege mode, the yellow box on the MMCS
desktop turns red as an indicator. MMCS-2 can now run the limited number of
maintenance tasks allocated to it.
A typical task replacement sequence, as seen in the earlier example, will continue
to execute.
Upon script completion:

 The secondary MMCS will no longer be in an Elevated state
 The gadget box will change back to yellow.
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Li-Ion SPS Replacement
Overview
Lithium-ion standby power supply (Li-Ion SPS) modules provide battery backup
functionality. These are lighter and have a longer shelf life than lead acid SPS
modules. System bays can include up to eight Li-Ion SPS modules. The number
and location of SPS modules depends on the type of system bay and the number
of engines in the array.
Li-Ion SPSs are mechanically keyed to ensure that they are installed in the proper
orientation. When installing a Li-Ion SPS battery pack, a mechanical color wheel is
used to indicate its position. Red indicates that the SPS is not installed, or not
properly engaged. Yellow indicates that the SPS is parked securely, but not
electrically connected to the SPS tray. Green indicates that the SPS is fully
engaged and connected to the SPS tray. Once the SPS is fully engaged, the power
LED should be illuminated green
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eNAS Interaction with PowerMax and VMAX All Flash

Hardware
Overview
When the eNAS solution is configured as part of a PowerMax or VMAX All Flash
array, the hardware replacement scripts in Simplified Symmwin are aware of the
presence of eNAS containers and will respond accordingly.
If an IO module that is configured to a Data Mover (DM) fails, that DM will need to
be failed over to the standby DM. The failover action can be executed from either
Unisphere for VNX or through an SSH session to the Primary Control Station
through the GOSSERVICES Access utility on the MMCS desktop. The Control
Station (CS) should not be impacted by this replacement.
Nearly all hardware maintenance affecting eNAS components will have an impact
on the customers storage network. Director board and related failures require
careful assessment of the location of eNAS containers to determine if their location
is within the failing director board or related component. An eNAS container will
need to be failed over to its standby if it is hosted on a director board affected by a
hardware failure. Follow the precautions listed in the Service Procedure.
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Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) Lab Exercise
Introduction
This exercise provides opportunities for you to gain experience replacing various
PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) by running scripts
and following the procedures.

 Replace various storage system components
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Summary
Summary
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Upgrades and Additional Resources
Introduction
This module covers upgrades for PowerMax and VMAX All Flash arrays. Additional
resources are also included.

 Perform hardware and software upgrades
 Locate and download resources for performing upgrades
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Upgrades
Upgrades
Introduction
This lesson covers upgrades for PowerMax and VMAX All Flash arrays.

 Hardware upgrades
 Software/OS upgrades
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Upgrades
Hardware Upgrades
Overview
Components
Bricks/V-Bricks
Drives
IO Modules
Cache and Flash

Upgrades
Cables and Brackets
See Knowledge Base article 334583 for the configuration change and upgrade process.
Note: PowerMax hardware upgrades require PowerMaxOS 5978.221.221 or above.
Hardware upgrades available include adding Bricks or V-Bricks, drives, and IO

modules. Cache and Flash upgrades may be required to support other upgrades,
such as adding drives. Miscellaneous upgrades include cables and brackets.
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Upgrades
Use the Online Configuration Change script in Simplified Symmwin to load the
upgraded configuration file. Follow the Symplified Symmwin scripts. All other
diagrams and instructions are secondary. Refer to SolVe procedures for
clarification, details, or when specifically instructed by the Simplified Symmwin
scripts.
For all PowerMax and VMAX All Flash upgrades, see Knowledge Base article
334583 for the configuration change and upgrade process. To view the article, click
the link https://emcservice--
c.visualforce.com/apex/KB_BreakFix_clone?srKp=ka2&id=kA2j0000000QXTJ&srP
os=0&lang=en_US#SizingOrdering.
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Upgrades
Sizer and MyQuotes
Overview
Sizer
-Validates configuration
-Must be used for all new
or upgrade configurations
MyQuotes
-Ordering system
The Sizer tool is an easy-to-use graphical interface. Sizer is used to validate and
generate configurations that best meet the needs of workload profiles and service
level requirements of a PowerMax or VMAX All Flash array. The MyQuotes
ordering system, using a file output from Sizer, generates a quote and Sales Order
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Upgrades
for a configuration. Both Sizer and MyQuotes must be used for all PowerMax and
VMAX All Flash new and upgrade scenarios. Additional information, training and
support for these tools can be found on the Dell EMC Education Services website
at https://edu.corp.emc.com.
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Upgrades
Upgrade Process Overview
Overview
Account Team (Pre-Sales SE) Account Team (Pre-Sales SE)

