When deploying a virtual XtremIO Management Server (XMS), the template uses the file name

extension .ova. This is a standard format for virtual appliances, which are pre-configured virtual

machines that can be imported and run on various virtualization platforms. The .ova file extension

stands for Open Virtual Appliance (or Application) and is typically used for packaging and distributing

software to be run in virtual machines1.

The deployment process using an .ova file typically involves the following steps:

Download the .ova file from the official source or portal.

Import the .ova file into the virtualization platform (such as VMware vSphere or Oracle VM

VirtualBox).

Follow the prompts to configure the virtual machine settings as needed.

Once the import is complete, power on the virtual machine to begin the initial setup and

configuration of the virtual XMS server.

This information is consistent with the practices outlined in the Official Dell XtremIO Maintenance

Achievement document, ensuring that the deployment of the virtual XMS server aligns with Dell’s

recommended procedures2.

In the event of a power failure, the XtremIO X2 array is designed to protect the journal data using a

combination of Supercapacitor and NVRAM. The NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory)

ensures that the data remains intact without power, while the supercapacitor provides the necessary

energy to maintain the power to the NVRAM during the outage. This design allows the XtremIO X2

array to preserve the integrity of the journal data until normal power can be restored1.

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To successfully operate Technician Advisor on an XtremIO X2, TCP ports 80 and 443 need to be open

between the XMS (XtremIO Management Server) and X1-SC1 (Storage Controller). These ports are

used for HTTP and HTTPS communication, respectively, allowing for secure management and

operation of the storage system.

Reference: Dell XtremIO Network Configuration Guide.

In a multi X-Brick XtremIO X1 cluster, the failure of more than half of the COM (communication)

cables forces the cluster into a degraded mode. This degraded mode is a protective measure to

ensure that the cluster can continue operating with reduced performance and redundancy until the

issues with the COM cables are resolved.

Reference: Dell XtremIO Hardware Maintenance Guide.

This performance metric is derived from the system’s ability to deliver linear scalability, meaning

that two X-Bricks can deliver twice the IOPS of a single X-Brick configuration2.

The calculation for this is based on the performance of a single X-Brick, which can achieve up to

300,000 IOPS under the same workload conditions. Therefore, with two X-Bricks, the system can

achieve double that amount, resulting in 600,000 IOPS1.

This information is crucial for planning and sizing purposes, ensuring that the storage array meets the

performance requirements of the applications it supports2.

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The XtremIO X2 WebUI is based on HTML5 technology. HTML5 is the latest version of the Hypertext

Markup Language, the code that describes web pages. It’s actually three kinds of code: HTML, which

provides the structure; Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), which take care of presentation; and JavaScript,

which makes things happen1.

HTML5 is designed to deliver almost everything you’d want to do online without requiring additional

software such as browser plugins. It does everything from animation to apps, music to movies, and

can also be used to build complicated applications that run in your browser.

XtremIO X2’s use of HTML5 allows for a more interactive and responsive WebUI that is compatible

with a wide range of devices, including tablets and smartphones, providing a better user experience

and easier management of the storage array1.

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XtremIO X2 clusters are designed for efficient space utilization in data center racks.

A four X-Brick XtremIO X2 cluster requires specific rack space allocation.

Each X-Brick occupies 5U of rack space. Therefore, four X-Bricks would require 20U.

Additionally, the physical XtremIO Management Server (XMS) occupies 1U of rack space.

In total, the four X-Brick XtremIO X2 cluster with a physical XMS requires 21U of rack space.

Reference: [Dell EMC XtremIO X2 Installation Guide]

To expand a Starter X-Brick cluster (which typically begins with one X-Brick) to an eight X-Brick

cluster, a total of three expansions are required. Each expansion step in XtremIO can typically double

the number of X-Bricks, thus:

First expansion: From 1 X-Brick to 2 X-Bricks.

Second expansion: From 2 X-Bricks to 4 X-Bricks.

Third expansion: From 4 X-Bricks to 8 X-Bricks.

This sequence ensures that the storage array scales properly, maintaining performance and

redundancy.

Reference: Dell XtremIO Expansion Guide.

Verify no host I/O: Ensure that there are no active I/O operations from the hosts connected to the XtremIO array. This is crucial to avoid data loss or corruption. Verify the cluster PSNT and health: Check the Primary Serial Number Tag (PSNT) and the health status of the cluster to ensure everything is functioning properly before proceeding with the shutdown. Disable notifications: Temporarily disable any notifications to avoid unnecessary alerts during the shutdown process. Stop the cluster service: Gracefully stop the cluster service to ensure that all processes and services are properly terminated. Power off the hardware: Finally, power off the hardware to complete the planned shutdown of the XtremIO X2. Reference: [Dell EMC XtremIO X2 Planned Shutdown Procedure] Below is the sequence arranged correctly as per the steps: Verify no host I/O Verify the cluster PSNT and health Disable notifications Stop the cluster service Power off the hardware

The correct sequence of steps to install a virtual XMS prior to creating the cluster on an XtremIO X2 is: Deploy the OVF Template Configure the XMS Transfer the Installation Package to the XMS Server Install only the XMS Display the Installation Package on the Storage Controller Deploy the OVF Template: Begin by deploying the Open Virtualization Format (OVF) template which is a pre-configured virtual machine that contains all necessary installation files. Configure the XMS: After deployment, configure XtremIO Management Server (XMS) which involves setting up network configurations and other system settings. Transfer the Installation Package to the XMS Server: The next step is transferring all necessary installation files for XtremIO to your newly configured XMS server. Install only the XMS: Proceed with installing only XtremIO Management Server software on your server. Display the Installation Package on Storage Controller: Finally, ensure that your storage controller can access and display all relevant installation packages for further processes. These steps are outlined in the Dell XtremIO Maintenance Achievement document and provide a systematic approach to installing a virtual XMS, which is essential for managing and creating an XtremIO X2 cluster.