Chapter 6. Using the Serial Port Interface
59
Connecting the Library to the Network
Once Ethernet parameters have been set, you are ready to attach the library to your
network.
If you are using NDMP, read the rest of this chapter in sequence.
Jumbo Frames
The use of Jumbo Frames on the Gigabit Ethernet network can enhance performance.
Enlarging the packet size, or maximum transfer unit (MTU), from 1,500 bytes to 9,000
bytes reduces the overhead in the processing of the data over the Ethernet. Fewer
packets are processed, and the CPU load is decreased. Additionally, tape drives
perform better when they are kept fed (streaming) with data. To enable Jumbo Frames,
increase the MTU on the filers, Gigabit Ethernet switch, and the backup host’s Ethernet
adapter. The Ethernet interface on the library will automatically negotiate for the MTU
size.
Host Bus Adapters
To enable Jumbo Frames, the MTU parameter should be increased on the Gigabit
Ethernet host bus adapter (HBA) or on the network interface card (NIC) on the unit
and on Network Appliance. You can do this through the
ifconfig
command on
Solaris and Network Appliance systems. On Windows NT and Windows 2000 systems,
the MTU size is configured in the driver. Check the Network Settings for the adapter
under the Control Panel. Each manufacturer implements this differently, so be sure to
check the HBA documentation for details on support of Jumbo Frames.