-Gather upgrade requirements
Gather upgrade requirements
-Input into Sizer
Manufacturing -Current system bin file
-Create quote in MyQuotes
Package and ship upgrade -License file
-Sales Order submitted to Manufacturing
Sizer
-Schedule and plan upgrade with customer -Determines valid upgrade
-Generate XML file
MyQuotes
Account Team -Quote and Sales Order generated
Remote Proactive (FSS/SE/SA/SAM)
-Create upgraded bin -Submitted to Manufacturing
(configuration) file -Engage Remote Proactive bin
building team (After hardware is
-Create Disk Layout report
onsite and upgrade scheduled)
Manufacturing
-Run Change Control (EPG) Process, package, and ship upgrade order
Account Team (FSS/SE/SA/SAM)

Engage Remote Proactive
-Only start the bin creation engagement after
Field Ops (CE/FSS) hardware is onsite and upgrade date is known
Performs upgrade using:
1. SolVe Upgrade Procedure Remote Proactive
2. Disk Layout Report Attach upgraded bin, Disk Layout Report, EPG
3. EPG Procedure Procedure to Service Request (SR)
4. Upgraded bin bile
Field Ops (CE/FSS)
Retrieves SR and performs upgrade
The sizing and ordering process for hardware upgrades begins with the Pre-Sales
SE gathering upgrade requirements; the current running bin file and the license file
from the array. This information is input into Sizer and an XML file is generated.
The XML file is input into MyQuotes, and a quote and Sales Order is generated and
submitted to manufacturing. Manufacturing then processes, packages, and ships
the upgrade order. After the hardware is onsite and the upgrade has been
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Upgrades
scheduled, the account team engages Remote Proactive (RemPro) using the
Config Request Form and the XML file from Sizer. RemPro then creates the
upgrade bin file, disk layout report, and runs the change control. Field personnel
performs the upgrade of the system using the SolVe Upgrade Procedure, the disk
layout report, the EPG Procedure, and the upgraded bin file.
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Upgrades
Storage Capacity Upgrades
Overview
Storage capacity upgrades are available for adding drives into existing open slots
in DAEs configured in the system. All supported PowerMax and VMAX All Flash
array drive and RAID protection types can be added as a scripted online
configuration change. Capacity upgrades that add Bricks to PowerMax or V-Bricks
to VMAX All Flash include engines, DAEs, and drives.
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Upgrades
Infrastructure Upgrades
Overview
PowerMax Bricks and VMAX All Flash V-Bricks can be added to existing systems.
In certain cases, this upgrade may require an extra system bay in PowerMax 8000
and VMAX 950F systems. In PowerMax 8000 systems, a system bay is needed
when the fifth Brick is added. In VMAX 950F systems, a system bay is needed for
every odd-numbered V-Brick upgrade. Brick 1 in System Bay 1 and Brick 5 in
System Bay 2 in PowerMax 8000 systems are factory-installed. Adding Bricks 2
through 4 in System Bay 1 and Bricks 6 through 8 in System Bay 2 in PowerMax
8000 systems is done onsite by field technicians. Odd-numbered V-Bricks in VMAX
950F systems are factory-installed in the associated bay, and installation of even-
numbered V-Bricks is done onsite by field technicians. Add engines up to two at a
time. If more engines are required, multiple configuration files and associated
upgrade scripts have to be done.
Other engine upgrades include increasing cache in an engine to support capacity

