Rules and Guidelines

When configuring your cluster, all cluster nodes must contain identical versions of the following:

•Operating systems and service packs

•Hardware drivers, firmware, or BIOS for the NICs, HBAs, and any other peripheral hardware components

•Systems management software, such as Dell OpenManage™ systems management software and EMC Navisphere® storage management software

Maximum Distance Between Cluster Nodes

Table 1-2 lists the maximum cable lengths that are used in a Cluster FE500W-IA64 configuration.

Table 1-2. Maximum Cable Lengths

Cable Configuration/Type	Maximum Cable Length

• HBA to a switch	300 meters using multimode fiber at 2Gb/sec.

•HBA to a storage system NOTE: You can increase the total distance between a server and a storage

• Fibre Channel switch to a	system by using switch ISLs.
storage system

• Copper Gigabit Ethernet	100 meters

Optical Gigabit Ethernet	550 meters
	NOTE: You can extend this distance by using switches and VLAN technology

Maximum Latency Between Cluster Nodes

The maximum latency for a round-trip network packet between nodes is 500 milliseconds.

Obtaining More Information

See the Dell PowerEdge Cluster FE500W-IA64 Installation and Troubleshooting Guide for installation instructions about hardware configurations running Windows Server 200, Enterprise Edition for 64-bit Itanium-based Systems.

Installing Peripheral Components in Your

Cluster Node PCI Slots

This section provides configuration information for adding HBAs, a DRAC III, and RAID controllers into your cluster node PCI slots.

Table 1-3 provides configuration information for the supported PowerEdge cluster nodes.

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove and access any of the components inside the system. See your PowerEdge System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

Platform Guide

FE500-IA64 SYSTEMS specifications

The Dell FE500-IA64 systems are designed to deliver unparalleled performance, reliability, and scalability, making them an ideal choice for enterprise-level applications and demanding workloads. Targeted primarily at data centers and high-performance computing environments, these systems integrate cutting-edge technologies to provide robust computing capabilities.

One of the standout features of the Dell FE500-IA64 is its advanced processing power. Equipped with the latest Intel Xeon processors, these systems support multiple cores and threads, enabling efficient multitasking and the ability to handle complex computing tasks. This architecture is ideal for virtualization, high-performance computing (HPC), and other resource-intensive applications.

In terms of memory, the FE500-IA64 systems support a substantial amount of RAM, with configurations that can accommodate up to several terabytes. Utilizing DDR4 memory modules, these systems ensure high bandwidth and improved data transfer rates, which are crucial for applications that require fast processing and real-time data manipulation.

Storage options in the Dell FE500-IA64 are versatile and robust. The systems support various storage types, including SSDs and HDDs, allowing organizations to customize their storage solutions based on performance needs and budget constraints. Advanced RAID configurations are also supported, providing enhanced data redundancy and performance optimization.

Networking capabilities are another key characteristic of the FE500-IA64 systems. With multiple 10G Ethernet and InfiniBand connectivity options, these systems ensure high-speed data transfer and seamless connectivity within complex network environments. This makes the FE500-IA64 an excellent choice for organizations requiring reliable and fast networking solutions.

Security is essential in today's digital landscape, and the Dell FE500-IA64 incorporates several robust security features. These include support for Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT), which helps protect against malware attacks by ensuring that the operating system and applications are running in a secure environment.

Scalability is a crucial factor for organizations looking to future-proof their investments, and the Dell FE500-IA64 systems excel in this area. With modular designs and support for various expansion cards, these systems allow for easy upgrades and expansions as workloads grow or change over time.

In conclusion, the Dell FE500-IA64 systems are a powerful and flexible solution for enterprises seeking reliable performance in demanding environments. With advanced processing capabilities, substantial memory capacity, versatile storage options, robust networking, and strong security features, these systems stand out as a leader in enterprise computing technology. Organizations looking to invest in a dependable, high-capacity system will find the Dell FE500-IA64 to be an excellent choice.