Dell PS4000 Configuration Manual

Also see for EqualLogic PS4000: Hardware Quick reference guide Hardware maintenance Instructions Installation and setup manual

Contents

Dell PS4000 Configuration Manual Manual pdf 38 page image

Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3 334.4.2 Multi-Path I/OThere are generally two types of multi-path access methods for communicating from a host to anexternal device. For general networking communications, the preferred method of redundantconnections is the teaming of multiple NICs into a single, virtual network connection entity. Forstorage, the preferred method of redundant connection is the use of Multi-Path IO (MPIO). Thoughsome storage solution can and do support either method for iSCSI connectivity, EqualLogic requires theuse of MPIO to enable multiple NIC/HBA connections to be utilized for access to an EqualLogic SAN.Note: As a best practice, we recommend using the same NIC devices in your server for allconnection paths to the iSCSI SAN. This will minimize the complexity of server configurationmanagement.For maximum performance, ensure that the PCI express slot hosting the network controller hasthe same specifications as the network controller. For example, if the network controller has aPCIe x8 interface then ensure that it is installed into a PCIe slot that can support 8 or more PCIelanes.Figure 12 Redundant NIC Connections from Server to SAN using two installed PCI-E NICs