upgrades to that engine, upgrading flash to support more cache, and adding an
InfiniBand (IB) fabric. The fabric is added to any engine upgrade on a single-engine
system, and installed onsite in System Bay 1.
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Upgrades
IO Module Upgrades
Overview
All supported IO modules can be added to open slots in existing engines. IO

module upgrades include adding extra eNAS IO modules to engines with Data
Movers in existing eNAS-configured systems, and upgrades from non-eNAS
systems to eNAS systems.
An existing IO module can be swapped for any other type of IO module. For
example, an existing 16 Gb Fibre Channel IO module can be swapped for a 10
GbE Ethernet module. Or, an existing 10 GbE Ethernet module can be swapped for
an 16 Gb Fibre Channel IO module. See KB 488784 "VMAX3, VMAX All Flash &
PowerMax: Best Practices when planning and performing SLiC swaps" on
dell.com/support for best practices for IO module swaps.
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Upgrades
Miscellaneous Upgrades
Overview
Brackets
Routing Kits
Miscellaneous upgrades, available as part of the Upgrade Solution options in

MyQuotes, include top and bottom cable routing kits, and floor brackets for
securing bays.
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Upgrades
Upgrade Types
Overview
Physical system or component upgrades done at manufacturing are known as

Factory Upgrades. Upgrades done onsite, known as Field Upgrades, integrate
components into existing bays. Some of the heavier field-upgraded components,
such as engines, may require the use of a lift tool.
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Upgrades
Upgrade Type Examples
Overview
Examples of Factory Upgrades include Brick or V-Brick upgrades requiring a new

bay. The engine and supporting components will be added to a new cabinet, and
the bay will be shipped to the site for installation, cabling and upgrade. All drives for
the upgrade, including those that are to be added to existing DAEs, will be shipped
in the DAEs from the factory. If there are not enough empty slots in the factory-
installed DAEs, additional drives will be bulk-packed. The Drive Layout Report must
be used onsite to properly place drives in both the factory-installed and the existing
DAEs.
Field Upgrades include adding a Brick or V-Brick to a configuration when a bay is

not required. The engine and DAEs will be installed in the existing bay onsite.
Adding drives to existing DAEs, cache conversions, and engine module swaps and
additions are also Field Upgrades. Another example is if a Brick or V-Brick is added
to a single-engine PowerMax 8000 or VMAX 950F system. This upgrade requires
field installation of SIB modules in the existing engine, and installation and cabling
of the IB switches in System Bay 1.
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Upgrades
Simplified Symmwin
Overview
Once a valid bin file has been generated by the Remote Proactive Team, field
technicians load the updated configuration file using the Online Configuration
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Upgrades
Change script under System Management in Simplified Symmwin. The script

references the procedures generated from Enhanced Procedure Generator (EPG)
and SolVe.
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Upgrades
Detailed Plan
Overview
Next, a detailed plan is displayed, including warnings and precautions. Warnings

include information regarding installing components, such as power supplies,
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Upgrades
before they are requested. Installing components before the script asks for them
can cause not only the script, but also the system itself to fail. Please read and
follow steps for installation procedures exactly as written in the script. A screenshot
of a precaution for Field Upgrades that may require a lift tool to assist with some of
the heavier components, such as DAEs or engines, is shown here.
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Upgrades
Step-by-Step Procedures
Overview
Step-by-step procedures are presented in the script, and must be followed exactly
to complete the physical installation of components for the upgrade process. Where
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Upgrades
appropriate, wiring diagram links are available for display during the upgrade
process, as seen on the top of the script steps in this example.
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Upgrades
Quick Configuration Changes - Simplified Symmwin
Overview
With HYPERMAX OS 5977.810.784 and above and PowerMaxOS 5978, quick

