Multi-Path I/O - Dell PS4000 Configuration Manual

Figure 12 Redundant NIC Connections from Server to SAN using two installed PCI-E NICs
Note: As a best practice, we recommend using the same NIC devices in your server for all
connection paths to the iSCSI SAN. This will minimize the complexity of server configuration
management.
For maximum performance, ensure that the PCI express slot hosting the network controller has
the same specifications as the network controller. For example, if the network controller has a
PCIe x8 interface then ensure that it is installed into a PCIe slot that can support 8 or more PCIe
lanes.
4.4.2

Multi-Path I/O

There are generally two types of multi-path access methods for communicating from a host to an
external device. For general networking communications, the preferred method of redundant
connections is the teaming of multiple NICs into a single, virtual network connection entity. For
storage, the preferred method of redundant connection is the use of Multi-Path IO (MPIO). Though
some storage solution can and do support either method for iSCSI connectivity, EqualLogic requires the
use of MPIO to enable multiple NIC/HBA connections to be utilized for access to an EqualLogic SAN.
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