Connecting The Array Cables; Network Requirements And Recommendations - Dell EqualLogic PS4210 Installation And Setup Manual

3 Connecting the Array Cables

After you install the array in a rack, you must connect the network and power cables and,
optionally, the serial cables.
First, review the network recommendations in Minimum and Recommended Cable
Configurations on page
The following list describes the general steps for connecting the array to power and the network:
1. Connect the power cables. Do not turn on power to the array at this time. See Connect and
Secure the Power Cables on page
2. Connect the array to the network. See Connect the Array to the Network on page
3. Turn on power to the array. See Turning On the Array on page
The following sections describe these steps in detail. After completing the steps, see Software
Configuration on page 17.

Network Requirements and Recommendations

The minimum network configuration for a PS Series array consists of a connection between
Ethernet 0 on each control module and a computer connected to a network switch. To increase
performance and availability, configure multiple network interfaces on an array and connect
them to multiple switches.
Network recommendations are described in Table 3. In addition, all the usual rules for proper
network configuration apply to PS Series arrays. For more information about network
requirements, see the Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide on the Dell TechCenter website at
en.community.dell.com/techcenter/storage/w/wiki/2639.equallogic-configuration-guide.aspx.
General network configuration is beyond the scope of this manual.
Recommendation Description
Connect arrays and computers to a switched network and ensure that all
network connections between computers and arrays are 10GbE.
Use optical cables with optical SFP+ plug-in modules, or copper cables with
Switched 10GbE
integrated SFP+ modules. 10GBASE-T requires Cat 6 minimally, but Cat 6A is
network
recommended.
Requires a switch with 10GBASE-T interfaces to use the 10GBASE-T port, or
an SFP+ switch to use the SFP+ port.
For increased bandwidth and availability, connect each control module to two
different switches.
Multiple network The switches must be connected using interswitch links or by stacking
connections to capability. The links must have sufficient bandwidth to handle the iSCSI
different network traffic. Review the EqualLogic Configuration Guide for interswitch link sizing
switches recommendations.
After connecting the network interfaces, use the Group Manager GUI or CLI to
assign an IP address, netmask, and gateway address to each interface.
10.
11.
Table 3: Network Recommendations
12.
12.
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