Cabling The Private Network; Nic Teaming; Cabling The Storage Systems - Dell CX4 Series User Manual

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
Network Gigabit Ethernet network
switch adapters and switches
Point-to-Point Copper Gigabit Ethernet
Gigabit network adapters
Ethernet
(two-node
clusters only)
NOTE:
Throughout this document, Gigabit Ethernet is used to refer 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 you are using dual-port network adapters,
do not configure both ports simultaneously to support both 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, only in a public network. NIC
teaming is not supported in a private network.
Use the same brand of NICs in a team. Do not mix brands in NIC teaming.

Cabling the Storage Systems

This section provides information on cabling your cluster to a storage system
in a direct-attached configuration or to one or more storage systems in a SAN-
attached configuration.
Connection
Connect standard Ethernet cables
from the network adapters in the
nodes to a Gigabit Ethernet switch.
Connect a standard Ethernet cable
between the Gigabit Ethernet network
adapters in both nodes.
Cabling Your Cluster Hardware
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