Dell CX4 manual Cabling the Storage Systems, Cabling the Private Network, NIC Teaming

Cabling the Private Network

The private network connection to the nodes is provided by a different network adapter in each node. This network is used for intra-cluster communications. Table 2-2 describes three possible private network configurations.

Table 2-2. Private Network Hardware Components and Connections

Method	Hardware Components	Connection
Network	Gigabit Ethernet network	Connect standard Ethernet cables
switch	adapters and switches	from the network adapters in the
		nodes to a Gigabit Ethernet switch.
Point-to-Point	Copper Gigabit Ethernet	Connect a standard Ethernet cable
Gigabit	network adapters	between the Gigabit Ethernet network
Ethernet		adapters in both nodes.
(two-node
clusters only)

NOTE: Throughout this document, Gigabit Ethernet is used to refer to either Gigabit Ethernet or 10 Gigabit Ethernet.

Using Dual-Port Network Adapters

You can configure your cluster to use the public network as a failover for private network communications. If you are using dual-port network adapters, do not configure both ports simultaneously to support both public and private networks.

NIC Teaming

NIC teaming combines two or more NICs to provide load balancing and fault tolerance. Your cluster supports NIC teaming, only in a public network. NIC teaming is not supported in a private network.

Use the same brand of NICs in a team. Do not mix brands in NIC teaming.

Cabling the Storage Systems

This section provides information on cabling your cluster to a storage system in a direct-attached configuration or to one or more storage systems in a SAN- attached configuration.

Cabling Your Cluster Hardware

19