Dell PS Series, Installation And Setup Manual

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Installation and Setup Network Requirements and Recommendations
2–2
Network Requirements and Recommendations
The minimum network configuration for a PS Series array consists of a
connection between Ethernet 0 on each control module and a computer or a
network switch. To increase performance and availability, configure multiple
network interfaces on an array and connect them to multiple switches.
Network recommendations are described in Table 2-1. In addition, all the usual
rules for proper network configuration apply to PS Series arrays. General network
configuration is beyond the scope of this manual.
Table 2-1: Network Recommendations
Recommendation Description
Switched Gigabit
Ethernet network
Connect arrays and computers to a switched network and make
sure that all network connections between computers and arrays
are Gigabit Ethernet. Although an array can operate at 10 or 100
Mbits, performance will be slower than when using a Gigabit
Ethernet switch.
Multiple network
connections to
different network
switches
For increased bandwidth and availability, connect Ethernet 0 and
Ethernet 1 on both control modules to multiple network switches.
The switches must be connected using interswitch links. The links
must have sufficient bandwidth to handle the iSCSI traffic.
After connecting the network interfaces, use the Group Manager
GUI or CLI to assign an IP address and netmask to each interface.
Access to the group
IP address In a multi-subnet group, each configured network interface should
have access to the subnet on which the group IP address resides.
Redundant network
paths between
computers and arrays
Use a multipathing solution to make sure that no single point of
failure exists between computers and arrays.
For replication, a
reliable, adequately
sized network link
For effective and predictable replication, make sure that the
network link between the primary and secondary groups is reliable
and provides sufficient bandwidth for copying data.