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High-Availability Cluster Configurations

This section provides information about the supported operating systems, HBAs, and HBA drivers for your cluster configuration.

NOTICE: All cluster nodes in a Cluster FE500W-IA64 solution must run the same operating system.

NOTICE: HBAs must be identical if they are installed in clusters using redundant paths. Cluster configurations are tested and certified using identical HBAs installed in all of the cluster nodes. Using dissimilar HBAs in your cluster nodes is not supported.

Service Pack Support

At the time this document was printed, a service pack was not available for the Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition for 64-bit Itanium-based Systems operating system. However, hotfix KB818877 and the most recent StorPort hotfix are required. These hotfixes will be incorporated into Service Pack 1 when it is available.

See Knowledge Base articles KB818877 and KB838894, the current StorPort hotfix at this time, located on the Microsoft support website at www.microsoft.com for more information.

HBA Support for PowerEdge Cluster FE500W-IA64 Configurations

The Cluster FE500W-IA64 configuration supports the QLogic QLA2340 HBA. No additional HBAs are supported.

See "Installing Peripheral Components in Your Cluster Node PCI Slots" for PCI slot recommendations.

Fibre Channel Switches

When you are configuring your Cluster FE500W-IA64 solution, use the following guidelines:

Dual (redundant) fabric configurations are required.

A maximum of 16 switches may be used in a SAN.

A minimum of two and a maximum of eight Inter-Switch Links (ISLs) may exist between any

two directly communicating switches. A single ISL is permitted only when connecting to a remote switch in a EMC® MirrorView™ configuration.

A maximum of three hops (the number of ISLs each data frame must traverse) may exist between a host and a storage system.

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Platform Guide

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Dell FE500-IA64 SYSTEMS manual High-Availability Cluster Configurations, Service Pack Support, Fibre Channel Switches

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.