ServSwitch Agility and Agility Dual
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A.3 Creating an efficient network layout
Network layout is vital. The use of
IGMP snooping
also introduces certain constraints, so take heed:
• Keep it flat. Use a basic line-cascade structure rather than a pyramid or tree arrangement.
• Keep the distances between the switches as short as possible.
• Ensure sufficient bandwidth between switches to eliminate bottlenecks.
• Where the ServSwitch iPath manager is used to administer multiple ServSwitch Agility transceivers, ensure the ServSwitch iPath
manager and all ServSwitch Agility units reside in the same subnet.
• Do not use VGA to DVI converters, instead replace VGA video cards in older systems with suitable DVI replacements.
Converters cause ServSwitch Agility local units to massively increase data output.
• Wherever possible, create a private network.
A.3.1 The recommended layout
The layout shown in Figure A-1 below has been found to provide the most efficient network layout for rapid throughput when
using IGMP snooping:
Figure A-1. Recommended layout for networking ServSwitch Agility local and remote units where IGMP snooping is used
• Use no more than two cascade levels.
• Ensure high bandwidth between the two L2 switches and very high bandwidth between the top L2 and the L3. Typically 10GB
and 20GB, respectively for 48 port L2 switches.
Layer 2 Switch
Layer 2 Switch
20GB link
10GB link
1GB links
Layer 3
Switch
(Querier)
