Dell EqualLogic PS4210XV35 EqualLogic PS4210 Storage Arrays - Installation and - Page 17

Connecting the Array Cables, Network Requirements and Recommendations

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3 Connecting the Array Cables After you install the array in a rack, you must connect the network and power cables and, optionally, the serial cables. First, review the network recommendations in Minimum and Recommended Cable Configurations on page 10. The following list describes the general steps for connecting the array to power and the network: 1. Connect the power cables. Do not turn on power to the array at this time. See Connect and Secure the Power Cables on page 11. 2. Connect the array to the network. See Connect the Array to the Network on page 12. 3. Turn on power to the array. See Turning On the Array on page 12. The following sections describe these steps in detail. After completing the steps, see Software Configuration on page 17. Network Requirements and Recommendations The minimum network configuration for a PS Series array consists of a connection between Ethernet 0 on each control module and a computer connected to a network switch. To increase performance and availability, configure multiple network interfaces on an array and connect them to multiple switches. Network recommendations are described in Table 3. In addition, all the usual rules for proper network configuration apply to PS Series arrays. For more information about network requirements, see the Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide on the Dell TechCenter website at en.community.dell.com/techcenter/storage/w/wiki/2639.equallogic-configuration-guide.aspx. General network configuration is beyond the scope of this manual. Recommendation Switched 10GbE network Multiple network connections to different network switches Table 3: Network Recommendations Description Connect arrays and computers to a switched network and ensure that all network connections between computers and arrays are 10GbE. Use optical cables with optical SFP+ plug-in modules, or copper cables with integrated SFP+ modules. 10GBASE-T requires Cat 6 minimally, but Cat 6A is recommended. Requires a switch with 10GBASE-T interfaces to use the 10GBASE-T port, or an SFP+ switch to use the SFP+ port. For increased bandwidth and availability, connect each control module to two different switches. The switches must be connected using interswitch links or by stacking capability. The links must have sufficient bandwidth to handle the iSCSI traffic. Review the EqualLogic Configuration Guide for interswitch link sizing recommendations. After connecting the network interfaces, use the Group Manager GUI or CLI to assign an IP address, netmask, and gateway address to each interface. 9

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3 Connecting the Array Cables
After you install the array in a rack, you must connect the network and power cables and,
optionally, the serial cables.
First, review the network recommendations in
Minimum and Recommended Cable
Configurations on page 10
.
The following list describes the general steps for connecting the array to power and the network:
1.
Connect the power cables. Do
not
turn on power to the array at this time. See
Connect and
Secure the Power Cables on page 11
.
2.
Connect the array to the network. See
Connect the Array to the Network on page 12
.
3.
Turn on power to the array. See
Turning On the Array on page 12
.
The following sections describe these steps in detail. After completing the steps, see
Software
Configuration on page 17
.
Network Requirements and Recommendations
The minimum network configuration for a PS Series array consists of a connection between
Ethernet 0 on each control module and a computer connected to a network switch. To increase
performance and availability, configure multiple network interfaces on an array and connect
them to multiple switches.
Network recommendations are described in
Table 3
. In addition, all the usual rules for proper
network configuration apply to PS Series arrays. For more information about network
requirements, see the Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide on the Dell TechCenter website at
en.community.dell.com/techcenter/storage/w/wiki/2639.equallogic-
configuration-
guide.aspx
.
General network configuration is beyond the scope of this manual.
Table 3: Network Recommendations
Recommendation
Description
Switched 10GbE
network
Connect arrays and computers to a switched network and ensure that all
network connections between computers and arrays are 10GbE.
Use optical cables with optical SFP+ plug-in modules, or copper cables with
integrated SFP+ modules. 10GBASE-T requires Cat 6 minimally, but Cat 6A is
recommended.
Requires a switch with 10GBASE-T interfaces to use the 10GBASE-T port, or
an SFP+ switch to use the SFP+ port.
Multiple network
connections to
different network
switches
For increased bandwidth and availability, connect each control module to two
different switches.
The switches must be connected using interswitch links or by stacking
capability. The links must have sufficient bandwidth to handle the iSCSI
traffic. Review the EqualLogic Configuration Guide for interswitch link sizing
recommendations.
After connecting the network interfaces, use the Group Manager GUI or CLI to
assign an IP address, netmask, and gateway address to each interface.
9