Introduction

Dell EMC PowerStore offers a native file solution designed for modern data centers, featuring a highly scalable, efficient, performance-focused, and flexible architecture. It integrates advanced storage technologies and machine learning for enhanced data management. PowerStore provides the simplicity of public cloud for on-premises infrastructure, streamlining operations with an integrated machine-learning engine and seamless automation. It also offers predictive analytics for monitoring and troubleshooting, and is adaptable for specialized workloads, modernizing infrastructure without disruption.

Key Features and Protocols

PowerStore's file capabilities are built on a native file solution that supports protocols such as Server Message Block (SMB), Network File System (NFS), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), and SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP). It utilizes virtualized NAS servers for accessing file systems, providing data isolation, and enabling multi-tenancy. Advanced features like anti-virus, scheduled snapshots, and Network Data Management Protocol (NDMP) backups ensure data protection. The system is available on PowerStore T model appliances, offering a unified storage experience with integrated file management, monitoring, and provisioning through the HTML5-based PowerStore Manager.

Unified Appliances and NAS Servers

When configuring a PowerStore T model appliance, it can be set up as either a unified or block-optimized appliance. The unified configuration enables both file and block functionality. NAS servers are virtualized file servers that contain the configuration, interfaces, and environmental information necessary for file system access. These servers support multi-tenancy and feature high availability, automatically failing over to the surviving node in case of a failure. Each NAS server can be configured with specific protocols, and interfaces can be managed on a per-VLAN basis.

Protocols and Management

PowerStore supports various SMB versions (SMB1 through SMB3.1.1) and NFS. Client access using SMB1 is disabled by default due to security vulnerabilities, with SMB2 recommended for enhanced security and efficiency. NAS servers use SMB2 for domain controller communications. Advanced SMB protocol options, such as Sync Writes, Oplocks, and Protocol Encryption, can be configured at the file system or share level. Management of NAS server parameters is primarily done via the CLI using the svc_nas_tools command.

Further Information

For detailed information on NAS server parameters and configuration, consult the Dell EMC PowerStore Service Scripts Guide available on the PowerStore Info Hub. You can find more details about Dell EMC PowerStore at Dell Technologies.