VCE Vblock™ System 320 Gen 3.1 Architecture Overview

VCE Vblock System 320 Gen 3.1 Architecture OverviewStorage layer hardwareStorage layer hardwareStorage overviewThe storage layer within Vblock 320 consists of an EMC VNX storage array. The storage array consists of anumber of disk array enclosures (DAEs) that contain disk drives. These connect to dual storage processors(SPs) over six GB four-lane serial attached SCSI (SAS). Fibre Channel (FC) expansion cards within thestorage processors connect to the Cisco MDS switches or Cisco Nexus unified network switches within thenetwork layer over FC.Refer to Storage features support.EMC VNX series storage arraysEMC VNX series are fourth-generation storage platforms that deliver industry-leading capabilities. They offer aunique combination of flexible, scalable hardware design and advanced software capabilities that enable themto meet the diverse needs of today’s organizations.EMC VNX series platforms support block and unified storage. The platforms are optimized for VMwarevirtualized applications. They feature flash drives for extendable cache and high performance in the virtualstorage pools. Automation features include self-optimized storage tiering, and application-centric replication.Regardless of the storage protocol implemented at startup (block or unified), Vblock 320 can include cabinetspace, cabling, and power to support the hardware for all of these storage protocols. This arrangement makesit easier to move from block storage to unified storage with minimal hardware changes.The following list shows the Vblock 320 in order from largest capacity to smallest:• Vblock 320 with EMC VNX 7500• Vblock 320 with EMC VNX 5700• Vblock 320 with EMC VNX 5500• Vblock 320 with EMC VNX 5300Note:Within Vblock 320, all EMC VNX components are installed within VCE cabinets in VCE-specificlayouts.© 2013 VCE Company, LLC.All Rights Reserved.31