Overview

This training resource provides information about theory of operations. Typically, "theory of operations" information describes how a system SHOULD work, and that's what this topic does. This topic intended to help you troubleshoot by providing you with a mental model of how the system is supposed to work. Use the information on these pages to learn about the architecture of DXi systems as it relates to DXi 1.x software and DXi 2.x software. With this knowledge, you will better be able to identify discrepancies to help you diagnose problems. This training does not cover troubleshooting specifically.

 

The main differences between DXi 1.x software and DXi 2.0 software relate to the data path for deduplication. 

 

 

 

Impacts of the New Data Path

The new data path in DXi 2.0 software runs faster than before on the same hardware. It allows data transfer inline from the presentation layers through memory cache. In other words, data only touches the disk once during ingest, and only unique bits are written to disk. The cache/buffer area, which stored raw data in DXi software 1.x, has been eliminated. The corresponding need to truncate this cache/buffer area has also been eliminated. This means that truncation is not part of the space management process.

 

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Objectives

After completing this training, you will have a foundation in DXi theory of operations that you can apply to DXi troubleshooting.

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Prerequisites

Berfore starting this topic, make sure that you have done the following:

• Reviewed the Galaxy 2.0 Transfer of Information (This link takes you to another Qwikipedia topic.)
• Completed the DXi-Series Core Concepts Web site (This link takes you away from the Qwikipedia site.)

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 Main Topics

• DXi Block Diagram
• DXi Software Architecture
• Data Path
• OST Architecture
• QBFS Versus Blockpool Wrapper 
• Blockpool Data, Files, and Commands
• BFST: The Blockpool 
• Replication
• Space Reclamation
• Troubleshooting Examples 

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Assessment

To get credit for completing this training, you must complete a short assessment (exam) in StorageCare Learning (A-3-2439 Assessment). Instructions on how to access the assessment are presented at the end of this topic.

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  Resources

• Galaxy 2.0 Transfer of Information (This link takes you to another Qwikipedia topic.)
• DXi-Series Core Concepts Web site (This link takes you away from the Qwikipedia site.)
• DXi Series Core Concepts Explained document
• DXi Log Reading Basics Qwikipedia topic

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What's Next?

DXi Block Diagram >