17–QLogic Teaming Services
Frequently Asked Questions
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Question
: Should both the backup server and client servers that are backed up
be teamed?
Answer
: Because the backup server is under the most data load, it should always
be teamed for link aggregation and failover. A fully redundant network, however,
requires that both the switches and the backup clients be teamed for fault
tolerance and link aggregation.
Question
: During backup operations, does the adapter teaming algorithm load
balance data at a byte-level or a session-level?
Answer
: When using adapter teaming, data is only load balanced at a session
level and not a byte level to prevent out-of-order frames. Adapter teaming load
balancing does not work the same way as other storage load balancing
mechanisms such as EMC PowerPath.
Question
: Is there any special configuration required in the tape backup software
or hardware to work with adapter teaming?
Answer
: No special configuration is required in the tape software to work with
teaming. Teaming is transparent to tape backup applications.
Question
: How do I know what driver I am currently using?
Answer
: In all operating systems, the most accurate method for checking the
driver revision is to physically locate the driver file and check the properties.
Question
: Can SLB detect a switch failure in a Switch Fault Tolerance
configuration?
Answer
: No. SLB can only detect the loss of link between the teamed port and its
immediate link partner. SLB cannot detect link failures on other ports.
Question
: Where can I get the latest supported drivers?
Answer
: Go to
for driver package updates or support
documents.
Question
: Why does my team lose connectivity for the first 30 to 50 seconds after
the primary adapter is restored (fall-back after a failover)?
Answer
: During a fall-back event, link is restored causing Spanning Tree Protocol
to configure the port for blocking until it determines that it can move to the
forwarding state. You must enable Port Fast or Edge Port on the switch ports
connected to the team to prevent the loss of communications caused by STP.
Question
: Where do I monitor real time statistics for an adapter team in a
Windows server?
Answer
: Use the QLogic Control Suite (QCS) to monitor general, IEEE 802.3 and
custom counters.
Question
: What features are not supported on a multivendor team?
Answer
: VLAN tagging, and RSS are not supported on a multivendor team.
