Connecting Network Cables - Dell EQUALLOGIC PS6500 Hardware Manual

PS6500 Hardware Maintenance

Connecting Network Cables

A PS6500 must have at least one and can have up to four active network connections at one time. Multiple network
connections are recommended for performance and availability.
In addition, network cables must be routed though the cable management system. See the
Instructions for information on installing the cable management system.
Connect cables to network interfaces as follows:
• For copper-based networks, use Category 5E or Category 6 cables with RJ45 connectors. Use Category 5
cables if they meet the TIA/EIA TSB95 standard.
• Connect interfaces in this order: Ethernet 0, Ethernet 1, Ethernet 2, and Ethernet 3.
• For maximum redundancy, connect at least two interfaces to different network switches.
• To provide connectivity if a control module fails, connect a cable to the first interface port on each control
module. For example, connect a cable to Ethernet 0 on CM0 and to Ethernet 0 on CM1.
At a minimum, connect network cables to Ethernet 0 on both control modules and then connect the cables to a
network switch. See Figure 3-9.
Although this configuration protects against control module failover, it is still a potential point of failure (for
example, if the network cable connected to the active control module is disconnected). Therefore, it is
recommended that you connect multiple network interfaces to different switches.
For maximum bandwidth and availability, connect network cables to all the network interfaces on both control
modules and then connect the cables to different network switches that have interswitch links with sufficient
bandwidth for iSCSI traffic. See Figure 3-10.
Figure 3-9: Minimum Network Configuration
Maintaining Control Modules
Rack Mount
PS6500
3-11