Connecting Network Cables - Dell EqualLogic PS5000 Hardware Maintenance

PS5000 Hardware Maintenance
Table 3-3: Network Recommendations (Continued)
Recommendation Description
Unicast storm
control disabled on
switches
Jumbo Frames
enabled on switches
and NICs
VLANs

Connecting Network Cables

A PS5000 array must have at least one and can have up to three active network
connections at one time. Multiple network connections are recommended for
performance and availability.
Connect cables to network interfaces as follows:
• For copper-based networks, use Category 5E or Category 6 cables with RJ45
connectors. Use Category 5 cables if they meet the TIA/EIA TSB95 standard.
• Connect interfaces in this order: Ethernet 0, Ethernet 1, and Ethernet 2.
• Connect interfaces to different network switches.
• In a dual control module array, to ensure connectivity if a control module
fails, connect a cable to the interface port on each control module. For
example, connect a cable to Ethernet 0 on CM0 and Ethernet 0 on CM1.
For a single control module array, the minimum network configuration is one
network connection to Ethernet 0. However, the single network connection is a
potential point of failure and limits bandwidth. Therefore, it is recommended that
you connect multiple network interfaces to different network switches.
For example, if you connect cables as shown in Figure 3-2, and Ethernet 0 fails,
initiators can be redirected to another functioning interface. This configuration
provides the maximum network bandwidth.
3–6
Disable unicast storm control on each switch that handles iSCSI
traffic, if the switch provides this feature. However, the use of
broadcast and multicast storm control is encouraged on switches.
Enable Jumbo Frames on each switch and NIC that handles iSCSI
traffic to obtain any performance benefit and ensure consistent
behavior.
Configure switches to use VLANs in order to separate iSCSI SAN
traffic from other network traffic.
Maintaining Control Modules