Dell 745N manual Adaptive Load Balancing, Receive Load Balancing, Switch Fault Tolerance

Adaptive Load Balancing

Adaptive Load Balancing (ALB) is a simple and efficient method for increasing the NAS system's network transmission throughput. The ALB software continuously analyzes transmission loading on each adapter and balances the load across the teamed ports as needed. Adapter teams configured for ALB also provide the benefits of adapter fault tolerance. To use ALB, the Ethernet ports on the NAS system must be linked to the same Ethernet switch.

Receive Load Balancing

Receive Load Balancing (RLB) is a method for increasing the NAS system's network throughput by allowing reception from multiple addresses. RLB can only be used in conjunction with ALB, and only the Ethernet ports connected at the fastest speed will be use to load balance incoming TCP/IP traffic. Simultaneous reception only occurs from multiple clients.

Switch Fault Tolerance

Switch Fault Tolerance (SFT) uses two Ethernet ports connected to two separate switches to provide network availability of a second switch and Ethernet port if the first Ethernet port, its cabling, or the switch fails.

Adapter Fault Tolerance

Adapter Fault Tolerance (AFT) provides the safety of an additional backup link between the NAS system and the hub or switch. If a hub, switch port, cable, or Ethernet port fails, you can maintain uninterrupted network performance. AFT is implemented with a primary adapter and a backup, or secondary, adapter. If the link to the primary adapter fails, the link to the secondary adapter automatically takes over.

Intel Link Aggregation

Link aggregation is a performance technology developed by Intel® and others to increase a system's network throughput. Unlike ALB, link aggregation can be configured to increase both transmission and reception channels between your system and switch. Link aggregation works only with compatible Intel switches. To use link aggregation, the Ethernet ports of the NAS system must be linked to the same Intel Ethernet switch.

Fast EtherChannel and Gig EtherChannel

Fast EtherChannel (FEC) and Gig EtherChannel (GEC) use performance technology developed by Cisco Systems to increase a system's network throughput. Unlike ALB, FEC can be configured to increase both transmission and reception channels between your NAS system and switch. FEC and GEC work only with compatible Cisco switches. To use FEC or GEC, the Ethernet ports of the NAS system must be linked to the same Cisco compatible switch.

IEEE 802.3ad Static

IEEE 802.3ad is a performance technology standard that increases a system's network throughput. IEEE 802.3ad is similar to the FEC standard developed by Cisco. However, whereas FEC works only with FEC-compatible Cisco switches, IEEE 802.3ad works with all switches that support IEEE 802.3ad. To use IEEE 802.3ad, the Ethernet ports of the NAS system must be linked to the same IEEE 802.3ad switch.

IEEE 802.3ad Dynamic

IEEE 802.3ad Dynamic is a performance technology standard that increases a system's network throughput. IEEE 802.3ad Dynamic uses active aggregators in software to determine team membership between the switch and the server software or between switches. IEEE 802.3ad Dynamic mode requires 802.3ad Dynamic capable switches.

Creating Intel PROSet II Network Teams