March 2013
Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v14.1
7-67
Figure 20
Using a LAG to Interconnect Switch Stacks
7.2.2
Sizing inter-switch connections
Use the guidelines in Table 24 as a starting point for estimating Inter-switch connection sizes.
Table 24
Switch Interconnect Design Guidelines
Connection Speeds
Interconnection Guidelines
1GbE switches attached to
1GbE array controllers
1-5 arrays:
1Gb of IST bandwidth per active
array controller port (up to the aggregated
maximum bandwidth of the IST.
6+ arrays:
Use 1-5 array rule, then add 1Gb of
additional bandwidth for each array added
10GbE switches attached to
10GbE array controllers
PS6010/PS6510 or PS4110/6110 (Random
Small Block Workloads):
1-5 arrays
: 20 – 30Gb of IST bandwidth
between each switch
6+ arrays:
At least 6Gb of IST bandwidth per
array between each switch
PS4110/PS6110 (Large Block Sequential
Workloads):
1-5 arrays:
10Gb of bandwidth per active array
controller port (up to the aggregated maximum
bandwidth of the IST).
6+ arrays:
Use 1-5 array rule, then add 10Gb of
additional bandwidth for each array added
1GbE switches connecting to
10GbE switches in a mixed speed SAN
Actual requirements will vary. For more details
see Section 8.
7.2.3
Comparing inter-switch connection types
Table 25 provides details and recommendations for selecting interconnect options.