Cabling Your Cluster Hardware
17
Cabling the Private Network
The private network connection to the nodes is provided by a different
network adapter in each node. This network is used for intra-cluster
communications. Table 2-2 describes three possible private network
configurations.
NOTE:
Throughout this document, the term
Gigabit Ethernet
refers to either Gigabit
Ethernet or 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
Using Dual-Port Network Adapters
You can configure your cluster to use the public network as a failover for
private network communications. If dual-port network adapters are used, do
not use both ports simultaneously to support both the public and private
networks.
NIC Teaming
NIC teaming combines two or more NICs to provide load balancing and fault
tolerance. Your cluster supports NIC teaming, but only in a public network;
NIC teaming is not supported in a private network and an iSCSI network.
You should use the same brand of NICs in a team, and you cannot mix brands
of teaming drivers.
Table 2-2.
Private Network Hardware Components and Connections
Method
Hardware Components
Connection
Network
switch
Fast Ethernet or Gigabit
Ethernet network adapters
and switches
Connect
standard
Ethernet cables
from the network adapters in the
nodes to a Fast Ethernet or Gigabit
Ethernet switch.
Point-to-Point
Fast Ethernet
(two-node
clusters only)
Fast Ethernet network
adapters
Connect a
crossover
Ethernet cable
between the Fast Ethernet network
adapters in both nodes.
Point-to-Point
Gigabit
Ethernet
(two-node
clusters only)
Copper Gigabit Ethernet
network adapters
Connect a
standard
Ethernet cable
between the Gigabit Ethernet network
adapters in both nodes.
