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

Fast Ethernet or Gigabit

Connect standard Ethernet cables

switch

Ethernet network adapters

from the network adapters in the

 

and switches

nodes to a Fast Ethernet or Gigabit

 

 

Ethernet switch.

Point-to-Point Fast Ethernet network Fast Ethernet adapters (two-node

clusters only)

Connect a crossover Ethernet cable between the Fast Ethernet network adapters in both nodes.

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, the term Gigabit Ethernet refers 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 dual-port network adapters are used, do not use both ports simultaneously to support both the 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, but only in a public network; NIC teaming is not supported in a private network and an iSCSI network.

You should use the same brand of NICs in a team, and you cannot mix brands of teaming drivers.

Cabling Your Cluster Hardware

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Dell EMC AX4-5I manual Cabling the Private Network, NIC Teaming, Private Network Hardware Components and Connections Method