C H A P T E R 4

Cabling the Cluster Hardware

This chapter provides information on the following components and procedures:

Cluster cabling components

Fibre Channel copper connectors

Cabling your public network

Cabling your private network

Protecting your cluster from power failure

Cabling your mouse, keyboard, and monitor in a Dell rack

Cluster Cabling Components

Dell PowerEdge Cluster FE100/FL100 Datacenter Server configurations require cabling for the Fibre Channel storage systems, cluster interconnects, client network connections, and power connections. These systems and components are intercon- nected to provide four independent functions listed below, each of which is described in more detail throughout this chapter:

Shared storage system—Connects the servers' redundant host bus adapters (HBAs) to the cluster's shared storage system. The server-to-storage connection can be achieved through a direct connection or through a storage area network (SAN). See Chapter 10, “SAN Components,” for more detailed information on SAN configurations.

Cluster interconnect (private network)—Connects the cluster nodes to each other to exchange cluster information and health status, such as the cluster heart- beat and access to the quorum resource. This connection can be made by using a Broadcom NetExtreme Gigabit Ethernet network interface controller (NIC) (for the FE100) or Giganet cLAN 1000 NIC (for the FL100) with Category 5 (CAT 5) or cLAN cabling, respectively, connected to each cluster node.

Network connection for public traffic (public network)—Provides a connec- tion between each cluster node and the public network. This connection can be made using the Broadcom NetExtreme Gigabit Ethernet NIC and Category 5 (CAT 5) ethernet cabling or the Intel PRO/1000 Gigabit Server Adapter and fibre optical cabling to connect the NIC to the public network.

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Dell FL100, FE100 manual Cabling the Cluster Hardware, Cluster Cabling Components

FL100, FE100 specifications

The Dell FE100, FL100, FL200, and FE200 are part of Dell's lineup of advanced networking switches designed to cater to the increasing demand for efficient data handling in enterprise environments. These switches combine powerful performance with a range of features that ensure scalability, reliability, and ease of management.

The Dell FE100 is a compact yet robust switch that caters primarily to small and medium-sized businesses. It provides gigabit connectivity with multiple ports for enhanced network performance. The FE100 is equipped with layer 2 capabilities, which offer essential features such as VLAN support, port mirroring, and link aggregation, ensuring seamless data flow across the network.

In contrast, the Dell FL100 stands out with its advanced layer 3 functionality. This switch is designed for more complex enterprise environments where routing capabilities are necessary. The FL100 supports static and dynamic routing protocols, which enhance network efficiency and traffic management. Furthermore, its Quality of Service (QoS) features enable prioritization of critical applications, optimizing network resources.

Moving up the lineup, the Dell FL200 offers increased port density and enhanced performance metrics. It caters to high-traffic networks with features such as enhanced security protocols and advanced traffic management capabilities. The FL200 integrates seamlessly into larger network infrastructures and is designed to support advanced IPv6 routing, ensuring future-proofing in an evolving technological landscape.

Finally, the Dell FE200 switch is a high-performance, enterprise-grade solution suited for environments that demand maximum throughput and minimal latency. It offers dual-speed capability, supporting both 10GbE and 1GbE connections. The FE200 is characterized by its high level of robustness and redundancy features, including dual power supplies, which safeguard against potential downtime. The switch also provides comprehensive management tools, enabling network administrators to monitor and configure the network seamlessly.

In conclusion, the Dell FE100, FL100, FL200, and FE200 switches represent a versatile and powerful range of networking devices tailored to meet various business needs. With a blend of advanced features, scalability options, and exceptional performance characteristics, these switches are invaluable assets for organizations aiming to optimize their network infrastructure. Whether for small setups or large enterprises, Dell's networking solutions provide reliability and efficiency in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.