configuration changes can be made using Simplified Symmwin scripts. These
configuration changes do not require a bin file change. The scripts are designed to
request the information and apply the changes without the use of an upgraded bin
file.
Page
Upgrades
Quick configuration changes include changing the internal subnet IP. The default
subnets of 172.16, 172.17, and 172.18 are used in PowerMax and VMAX arrays to
allow remote access to the systems by Dell EMC service personnel. To protect Dell
EMC and customers, these subnets need to be kept separate. If a customer is
using these subnets in their datacenter, the script will change the internal subnets
for security purposes. Changing the eManagement (eMgmt) and eNAS IP
addresses is also available as a scripted, non-bin file quick configuration change.
Changing the Bay Location identification information can also be done. In
PowerMax arrays only, the "Replace Spare with Larger Disk Size" quick
configuration change script enables swapping a spare drive for a larger capacity
spare. If, for example, a system is configured with 3.8 TB drives, and an upgrade is
planned using 7.68 TB drives, the existing 3.8 TB spare cannot support the 7.68 TB
drives. Run the Replace Spare with Larger Disk Size script using a 7.68 TB spare
prior to adding and upgrading the system with 7.68 TB drives.
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Upgrades
Software Upgrades
Overview
Software upgrades include target or latest Cumulative Epacks. Epacks are used to
apply updates to current code before the next code release and include the latest
firmware packs or updates. Any updates from Epacks are applied to the next full
release of PowerMaxOS and HYPERMAX OS. Additional information and
download locations can be found on Symmipedia. Show here is the
PowerMax/HYPERMAX/Enginuity Information section of the Symmipedia home
page.
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Upgrades
To request the target or latest Cumulative Epack, click the link

http://iasactepf0001.corp.emc.com/epack/RequestBuild.aspx?Type=Cumulative.
To access Knowledge Base article 510575 on the Code Validation Tool, click the
link https://emcservice--
c.visualforce.com/apex/KB_How_To?id=kA5f10000004HWt.
To access the JFrog Artifactory, click the link

https://vmahopprd01.isus.emc.com/artifactory/webapp/#/artifacts/browse/tree/Gene
ral/ga-code/service-releases.
To access Knowledge Base article 030945, click the link https://emcservice--

c.visualforce.com/apex/KB_How_To?id=kA5j00000008Od6.
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Upgrades
JFrog Artifactory
Overview
Log into JFrog using the username csgs and the password cs123. To download ga-
code or Epacks from the JFrog Artifactory, select the appropriate Epack or build
number, click the Actions drop down menu, and select Download.
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Upgrades
Code Upgrades
Overview
Simplified Symmwin is used to perform code upgrades. Both online and offline
code upgrade scripts are available.
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Additional Resources
Introduction
This lesson covers additional resources for familiarity with PowerMax and VMAX
All Flash arrays.

 Access and log into Simplified Symmwin Simulator
Page
Simplified Symmwin Simulator
Overview
Provides desktop simulations for

various Simplified Symmwin tasks
and features.
The Simplified Symmwin Simulator provides offline simulations of Simplified

