Network Requirements And Recommendations - Dell EqualLogic PS Series Installation And Setup Manual

Installation and Setup

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 or 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 2-1. In addition, all the usual
rules for proper network configuration apply to PS Series arrays. General network
configuration is beyond the scope of this manual.
Table 2-1: Network Recommendations
Recommendation Description
Switched Gigabit
Ethernet network
Multiple network
connections to
different network
switches
Access to the group
IP address
Redundant network
paths between
computers and arrays
For replication, a
reliable, adequately
sized network link
2–2
Connect arrays and computers to a switched network and make
sure that all network connections between computers 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 all the network
interfaces 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.
Use a multipathing solution 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.
Network Requirements and Recommendations