Dell ISCSI manual Network Configuration Recommendations

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Network Configuration Recommendations

It is recommended that you follow the guidelines in this section. In addition to these guidelines, all the usual rules for proper network configuration apply to group members.

Recommendation

Description

Network connections between

Connect array(s) and hosts to a switched network and ensure that all network

array(s) and hosts

connections between hosts and array(s) are Gigabit or 10 Gigabit Ethernet.

A reliable and adequately sized

For effective and predictable replication, ensure that the network link between the

network link for replication

primary and secondary groups is reliable and provides sufficient bandwidth for

 

copying data.

No Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP) functionality on switch ports that connect end nodes

Connectivity between switches

Do not use STP on switch ports that connect end nodes (iSCSI initiators or storage array network interfaces). However, if you want to use STP or Rapid Spanning-Tree Protocol (RSTP) (preferable to STP), enable the port settings available on some switches that let the port immediately transition into STP forwarding state upon link up. This functionality can reduce network interruptions that occur when devices restart and should only be enabled on switch ports that connect end nodes.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use Spanning-Tree and trunking for multi- cable connections between switches.

The iSCSI switches must be connected together. Use stacking ports or port trunking to create a high-bandwidth link between the switches. If a single non-stacking link is used, it can become the bottle-neck and negatively affect the performance of the storage system.

Enable Flow Control on

Enable Flow Control on each switch port and NIC that handles iSCSI traffic. Dell

switches and NICs

EqualLogic PS Series arrays correctly respond to Flow Control.

Disable Unicast storm control

Disable Unicast storm control on each switch that handles iSCSI traffic, if the switch

on switches

provides this feature. However, the use of broadcast and multicast storm control is

 

encouraged on switches.

Enable Jumbo Frames on

Enable Jumbo Frames on each switch and NIC that handles iSCSI traffic to obtain

switches and NICs

performance benefit and ensure consistent behavior.

Disable iSCSI Optimization on

Disable iSCSI Optimization, if the switch provides this feature, to avoid blocking

switches

internal communication between the array members.

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Contents Hardware Installation and Troubleshooting Guide Page Contents Page Cluster Solution ConnectivityCluster Storage Cluster Hardware RequirementsCluster Nodes Network Switches Dedicated To iSCSI Cluster Storage RequirementsDell EqualLogic PS Series Storage Array Requirements NICs Dedicated To iSCSINetwork Configuration Recommendations ISCSI SAN-Attached Cluster Supported Cluster ConfigurationsOther Documents You May Need Page Power Supplies Cabling Information Mouse, Keyboard, And Monitor Cabling InformationPrivate network Cluster Cabling Information For Public And Private NetworksNetwork Connection Description Public network Method Hardware Components For Public NetworkFor Private Network Storage Arrays Cabling Information NIC TeamingCabling The Storage For Your iSCSI SAN-Attached Cluster Dual-Port Network Adapters UsageTwo-Node iSCSI SAN-Attached Cluster Cabling The Dell EqualLogic PS4110/PS6110 Storage Arrays Sixteen-Node iSCSI SAN-Attached ClusterFor more information, see the figures below Dell EqualLogic PS6110 storage system Cluster node Switch Cabling The Dell EqualLogic PS5000/PS5500 Storage Arrays Dell EqualLogic PS5000 storage system Dell EqualLogic PS6000 storage system Switch Dell EqualLogic PS6500 storage system Obtaining More Information Page Configuring a Cluster Preparing Your Systems For ClusteringHost Integration Tools Installation OverviewAdditional Information For Installing iSCSI NICs Installing The Host Integration Tools Running The Remote Setup WizardArray Configuration EqualLogic PS Series Arrays And GroupsGroup Configuration Initializing An Array And Creating a GroupInitializing An Array And Expanding a Group Member Successfully Added to GroupComputer Access To a Group Enabling Computer Access To a GroupConfiguring Multipath I/O Between a Computer And a Group Configuring Group Access dialog box, click FinishInstalling The Microsoft iSCSI Software Initiator Configuring Firewall To Allow Icmp Echo RequestsModifying The Registry Settings Configuration Overview Of Shared Storage ArraysCreating Volumes Click Volumes and Create volumeRunning The Group Manager GUI Group Manager GUI ComponentsCreating Access Control Records Advanced Storage Features Connecting Hosts To VolumesRestoring Snapshots SnapshotsCreating Snapshots Volumes Cloning VolumesRestoring Volumes Clone Volume Space Reserve dialog box is displayedReplicating Volumes ReplicationInstallation And Configuration Of a Failover Cluster Volume CollectionsCreating Volume Collections Thin ProvisioningPage Problem Probable Cause Corrective Action Support.microsoft.comCluster Select Advanced → MinimumProblem Probable Cause Select Modify Volume SettingsClick Cluster Services ServiceDo you want to proceed y/nn Cluster Information Additional NetworksPage ISCSI Configuration Worksheet
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