Dell EqualLogic PS6100 series Configuration Manual page 100

"host access" switches. In most cases, the latter method of SAN design is preferable to the former, but
this section will describe strategies to build a SAN that consists of multiple M1000e enclosures.
As in the previous section, there are two methods that must be considered when interconnecting M-
Series I/O modules: stacking and non-stacking. Due to the limited number of external ports available
on M-Series I/O modules, stacking should be the primary method of interconnecting M1000e
enclosures as these external ports will need to be used for attaching EqualLogic arrays.
As just indicated stacking of M-Series I/O modules should be the primary method of building a
multiple enclosure SAN with arrays directly attached to the M-Series I/O modules. As with the single
enclosure discussion, stacking has some advantages and disadvantages from a network management
perspective and network availability perspective. Take this into consideration before deciding to
implement a multi-enclosure SAN using directly attached arrays.
Table 36 illustrates the primary method for building a multi-enclosure SAN with directly attached
arrays. Each M1000e enclosure should be able to host one to four arrays depending on the M-Series
I/O module used. By stacking each enclosure's fabric I/O modules into a single stack, a single SAN
network infrastructure can be constructed.
March 2013 Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v14.1 9-91