Symmwin scripts, tasks, cabling diagrams, animations, and so on.
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Simplified Symmwin Simulator Files
Overview
Files to install the Simplified Symmwin Simulator are available from SolVe Online.
The files are also available using the SolVe Desktop version. Click the Installing
the Simplified SymmWin Simulator link in the Partner and Internal Procedures
section or in the Reference Materials of the Customer Service Documentation
section.
Page
There are currently two versions of the Simplified Symmwin Simulator available.
The link that is labeled Hudson Simplified Symmwin Simulator (Zip File) includes all
FRU replacements, animations, and cabling diagrams for VMAX3 and VMAX All
Flash 450F and 850F models. This Simulator version can be used for VMAX 950F
simulations, as the components are the same as in the 450F and 850F models.
The link that is labeled Simplified Symmwin Simulator (Zip File) includes VMAX
250F simulations. There is currently no simulator version for PowerMax systems.
To download one of the .zip files to your local machine, click the appropriate link.
Only one version of the simulator can be run per desktop.
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Simplified Symmwin Simulator Installation
Overview
To launch the Simplified Symmwin Simulator installer, go to the location of the files,
extract them, and double-click the simplified_desktop application file. Follow the
installation instructions. Click Close when complete.
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Launch Simplified Symmwin Simulator
Overview
Launch the Simplified Symmwin Simulator using the icon placed on the desktop
during the installation. Simulated replacement scripts are available. Shown here is
a simulation for a replacement of an Ethernet IO Module and a Power Supply.
These scripts run through a simulation of the scripts, showing the steps exactly as
they are displayed on a live system. Replacement simulation activities provide
animations and step-by-step directions for components and can be a helpful
reminder before going onsite.
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Simulated Information
Overview
The Simplified Symmwin Simulator also includes simulated data for Lock
Management, Site Info, Replacement Logs, and, after running a (simulated) Health
Check, Environmental Reports.
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Cabling Diagrams and Animations
Overview
Finally, the Simulator includes Cabling Diagrams and Script Animations. These
tools are helpful to review before going onsite for installation and maintenance
activities. The left pane shows the available VMAX 250F cabling diagrams. The
right pane shows Single-Engine AC cabling diagram.
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Simplified Symmwin Simulator Lab Exercise
Introduction
To install and use the Simplified Symmwin Simulator.

 Install and explore the Simplified Symmwin Simulator
 Optional: Install VMAX 250F version.
Page
Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) Lab Exercise - Continued
Introduction
This exercise provides opportunities for you to gain experience replacing various
PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) by running scripts
and following the procedures.

 Replace various storage system components
© Copyright
Summary
Summary
Page
Course Summary
© Copyright
Course Summary
Course Summary
This course covered the installation and maintenance of the PowerMax and VMAX
All Flash 250 and 950 hardware systems and components.
Page
© Copyright 2020 Dell Inc. Page 327

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POWERMAX AND VMAX

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

Course Introduction ................................................................................................... 2

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Overview ............................................... 7

Introduction to PowerMax ......................................................................................... 8

Introduction to VMAX All Flash 250F and 950F ..................................................... 22

Operational Environment ........................................................................................ 37

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

Internal Use - Confidential

Bays and Components ........................................................................... 55

PowerMax Components .......................................................................................... 56

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

VMAX All Flash Common Components ................................................................. 79

VMAX All Flash 250F Components ......................................................................... 93

VMAX All Flash 950F Components ....................................................................... 102

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

Internal Use - Confidential

Cabling and Configuration ................................................................... 117

Cabling and Configuration .................................................................................... 118

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

System Installation ............................................................................... 150

Install Preparation .................................................................................................. 151

Hardware Installation ............................................................................................. 190

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

Internal Use - Confidential

Management .......................................................................................... 220

Simplified Symmwin .............................................................................................. 221

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

Gathering Log Files ............................................................................................... 237

Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) ........................................................... 253

Field Replaceable Units - FRUs ............................................................................ 254

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

Internal Use - Confidential

Upgrades and Additional Resources .................................................. 288

Upgrades ................................................................................................................ 289

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

Additional Resources ............................................................................................ 314

Course Summary .................................................................................. 325

Course Summary ................................................................................................... 326

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

Internal Use - Confidential

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

Upon completing this module, you will be able to:

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

This lesson covers the following topics:

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

performance are also offered. To learn more about CloudIQ go to,

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance

PowerMax 2000 PowerMax 8000

1.7M IOPS 10M IOPS

1 PBe Capacity 4 PBe Capacity

64 FC/iSCSI Ports 256 FC/FICON/iSCSI Ports

PowerMax Software ESSENTIALS

SnapVX Non-disruptive Migration QoS

SRDF eNAS PowerPath

D@RE iCDM Advanced SRM

PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Installation and Maintenance