Network Configuration Recommendations - Dell EqualLogic PS4000 Hardware Maintenance

PS4000 Hardware Maintenance

Network Configuration Recommendations

Dell recommends that you follow the guidelines in Table 3-3. In addition, all the
usual rules for proper network configuration apply to group members. General
network configuration is beyond the scope of this manual.
Table 3-3: Network Recommendations
Recommendation
Switched Gigabit
Ethernet network
Multiple network
connections
Access to the group IP
address
Redundant network
paths
For replication, a
reliable, adequately
sized network link
Description
Connect arrays and hosts to a switched network and make sure
that all network connections between hosts and arrays are
Gigabit Ethernet. Although an array can operate at 10 or 100
Mbits, performance will be slower than when using a Gigabit
Ethernet switch.
For increased bandwidth and availability, connect Ethernet 0
and Ethernet 1 on both control modules to multiple network
switches.
The switches must be connected using interswitch links. The
links must have sufficient bandwidth to handle the iSCSI
traffic.
After connecting the network interfaces, use the Group
Manager GUI or CLI to assign an IP address and netmask to
each interface.
In a multi-subnet group, each configured network interface
should have access to the subnet on which the group IP address
resides.
Using a multipathing solution helps to make sure that no single
point of failure exists between computers and arrays.
For effective and predictable replication, make sure that the
network link between the primary and secondary groups is
reliable and provides sufficient bandwidth for copying data.
Maintaining Control Modules
3–5