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ME5 supports connecting hosts directly to the controller modules. The maximum number of direct-connect host connections is eight, four per controller module. This configuration is simple and does not require additional SAN switches but limits the number of attached servers. It is highly recommended to use a dual-controller, redundant-path configuration for any critical or production environments.
The storage system (RBOD models) supports direct server connections using SAS, FC, and iSCSI protocols.
See Dell PowerVault ME5 Series Storage System Deployment Guide on Dell.com/support for more information about direct-attach connection requirements.