Dell PowerVault NX3500 Administrator's Manual page 33

Choosing the Switch Topology
NOTE:
The two subnets option would also be used for the MD36xxi.
The PowerVault NX3500 supports four switch topologies. The topologies are
listed in Table 2-1 with their benefits and challenges. Choose the ideal
topology for your environment and cable the solution accordingly.
Table 2-1. Switch Topologies for PowerVault NX3500 in the Non-Redundant and High
Availability Options
Topology Description
Dedicated This topology leverages the best
SAN practices of the industry relating
to iSCSI and separates the SAN
and LAN/Client traffic. The client
cables are connected to a client
switch and the SAN cables are
connected to a SAN switch.
All-in-one A basic topology where the SAN
solution and the client cables are
connected to the same switch.
The following settings are highly recommended on your switch:
• Spanning Tree Portfast (required)
• Flow control (required)
• Jumbo frames (9000 MTU)
NOTE:
Dell PowerConnect switches need to be configured to 9216 MTU or greater
to accept frames of size 9000 MTU. Non-Dell switches may require a different MTU
configuration for similar frame sizes. For more information on MTU configuration for
non-Dell switches, see the switch-specific manual.
NOTE:
Jumbo frames and flow control settings are mandatory for all ports used
solely by the PowerVault NX3500 and file access, for block usage port setting,
please refer to your array user guide for optimal performance setting.
Setting Up Your PowerVault NX3500 Solution
High-Availability Non-Redundant
Figure 2-4 Figure 2-5
(recommended)
Figure 2-6 Figure 2-7
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